Trump returns to site of assassination, honors shooting victims

BUTLER, Pa. (WKBN) – Former President Donald Trump returned Saturday to the site of his attempted assassination with a rally in Butler County.

Trump took to the stage at the Butler Farm Show Grounds where a gunman opened fire at a Trump rally on July 13, killing a spectator and wounding two others. Trump was grazed by a bullet to his ear in what was determined to be an assassination attempt on the former president.

Corey Comperatore, 50, of Sarver, was killed in the shooting. David Dutch, 57, of New Kensington and 74-year-old James Copenhaver of Moon Township were seriously injured

Some of Trump’s first words to the crowd at the rally were “as I was saying,” referring to his July 13 speech that was cut short by gunfire and referred to a graphic on border crossings that he says saved his life as he turned to it during his July 13 speech just when the bullet pierced his ear.

“All who have visited this hallowed place will remember what happened here,” Trump said.

Trump then thanked the Secret Service for stopping the gunman with a fatal gunshot and reiterated the work of local law enforcement and emergency responders who helped the wounded and himself after the shooting.

Trump talked about Comperatore and greeted his family, telling them that “he loved you a lot.” He said Comperatore was an incredible father, veteran and fire chief.

“He threw himself into the fire one more time and protected his family. He gave his life to save their lives,” Trump said. “God bless you.”

After that, Trump called for a moment of silence and then “Ava Maria” was performed live at the rally by Christopher Macchio.

“It is love like Cory’s that is going to unite our country,” Trump said following the performance.

A portion of the grandstand where Comperatore sat on July 13 was turned into a memorial with flowers and his fireman’s uniform.

Trumped also acknowledged Copenhaver, Dutch and their families, some of who were at Saturday’s rally.

The rally then turned to Trump’s campaign platform of curbing border crossings, mass deportation and restructuring the economy to include a focus on energy production and tariffs for companies that take their production overseas. He also reiterated a promise to not tax tips, social security or overtime pay and vowed to stop the Ukraine-Russia and Isreal-Hamas wars.

Trump then introduced Elon Musk, who was invited to the rally as a special guest. The businessman and investor, known for his companies Tesla and SpaceX, addressed the crowd wearing a black MAGA hat.

“A true test of someone’s character is how they behave under fire. We have one president who couldn’t climb a flight of stairs and another who was fist-pumping after being shot – fight, fight, fight with blood coming down the face. America is the home of the brave, and there is no truer test than courage under fire. Who do you want to represent America?” Musk asked. “I think this election is the most important of our lifetime. This is no ordinary election. The other side wants to take away your freedom of speech, your right to bear arms — and your right to vote, effectively. California, where I used to live, just passed a law banning ID for voting. I still can’t believe that’s real.”

Crowds showed up early to get into the rally. Local law enforcement previously said they were expecting as many as 60,000 people. About 45 minutes after Trump took to the stage, he stopped his speech as EMTs tended to a spectator for an apparent medical condition.

Bullet-proof glass was set up at the podium as a stark reminder of how rallies have changed for the former president following two assassination attempts, including one at Trump’s golf course in West Palm Beach, Florida in September.

The FBI said in late August that it wasn’t ready to draw conclusions about a motive in the Pennsylvania shooting, and a motive in the Florida incident also remains unclear . Trump and other Republicans have blasted Democratic rhetoric for inciting the violence.

The Hill contributed to this report.

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