On July 13, 2024, former President Trump arrived in Butler, Pennsylvania to attend a campaign rally.
Evan Vucci | Associated Press
Former President Donald Trump to hold rally in US on Saturday housekeeperPennsylvania was the site of his July 13 rally, where a gunman attempted to assassinate the Republican presidential candidate but failed, killing a rally member and causing chaos at the rally.
Trump first announced plans to return to Butler in July, 13 days after the rally shooting.
With the Nov. 5 election about four weeks away and early voting well underway, the Trump campaign has been working hard to build hype around the Butler incident. This could be one of Trump's last high-profile chances to make his case to the American public in a key swing state.
“Butler on Saturday – historic!” Trump wrote truth society Thursday.
But Trump returned to Butler in a very different presidential race.
Butler's first visit comes as Trump is still reveling in President Joe Biden's disastrous performance in the June 27 debate, which left Democrats increasingly doubtful of their candidate's ability to win re-election.
Since then, Biden has dropped out of the race and Vice President Kamala Harris has taken over the Democratic ticket, where she has begun to chip away at Trump's advantage.
Trump's second Butler rally will also spotlight his new entourage.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk, a new Trump ally, is expected to attend. Musk formally endorsed Trump just hours after Butler's assassination, marking a marked U-turn in their previously hostile relationship.
Trump's running mate, Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, will also deliver the opening remarks.
The family of Corey Comperatore, a crowd member who was shot and killed at the July rally, is also expected to join, according to the group. Activity.
At Saturday's rally, the Secret Service said it had stepped up security plans.
The Butler shooting has put the Secret Service under intense scrutiny as questions remain about how the gunman came within shooting distance of the former president at a public event. That anger intensified after Trump was the target of another assassination attempt in September.
On Friday, the Secret Service promised it had made “comprehensive changes and enhancements” to its communications capabilities and resources.
“The former president is receiving enhanced protection and we take our responsibility to ensure his safety very seriously,” spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said in a statement.