Former President Donald Trump returned to Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday, October 5, 2024, to address a rally at the site of a near-assassination that occurred in July 2024. Trump was injured during the attack when 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks opened fire on the event.
This was Trump’s first visit to Butler since that harrowing incident, and he took the opportunity to recount the terrifying moment in great detail. His narrative emphasized the “16 harrowing seconds” during which he felt time stop as the gunfire rang out. He portrayed the attack as a clear act of evil, with the shooter positioned at a distance, firing with intent to harm.
Trump reiterated a theme he has used previously, claiming that divine intervention and God’s grace saved him from more serious injury or worse. According to Trump, the shooter’s goal was thwarted by what he described as “the hand of providence,” which prevented the attack from succeeding.
He also maintained that the attack did not diminish his political movement or break his spirit, framing the incident as another obstacle his campaign has overcome. His comments focused on the resilience and strength of both himself and his supporters in the face of violence.
Donald Trump
The rally also served as a moment of remembrance for Corey Comperatore, the Republican attendee who was killed by return gunfire during the attack. Trump honored Comperatore’s memory and praised the efforts of Secret Service agents who protected him during the shooting.
According to Trump, the agents acted swiftly and without hesitation, shielding him from further danger. He credited their quick response with saving his life and reiterated that their actions were a testament to their dedication and bravery.
In the aftermath of the shooting, the Secret Service faced scrutiny, with the agency’s leadership undergoing significant changes. The head of the Secret Service resigned, and a subsequent report revealed several security failures during the event in Butler.
These issues were a source of public criticism, with many questioning how such an attack could occur at a rally featuring a former president. Nevertheless, Trump continued to praise the Secret Service for their immediate reaction, despite the failures that were later identified.
During a separate event on Friday, Trump was presented with a Purple Heart by a Vietnam veteran named Dwight, who was moved by Trump’s actions in the moments following the shooting.
Dwight said he was inspired by Trump’s response, particularly when he returned to the microphone to encourage his supporters to “fight, fight” despite the danger. The veteran felt that Trump, in that moment, displayed the qualities of resilience and courage that he believed made him deserving of the Purple Heart, a symbol of honor for military bravery.
