Former President Donald Trump made headlines again as he returned to Butler, Pennsylvania, where just months earlier, he survived an assassination attempt during his rally. The incident on July 13 shocked the nation when gunman Thomas Matthew Crooks opened fire, leaving one person dead and injuring two more. This Saturday, the air was thick with emotion as approximately 20,000 supporters gathered once more under the vigilant watch of increased security measures.
Trump's return was not just symbolic; it represented resilience. Reflecting on the assassination attempt, he shared on the "Six Feet Under" podcast with former professional wrestler Mark Calaway, likening his survival to the iconic image of U.S. troops raising the flag on Iwo Jima during World War II. “You’re not supposed to be alive for iconic,” Trump remarked, recalling the moment he raised his fist defiantly—even with blood from the graze of Crooks’ bullet on his ear. “But they say it’s the most … I think Iwo Jima is right there. They took a lot of bullets putting up the flag.”
The atmosphere at the Butler Farm Show grounds was markedly different from the fateful rally three months prior. The Secret Service, criticized for its lack of preparedness during the initial attack, flooded the venue with personnel and implemented aggressive security protocols. Bomb-sniffing dogs patrolled the front gates, and speakers stood behind bulletproof glass, visibly more conscientious about attendee safety.
One attendee, John Burkert, highlighted the stark difference, stating, "Secret Service wouldn’t let me bring a cigarette lighter in today, but did on July 13." The incident had reshaped expectations around security at political events, amplifying fears of potential threats.
On July 13, Crooks had managed to fire his weapon from just 130 yards away, hitting Trump and wreaking havoc before he was shot dead by Secret Service snipers. The attack not only affected Trump but resulted in the tragic death of 50-year-old retired fire chief, who was struck during the gunfire. The Secret Service faced intense scrutiny following the attack; director Kimberly Cheatle resigned after bipartisan outrage over the agency’s failures. During her resignation interview, she admitted to ABC the unanticipated risks posed by Crooks’ shooting position, categorizing it as having unacceptable "safety factors" for agents.
Remarkably, it had come to light post-attack, the Secret Service was already aware of Crooks' presence at the rally more than one hour before it began. He was frisked and found carrying only a rangefinder used for determining distances, yet was still allowed entry. A bipartisan Senate Homeland Security Committee report disclosed even more alarming issues, noting the agency “denied specific requests” for additional security personnel and failed to coordinate effectively with local and state law enforcement. Compounding the issue, the report noted the USSS counter-drone system was non-operational for hours on the day of the attack, highlighting lapses across various levels of security preparation.
Fast forward to present day, and the focus remained on ensuring the safety and security of attendees. Newly detailed law enforcement measures included drone monitoring of the venue, with law enforcement seen examining various buildings, including Crooks' previous shooting vantage point. Officers scouted the perimeter diligently, and installations such as long tractor trailers were strategically positioned to hinder any line of sight for potential attackers. Meanwhile, chain-link fences were obscured with black tarp to deter mischief.
Trump was also expected to take the stage this time shielded by ballistic glass, as security efforts remained top of mind. Secret Service Chief of Communications, Anthony Guglielmi, affirmed, “We are coordinating closely with the Pennsylvania State Police as well as local law enforcement...to expand personnel and technology,” indicating just how serious the agency takes the threats faced by high-profile figures like Trump.
The palpable tension at the rally was met with overwhelming support from Trump’s loyal backing. Despite the events of July, many were ready to show up and chant “fight, fight, fight,” echoing the rallying cries of the former president. Trump’s continuing popularity speaks volumes about his resonance with his supporters. But the shadow of violence still loomed overhead, reminding everyone of the underlying risks involved with public political engagements.
