Trump returning to Butler, Pa. on Saturday
Donald J. Trump
By Christen Smith
The Center Square
On Saturday, former President Donald Trump will return to the same rally stage in Pennsylvania where he stood when a would-be assassin opened fire in July, nearly taking his life.
Trump confirmed the visit to Butler on X, alongside the now-iconic image of him raising his fist into the air, blood smeared across his face as the American flag drapes in the background.
The moment, recognized as a historic turning point in an unpredictable campaign cycle on all sides, was only the first attempt on Trump’s life. A second man, 58-year-old Ryan Routh, sits in jail after opening fire at the former president as he golfed in West Palm Beach, Fla. on Sept. 15.
Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, was the Butler gunman and killed by security. Corey Comperatore, in the audience behind Trump, was killed by Crooks' shots.
Security measures for Saturday, however, are already ratcheting up, according to multiple media reports. In an interview with NBC News, a woman who sells merchandise at the rally said the security perimeter surrounding the venue is already “locked down.”
That perimeter has been the source of much scrutiny from a congressional task force investigating the July 13 shooting that killed the 50-year-old Comperatore and severely wounded 57-year-old David Dutch and 74-year-old James Copenhaven.
During a Sept. 26 hearing in Washington, lawmakers balked at the U.S. Secret Service’s decision to leave the AGR building, located roughly 400 feet from the rally stage, outside of its purview – even after local law enforcement warned them of the danger.
Drew Blasko, a patrolman with the Butler Township Police Department who served as assistant team leader of one of two local sniper units on duty that day, said he asked for more guards to protect the area.
Despite an assurance to the contrary, the request was unfulfilled – a point that was illustrated when Chairman Mike Kelly, R-Pa., showed a state trooper’s dashboard camera footage that caught the shooter, Crooks, scaling the roof of the building. In just three minutes he opened fire.
The request for more outdoor guards wasn’t the only resource discussed that never showed up on the day of the rally. Adams Township Police Sgt. Edward Lenz, who commanded the Butler County Emergency Services Unit that day, and Pennsylvania State Police Lt. John Herold said sniper fencing was intended to cover a chain-link fence separating the AGR complex from the farm show grounds. Additional barriers, including a large projector screen, were not set up either.
During congressional questioning, the lawmen agreed that eight to 10 more officers stationed outside the building would have likely prevented Crooks from getting into position. Foot traffic around the complex could have been restricted – upward of 200 people who had not gone through security screening were reportedly watching the rally from the parking lot – and approximately 5 acres of the building’s land could have been sectioned off from the public. A sniper on the nearby water tower, cameras on the building’s roof and blocked-off parking would have been other options, the officers added.
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Comment
Can't let evil win
I don't understand why you have such a seething hatred of President Trump.
Many American men and women don't scare easy. Millions of my fellow citizens love the fact Trump is going back. We are not going to let evil win. We are not going to cower in fear. We are not going to listen to some who hesitate at the slightest whiff of danger.
I guess we're cut from a different cloth. All of my jobs have never been behind a desk in a climate-controlled cubicle.
Career Choices and Trump Opinions and Hate
Matthew, let me start by saying thank you for your military service. In my final career, in Workforce Services, EDD, State of California, as a public servant, when our Veteran Services staff were unavailable, we assisted. And worked as a team. I had an employer desparate for a plant delivery assistant. Now. A homeless Vietnam era vet. 2 years older than me. I had him employed within 48 hours as our Vet rep was on vacation. In CA, Veterans recieve priority of service. Meaning if they need immediate assistance, they go to the head of the line at Workforce Services which assists with unemployment, but cannot access a claim. Unemployment staff was removed in 1996 from all branch offices. No such thing as an unemployment office. We could fax in a paper form, provide guidance, or put you on a useless toll free hotline. Priority of service when I recognized a Veteran on line, meant jump to the front. The whiners were advised, it is the law. You must wait. And I dealt with it. Many uncles and my father were Veterans. Whiners were given a state mandated compliant form. Never was written up. Now for that cozy A/C cubicle. Had many offices over the years. Some great views. Like the SF Giants Candlestick Park. No fog? When they really were bad, less than the population of Hillsboro, a scalped ticket was $10 3rd row. My start at EDD, had an office. Same for contract gigs. Now Trump. I do not hate anyone who has been mean or unethical. Life happens and karma usually catches up the reverse discrimation managers. Trump 2017 Tax cuts were a benefit working and in retirement thru 2023. Now I lose. The standard deduction is so high, it voids my RE Taxes and interest deduction. My wallet votes first. Before every showing an interest in POTUS, I was not a fan. Real estate, casino bankrupt, etc. Hardly makes a mark of success. Even though legal. Look at Eddie DeBartolo of Youngstown, Ohio. One time 49'ers owner. And his father's checkered record on filing bankruptcies as a business.
My career? OSU BSBA. CPA OH & TX. CISA . CA Life Agent. Educated and continuing education and 4 community colleges. Pust OSU. So in conclusion, why should this taxpayer who footed the tuition barring a few employers reimbusement plans be called out for having AC at work? As a Senior Auditor for a major natural gas company, it gets pretty hot in Rankin, Texas or Houston, Texas performing field work. As usual, next issue?
???
David, I couldn't decipher your last comment. Fragmented sentences and ramblings. All I got out of was: uncle veterans, Candlestick park, Eddie Debartolo, your wallet votes, and Houston. If you would please excuse me. President Trump is on TV now, speaking again in Butler, Pennsylvania.
Questions
David, have you ever considered that you're out of touch with the millions of Americans who make this Country great? I think you are, by a long shot.
For example...
Thankfully the weather was spectacular in southern Ohio yesterday, Dave. Because at my job, after I worked another night shift, I immediately was held over to the next shift for firearms training. Another excellent fall day of shooting guns and ammo that the hardworking taxpayers have provided, for the safety and security of their State and communities. I just realized that my shoulder is tender and bruised today. Because I didn't hold the 12-gauge tight enough during the final stages of fire during of our annual training. Oh well, "Shooting someone else's guns and some else's ammo while on the clock?" That's a fringe benefit at my workplace. Life is good. The bruises will heal. And the faithful citizens will be safe and appreciative.
Out Of Touch?
I am only out of touch with your different opinions. The polls are a dead heat. Either candidate can win on November 5th. One of the two sides will be extremely upset after the election. Will there be rioting and looting by the losing side? I hope not. January 6th was a disgrace for both parties based on who could have should have taken action. Name calling on each side is off the charts. False and misleading ads. What happened to the days when different opinions were discussed over a cold beer? Not threats of violence.
Only His Ego Wants To Go There
Seems absurd to revisit.