Donald Trump returned Saturday to the Butler Farm Show grounds in Pennsylvania to finish a rally that was interrupted 12 weeks ago when the former president was shot by Thomas Crooks, who attempted to assassinate him by opening fire from the top of a nearby building. The attempted assassination of Trump killed a firefighter and injured two other people.
“A very big thank you to Pennsylvania. We love Pennsylvania,” Trump said to thunderous applause as he stood in front of bulletproof glass at the exact spot where he was shot nearly three months ago.
“Tonight, I return to Butler after tragedy and grief to deliver a simple message to the people of Pennsylvania and the people of America. Our movement to make America great again is stronger, prouder, more united, more determined and closer to victory than ever before.“
In referring to his assassination attempt, Trump said: “Exactly 12 weeks ago … at this very moment, a cold-blooded assassin set out to silence me and silence the larger movement. For 16 painful seconds during the shooting, time stood still as this vicious monster unleashed absolute evil from his sniper position. But by the hand of Providence and the grace of God, this villain missed his target. He didn’t come close. He did not stop our movement. He did not succeed in breaking our spirit.“
Trump paused for a moment of silence to pay tribute to Corey Combertore, the 50-year-old firefighter who was killed by the would-be assassin’s bullets while trying to protect his wife and daughters from gunfire. Opera singer Christopher Makio then performed “Ave Maria.”
At one point, the 78-year-old former president welcomed to the stage X, SpaceX and Tesla owner, Elon Musk, who sent his own message about the stakes of the election.
“President Trump must win to preserve the Constitution. He must win to preserve democracy in America,” Musk said, as he donned a MAGA hat and urged those in attendance to vote.
After about an hour and a half of speeches, Trump waved goodbye to Butler with his signature “Make America Great Again” chant.
