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Roundup: Read about the Saturday Butler Trump rally

Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump pauses for a moment of silence at a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

Look back on the campaign rally held by former President Donald Trump Saturday, Oct. 5 at the Butler Farm Show grounds, the same venue where he was grazed by a bullet in July.

Related Article: A month before election day, Trump returns to Butler County site of assassination attempt to rally supporters Related Article: Rally goers praise Trump for dedication Related Article: Calls for unity at rally reinforce support for Trump; Vance, Eric Trump blame Dems Related Article: Buffalo Township’s Comperatore remembered by community, Trump at Butler County rally
Ends with call to vote for him

Former President Donald Trump wrapped up his campaign rally Saturday, Oct. 5, with further criticism of opponent Vice President Kamala Harris.

Trump highlighted the importance of Pennsylvania in the election, as well as in U.S. history.

“We stand on the shoulders of generations of Pennsylvanian patriots,” he said.

Criticizes current administration

After Elon Musk’s remarks, former President Donald Trump again took the podium to continue making his pitch for reelection.

He criticized the Biden-Harris administration’s handling of the response to Hurricane Helene.

Elon Musk comes to stage

Former President Donald Trump just introduced Elon Musk, owner of X, Tesla and SpaceX.

“I think this election is the most important election of our lifetime,” Musk said.

Elon Musk and Republican vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, listen as Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

“President Trump must win to preserve the Constitution,” he said.

He then offered a dark prediction that if Trump isn’t elected, “this will be the last election,” without offering an explanation of why he believes that.

Related Article: Elon Musk urges rally attendees to “vote, vote, vote” during Butler Trump rally
‘A tribute like no other’

Former President Donald J. Trump is taking the stage at his rally.

Singer Lee Greenwood performed “God Bless the USA” as Trump came to the stage.

Trump is displaying the chart that was being shown when an assassin’s bullets interrupted the rally. He joked “As I was saying...” before starting his speech.”

Trump said the grounds of the Farm Show has become a memorial to the bravery shown by Corey Comperatore, who was killed protecting his family during the rally.

Former President Donald Trump takes the stage at his campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show grounds Saturday, Oct. 5. Shawn Hernandez/Special to the Eagle

He also praised the bravery of his Secret Service protection detail.

Trump is speaking about Comperatore, praising his bravery and his work as a firefighter.

“He put his life on the line for others and he loved doing it,” Trump said of him.

“He gave his life to shield his family.”

At 6:11 p.m., 12 weeks exactly since the shooting happened, he called for a moment of silence to honor Comperatore.

Tolling bells were followed by a performance of “Ave Maria” by Christopher Maccio.

“This is a tribute like no other, and he deserves it,” Trump said, while addressing Comperatore’s family.

Supporters arrive before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
Tribute to Corey Comperatore playing at rally

A video tribute to Corey Comperatore, who was killed at the July 13 rally, is playing now.

Eric and Lara Trump, on Oct. 5, 2024 at the Butler Farm Show grounds. Shawn Hernandez/Special to the Eagle
Eric and Lara Trump speak

Eric Trump and his wife, Lara Trump, who is also co-chair of the Republican National Committee, are speaking now.

Eric Trump said he has never been more proud to be an American than he is today.

Related Article: Lara Trump says she anticipated Trump’s return to Butler County prior to campaign rally announcement
Steve Witkoff speaks, calling Trump a friend

Steve Witkoff, CEO of Witkoff Group, speaks on stage, calling Trump a “dear friend.”

JD Vance takes the stage

JD Vance, the Republican vice presidential candidate, is taking the stage to speak.

JD Vance speaks to a crowd on Oct. 5, 2024 at the Butler Farm Show grounds. Shawn Hernandez/Special to the Eagle

“Eighty-four days ago on this field, an assassin tried to fill our hearts with terror, but we’re here to say we can’t be intimidated, we can’t be stopped we won’t be denied,” Vance said. “We will make America great again, and we’re going to do it together.”

A crowd cheered “Corey” as Vance remembered the former Buffalo Township firefighter at the rally.

Related Article: JD Vance calls for unity, attacks Democrats at Trump Butler rally
Dave McCormick, candidate for U.S. Senate speaks

Republican candidate for U.S. Senate Dave McCormick addresses the crowd about Comperatore and the two others injured at the last rally and recognizes the first responders from the July rally before encouraging people to honor those people by keeping “America the greatest country in the world.”

McCormick is the Republican candidate challenging Democratic Sen. Bob Casey in the upcoming election.

3:50 p.m. — ‘Angry man’ takes the stage

Tom Natoli, July 13 rally attendee, describes himself as the “angry man” who was standing behind Trump when shots rang out.

“No one ran; everyone stood their ground,” Natoli said.

3:25 p.m. — Butler County Republican leaders take the stage

Butler County Republican Commissioners Leslie Osche and Kim Geyer and other county and Butler Township Republican leaders take the stage.

Ed Natali, of the Butler Township Commissioners, was the first to speak. Also, a former Butler Township Commissioner Sam Zurzolo followed him.

County Commissioners Kim Geyer and Leslie Osche spoke next.

“We are excited to show you our hearts, our love for country and our fearless spirit that will help carry President Trump and Sen. JD Vance to victory,” Geyer said. “No longer will Butler County be remembered by an assassin’s bullet. Instead, we will solidify our legacy in history as the little town with a big heart that is working to heal, that is unified in purpose and is motivated to save this country.”

“Today, we stand like Corey (Comperatore) with the courage of quiet resilience to defend our country that seek to divide us,” Osche said.

Trump flies over the Butler Farm Show grounds on Oct. 5, 2024. Shawn Hernandez/Special to the Eagle
3:20 p.m. — Flyover by Trump anticipated

The crowd at the farm show venue is looking to the sky in expectation for Trump to fly over.

At 3:24 p.m., he could be seen.

3:10 p.m. — Parnell speaks about his experience at the July 13 rally

Sean Parnell tells the crowd about his experience at the July 13th rally.

2:54 p.m. — Patriotic artist paints picture of Comperatore

Artist Scott LoBaido, known for his patriotic art, takes the stage.

2:46 p.m. — Paramedic helped treat the former President

Butler Memorial Hospital paramedic Sally Sherry, who helped to treat former President Donald Trump after the assassination attempt July 13, takes the stage.

2:40 p.m. — Slupe shares experience

Butler County Sheriff Mike Slupe takes the stage.

2:30 p.m. — Man who tried to save Comperatore’s life speaks

Dr. James Sweetland, a physician who tried to save Corey Comperatore’s life during the July 13 rally, takes the stage.

The doctor praised for aiding a Buffalo Township man who died in a shooting at the July 13 campaign rally for former President Donald Trump, encouraged those attending the Saturday, Oct. 5, rally at the Butler Farm Show grounds to “turn down the temperature.”

Sweetland, a retired physician from DuBois, when speaking Saturday, recounted how he gave CPR to Corey Comperatore, who was shielding his wife and daughter when he was struck by a bullet amid the July assassination attempt.

“ I’ve been called a hero many times over for my actions that day,” Sweetland said. “I’ve struggled with that title.”

Related Article: Man who aided Comperatore at last rally during Saturday’s Butler Trump rally: ‘Turn down the temperature’
2:23 p.m. — Elmore speaks

Rico Elmore, a Beaver County Republican leader, takes the stage.

2:18 p.m. — Speakers begin

Slippery Rock Mayor Jondavid Longo takes the stage after people parachute into the venue with flags displayed.

“Our community is stronger than fear,” Longo said.

2 p.m. — Programming is underway

Programming kicked off at 2 p.m. with a prayer and presentation.

1:30 p.m. — Elon Musk to speak at rally

Elon Musk tweeted that he was “Headed to Pennsylvania to speak at the@realDonaldTrump rally in Butler!”

1 p.m. — Crowds pack Butler Farm Show grounds ahead of Trump’s return

Those attending the Saturday, Oct. 5, campaign rally for former President Donald Trump traveled from across the country to hear the Republican presidential candidate and his running mate speak at the venue where Trump previously survived an assassination attempt.

Event programming is set to begin at 2 p.m.

Attendees file into the venue ahead of Former President Donald Trump's return to the Butler Farm Show grounds for a rally on Saturday, Oct. 5. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
12:45 p.m. — Crowds excited to be part of second Trump Butler rally

Emily Craik and her husband, Mackenzie, loaded their five boys into the family SUV and hit the road.

Shortly after catching a glimpse of him during his appearance near Augusta, Ga., in the wake of Hurricane Helene, the family had searched for the whereabouts of former President Donald Trump’s next campaign rally on Friday night.

Seeing that it happened to be his Saturday, Oct. 5, return to the Butler Farm Show, the site of an assassination attempt on July 13, the Craik family saw it as a can’t-miss occasion.

“We jumped in the car and drove all night,” said Emily Craik, 41, while waiting to enter the grounds. “We just got here.”

A fireman's jacket and flowers were set up in the grandstands in honor of Corey Comperatore during Former President Donald Trump's return to the Butler Farm Show grounds for a rally on Saturday, Oct. 5. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle
Noon — Memorials honor Buffalo Township’s Corey Comperatore at Butler Trump rally

The seat where Buffalo Township’s Corey Comperatore sat on July 13 displayed his fireman’s jacket and helmet on Saturday, Oct. 5, as former President Donald Trump was to return to the Butler Farm Show grounds following the July 13 assassination attempt that also took Comperatore’s life.

Comperatore, 50, died shielding his wife and daughter as shots rang out at the Connoquenessing Township venue.

Related Article: Memorials honor Buffalo Township’s Corey Comperatore at Butler Trump rally Related Article: Local florist creates floral tributes to Compertore
10:30 a.m. — Noted tenor entertains Trump crowd with medley

Trump supporters who entered the Farm Show grounds early on Saturday morning were treated to the talents of acclaimed tenor Christopher Macchio, who belted out a medley of patriotic tunes.

Related Article: Noted tenor entertains Trump crowd with medley
9:30 a.m. — Initial traffic surge followed by relative morning calm outside the Butler Farm Show grounds

The smell of hot dogs and anticipation was in the air in the Meridian neighborhood in the predawn hours on Saturday, as early birds looking to park inside the Butler Farm Show grounds made their way to the Buttercup Road entrance for the second Trump rally at the venue.

At morning light, at 6 a.m., cars sat bumper-to-bumper on Meridian, Buttercup, Kreiss and Whitestown roads waiting their turn to enter the rally parking lot.

Meridian Road was blocked from Deer Run Road to the Sheetz entrance. State police cruisers and Butler Township Fire District trucks ensured no vehicles entered that stretch of road. Many cars entered Deer Run Road to turn around and head south on Meridian.

A state trooper blocking Meridian Road at Deer Run would not comment on why that section of road was blocked.

Related Article: Initial traffic surge followed by relative morning calm in Meridian
What guests should know about attending the Saturday rally for Donald Trump at the Butler Farm Show grounds

Those who attend the Saturday, Oct. 5, campaign rally for former President Donald Trump at the Butler Farm Show grounds will hear from Trump, Republican vice presidential candidate JD Vance and others beginning at 2 p.m.

Vance, a U.S. Senator from Ohio, is scheduled to speak at the site of the July 13 assassination attempt beginning at 4:30 p.m., and Republican presidential candidate Trump is expected to deliver his remarks at 5 p.m., according to information shared with registered guests by the campaign.

Event programming is set to begin at 2 p.m.

Related Article: What guests should know about attending the Saturday rally for Donald Trump at the Butler Farm Show grounds
What’s security at the event look like?

U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly, R-16th, said Friday, Oct. 4, that the security at the Saturday campaign rally for former President Donald Trump is significantly greater than it had been at the July 13 rally at the same Connoquenessing Township venue.

Kelly, who heads the bipartisan Task Force on the Attempted Assassination of Donald J. Trump, said Friday that communications between the task force and federal agencies like the FBI and U.S. Secret Service have created a clearer picture of security expectations for future Trump rallies, including for the one Saturday at the Butler Farm Show grounds.

“All the preparation in place right now are the lessons from what happened July 13,” Kelly said, calling security for the rally “dramatically different.”

He said there will be more law enforcement officers on site, who will have better communication methods in place. Kelly said a lack of communication between law enforcement and the federal agents at the July 13 rally contributed to the shooter’s ability to fire multiple shots at Trump and the crowd that day.

Related Article: Head of Task Force on the attempted assassination: Trump’s rally security is ‘dramatically different’

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