Live updates: Trump calls for moment of silence for man who was killed during July rally in Butler
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.
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.
A video tribute to Corey Comperatore, who was killed at the July 13 rally, is playing now.
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.
Steve Witkoff, CEO of Witkoff Group, speaks on stage, calling Trump a “dear friend.”
JD Vance, the Republican vice presidential candidate, is taking the stage to speak.
“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.
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.
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.
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’re excited to show you our hearts, our love of 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 (write) our history as the little town with a big heart, that is working to heal.”
“Today, we stand like Corey (Comperatore) with the courage of quiet resilience to defend our country that seek to divide us,” Osche said.
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.
Sean Parnell tells the crowd about his experience at the July 13th rally.
Artist Scott LoBaido, known for his patriotic art, takes the stage.
Butler Memorial Hospital paramedic Sally Sherry, who helped to treat former President Donald Trump after the assassination attempt July 13, takes the stage.
Butler County Sheriff Mike Slupe takes the stage.
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.”
Rico Elmore, a Beaver County Republican leader, takes the stage.
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.
Programming kicked off at 2 p.m. with a prayer and presentation.
Elon Musk tweeted that he was “Headed to Pennsylvania to speak at the@realDonaldTrump rally in Butler!”
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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Trump supporters walk past a "Fight! Fight! Fight!" slogan hung on fencing at the Butler Farm Show grounds ahead of Former President Donald Trump's return for a rally on Saturday, Oct. 5. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (10/5/2024)
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Attendees go through security 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 (10/5/2024)
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Members of the Pennsylvania State Police ride horses into the Butler Farm Show grounds 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 (10/5/2024)
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Attendees go through security 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 (10/5/2024)
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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 (10/5/2024)
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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 (10/5/2024)
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Security walk 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 (10/5/2024)
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Several law enforcement agencies were set up 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 (10/5/2024)
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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 (10/5/2024)
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Members of the Pennsylvania State Police ride horses into the Butler Farm Show grounds 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 (10/5/2024)
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A Trump supporter films the scene 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 (10/5/2024)
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A Trump supporter films the scene 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 (10/5/2024)
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Several law enforcement agencies were set up 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 (10/5/2024)
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Members of the Pennsylvania State Police ride horses into the Butler Farm Show grounds 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 (10/5/2024)
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Members of the Pennsylvania State Police ride horses into the Butler Farm Show grounds 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 (10/5/2024)
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Several law enforcement agencies were set up 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 (10/5/2024)
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Several law enforcement agencies were set up 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 (10/5/2024)
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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 (10/5/2024)
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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 (10/5/2024)
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Attendees go through security 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 (10/5/2024)
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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 (10/5/2024)
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Attendees go through security 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 (10/5/2024)
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Attendees go through security 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 (10/5/2024)
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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 (10/5/2024)
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Several law enforcement agencies circulated inside 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 (10/5/2024)
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Several law enforcement agencies were set up 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 (10/5/2024)
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A Trump supporter takes a picture of a "Fight! Fight! Fight!" slogan hung on fencing at the Butler Farm Show grounds ahead of Former President Donald Trump's return for a rally on Saturday, Oct. 5. Morgan Phillips/Butler Eagle (10/5/2024)
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EMS squads were set up around the perimeter 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 (10/5/2024)
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Attendees go through security 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 (10/5/2024)
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Members of the Pennsylvania State Police ride horses into the Butler Farm Show grounds 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 (10/5/2024)
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Memorials were set up Saturday, Oct. 5 at the Butler Farm Show grounds in honor of Corey Comperatore, who was shot and killed while attending the last campaign rally for former President Donald Trump in July. Morgan Phillips/Eagle Staff Photographer
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Ayano Fukuda, second from left, chants “Trump is a Winner” as the line starts to move to the entrance during Donald Trump’s return rally at the Butler Farm Show on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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The sun shines through a Trump campaign sign on a small hill during Donald Trump’s return rally at the Butler Farm Show on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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A Secret Service dog handler goes up and down cars parked outside the Butler Farm Show before Donald Trump’s return rally on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Lines of people pass vendors as they enter Donald Trump’s return rally at the Butler Farm Show on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Hamilton Craik wears a 40th anniversary “Regan/Bush 84” themed shirt as he and his family from Georgia wait in line to enter Donald Trump’s return rally at the Butler Farm Show on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Steve and Jodi McGuire wear their Trump suits as they enter Donald Trump’s return rally at the Butler Farm Show on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Trump rally attendees stand in the morning sun as they await to be let in during Donald Trump’s return rally at the Butler Farm Show on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Stephanie Ogle encourages attendees to sign up to vote as they enter Donald Trump’s return rally at the Butler Farm Show on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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A memorial for Corey Comperatore sits in the bleachers at sunrise before Donald Trump’s return rally at the Butler Farm Show on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Security check ins with secret service and metal detectors was a common site during Donald Trump’s return rally at the Butler Farm Show on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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An attendee wears “Make America Great Again” as he enters the stage entrance before Donald Trump’s return rally at the Butler Farm Show on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Security check ins with secret service and metal detectors was a common site during Donald Trump’s return rally at the Butler Farm Show on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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Hugh elder fixes sausages to rally attendees during Donald Trump’s return rally at the Butler Farm Show on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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An attendee with a cross waits outside the security zone as attendees file in during Donald Trump’s return rally at the Butler Farm Show on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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The sun rises over the stands Trump will speak at during Donald Trump’s return rally at the Butler Farm Show on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. Rob McGraw/Butler Eagle
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.
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.
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.
