BUTLER, PA — Safety was a top priority for die-hard Trump supporters who gathered at the Butler Farm Show to hear the former president speak.
Police were stationed at the crowd, which the Butler County Sheriff estimates was up to 60,000 people, snipers were seen on rooftops before the rally, and the Secret Service confirmed security had been stepped up. . The event marked Trump's return to the Pennsylvania venue after narrowly escaping an assassination attempt in July. The former president's remarks are scheduled for 5 p.m. ET.
Supporters say Trump's return to Butler, Pennsylvania, the site of his first assassination, is 'courageous'
Uniformed Secret Service members screen rally attendees as former President Trump returns to Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday. (Matthew McDermott, Fox News Digital)
Friends who traveled more than three hours to see Trump said their family members were concerned about him coming to the rally, but were reassured by increased security.
“Our family wasn't too excited about us coming today,” Jodi Cavalieri said. “But you see snipers everywhere, you see police, you see the camaraderie, and it's great.”
“It feels great to have people from all over the country,” Dena Diebold said.
Secret Service agents stand in the entrance area of the Butler Farm Show venue, where former President Trump returned to hold a campaign rally on Saturday. (Matthew McDermott, Fox News Digital)
The Secret Service has increased security since the first Butler rally was held in July, and investigators said the area near where 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks allegedly opened fire on July 13 Security on the roof of the warehouse has also been strengthened.
The crooks fired eight bullets, grazing President Trump's ear, killing Corey Comperatore, 50, a firefighter and father of two daughters, and wounding two others.
Secret Service agents screen rally attendees before former President Trump's rally in Butler, Pennsylvania on Saturday. (Matthew McDermott, Fox News Digital)
USSS spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said in a statement to Fox News Digital that Trump was under “enhanced” security during the second Butler rally.
“Since the July 13 assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, the U.S. Secret Service has made comprehensive changes and enhancements to its communications capabilities, logistics, and protection operations,” he said. “The former president is currently under strict protection and we take our responsibility to ensure his safety and security very seriously.”
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Guglielmi said the USSS is “working closely” with Pennsylvania State Police and local law enforcement.
“We are also leveraging other federal security resources to expand personnel and technology,” he said. “In order to maintain the integrity of our conservation efforts, we are unable to discuss specifics of security enhancements. Area residents may experience traffic delays and an increased presence of state, local, and federal law enforcement as part of our efforts.” You should expect that.”
Secret Service agents screened rally attendees before former President Trump's speech in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday. (Matthew McDermott, Fox News Digital)
Chairs are being set up for a Trump campaign rally on Saturday in Butler, Pennsylvania. (Matthew McDermott, Fox News Digital)
Supporters said they noticed increased protection and felt safer than at the July 13 rally.
“It's obviously safer. It's much safer,” David Mills told Fox News Digital, pointing to a sniper on the roof. “There’s a sniper on that rooftop, there’s law enforcement everywhere.
“I didn't feel unsafe in July, but the security situation in July was much lower than it was four years ago.” [in Butler] And today,” he added.
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Others said they felt safe participating because of increased security.
“I feel safe. I listen to Fox News and I know there's increased security,” said Dennis Materia, athletic secretary for the St. Mary's School District. “I saw the security here, and I also saw the notice saying that you can’t bring anything in.”
Dan Dearsley carries a cross and prays with Sue Hensall and others as they wait in line for Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump's rally at the Butler Farm Show in Butler, Pennsylvania on Saturday. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
Real estate broker Dan Beasley quipped that it was “the safest place in America.”
“This is probably the safest place in America right now,” he said with a laugh. “That's what I say.”
“People are calm,” he continued. “This is a group of God-fearing people who are taking a stand here.”
The Trump campaign said the president is “more determined than ever” following two assassination attempts in the past nine weeks, one in Butler and one at a golf club in West Palm Beach, Florida. .
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“On July 13th at Butler, he took a bullet for democracy. And on November 5th, he will save our democracy,” they said. “Together with the great people of Pennsylvania and people across the country, we will make America safer, stronger, freer and greater than ever before.”
