He is returning to the crime scene.
Former President Trump is scheduled to make a triumphant return to Butler, Pennsylvania, tonight, just months after he narrowly escaped death from a would-be assassin's bullet.
After facing stinging criticism that they were unprepared and understaffed during the assassination attempt after the July 13 stump speech that shocked the world, the U.S. Secret Intelligence Service this week , flooded this site.
Gunman Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, managed to escape firing at President Trump from a pitched roof just 130 meters away from the former president, damaging his ear and causing havoc before being killed by a Secret Service sniper. Murdered.
Eight gunshots rang out, and a bloodied Mr. Trump raised his fist and told his agents to “fight” as he hurried off the stage. The image has become iconic.
The attack killed a 50-year-old former fire chief who was in the audience and seriously injured two others.
Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle resigned in July in the face of bipartisan outrage over the agency's failures. In a damning confession to the ABC, Mr Cheatle said the reason investigators were not placed on the roof where Mr Crooks fired was because the roof was too “sloping” and there were unacceptable “safety concerns” for investigators. This was because “factors” had occurred.
The Secret Service also became aware of Crooks' presence at the rally more than an hour before Trump took the stage. They hung out with Mr. Crooks before the event and discovered he was carrying a range finder, which hunters use to measure distances. They allowed the crooks in anyway.
According to a bipartisan report, Senate Homeland Security Committee Among other things, it found that the Secret Service “refused certain requests” for additional security resources at the event and “failed to coordinate effectively with state and local law enforcement.” The USSS's anti-drone system was also “out of action for hours” due to technical issues, as there was no backup in place, the report said.
But on Friday, a drone was seen flying over the grounds of the Butler Farm Show as law enforcement officials searched the building, including Crook's former perch. At the south end of the property, law enforcement was walking around the area, checking for potential risks.
Long tractor trailers were placed along the perimeter to block the line of sight of potential attackers. A chain-link fence that was already on the property was covered with a black tarp to further prevent tampering. President Trump is also expected to be protected by bulletproof glass when he takes the stage.
“We are working closely with the Pennsylvania State Police and local law enforcement in and around Butler Township. We are also leveraging other federal security resources to expand personnel and technology. ” Anthony Guglielmi, Secret Service communications director, said in a statement Friday.
Some die-hard Trump supporters camped out Friday night to secure prime locations, and vendors selling Trump merchandise were out in force.
President Trump is expected to reflect on the attack that threatened his life and pay tribute to those killed and injured in the shooting. Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance, Trump's running mate, and X owner Elon Musk are also expected to attend the rally.
Pennsylvania and its 19 electors are widely considered the biggest prize in the 2024 race and are seen as must-win states for both sides.
