Former President Donald Trump announced plans to return to Butler, Pennsylvania, in the first week of October, following the first assassination attempt against him. The Butler Farm Show fairgrounds, where he almost avoided a gunman's attack on July 13, will host the rally on October 5.
At the July event, Trump was shot in the ear by shooter Thomas Crooks, who fired at him from a rooftop about 400 feet away. Eight rounds in six seconds was all that Crooks managed to fire before he was hit killed by a bullet from a Secret Service counter-sniper. Pennsylvania fireman Corey Comperatore lost his life in this event, while two other participants suffered significant injuries.
At least five agents, including the chief of the Pittsburgh field office, were placed on leave by the U.S. Secret Service following the incident. To evaluate the circumstances surrounding the attempted assassination, an internal inquiry was started. In order to increase security after the event, Trump started giving speeches at his outdoor rallies behind bulletproof glass.
Trump has already said he planned to go back to Butler. A post on Truth Social, his social media site, referred to the impending event as a "BIG AND BEAUTIFUL RALLY." His intention to go back to the attack scene demonstrated his desire to interact with his fans.
When asked about any potential post-traumatic stress from the assassination attempt, Trump stated in an interview with CBS News political correspondent Caitlin Huey-Burns that he did not experience such effects. He described the incident as a "very close call," emphasizing the narrow margin by which he escaped serious injury. "It was an eighth of an inch, and I wouldn't be talking to you right now," he remarked, reflecting on the gravity of the situation. Trump attributed his survival to a higher purpose, suggesting that it might be part of a divine plan to "save this country" or "maybe save the world."
A potential assassin was captured by the Secret Service earlier this month, posing a danger to President Trump. Ryan Wesley Routh, the suspect, was found while playing golf close to Trump's West Palm Beach golf club, concealing a powerful weapon in the bushes. In addition to facing two federal guns counts, Routh is anticipated to face charges related to a potential political figure assassination attempt.