Trump says he will return to Butler County for rally in October
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — Former President Donald Trump said he plans to return to Butler County for a rally in October after he survived an attempted assassination in July.
During an interview Monday on the social media platform X with Elon Musk, Trump announced more details about the rally he teased in July. He said he will pick up his speech where he was cut off during his assassination attempt at the Butler Farm Show grounds in Butler Township.
"We're all set up," Trump told Musk, X's owner.
When is Trump coming to Butler?
Trump still has not announced the date or location of the rally, which will honor Corey Comperatore, who was killed when the gunman, Thomas Matthew Crooks, opened fire at the former president's event on July 13.
On July 30, Butler County Sheriff Mike Slupe said his office stands "ready to assist the United States Secret Service if called upon." He said last month that he had not heard from the Trump campaign about a second rally in Butler County.
A CBS News video analysis determined that the gunman fired eight shots in under six seconds before he was shot and killed — a fact later confirmed by the FBI.
Butler County Commissioner speaks out about Trump coming back to Butler
Commissioner Leslie Osche says that the commissioners have received no official word about Trump's return or a date when he will return. She says it's possible that other officials in law enforcement or party leadership have been notified.
The following statement from Osche was provided to KDKA:
"The Commissioners have received no official word on his return or the date of his return. It is possible that other officials in law enforcement or in party leadership may have been notified. My thoughts... while this County has overwhelmingly welcomed and supported former President Trump, a return visit will place additional stress on law enforcement and the community. I am not sure we've had sufficient time to heal from the trauma. That said, I am sure that there are many County residents who are anxious for him to return. But the PUBLIC's safety MUST be the priority and we cannot afford to let politics blind mission as it did in July. Commissioner Boozel made it clear that the Democratic National Committee would right to know and scrutinize every expenditure made on the rally. Did they threaten the Commonwealth with the same? It seems law enforcement leadership at every level cut corners. To what end? Why? What do you think this is costing us now? Greater than dollars, it cost us the precious life of one of our own. I am angry. I am sad. I am disappointed. And I am waiting for the results of an investigation by qualified institutions instead of endless finger pointing. Now, we MUST rebuild trust among law enforcement agencies in order to feel safe again. And, we must go back to helping a successful community of dedicated people heal, and try to focus on the things that are important to our County...Faith, Families, Emergency Services, Agriculture, Manufacturing, Energy, Recovery and Mental Health, Children, Seniors, Veterans, Election Integrity and Infrastructure."
Trump in Pennsylvania
Trump returned to Pennsylvania on July 31 for the first time since the assassination attempt for a rally in Harrisburg.
"A very special hello, Pennsylvania, I'm thrilled to be back in this beautiful Commonwealth," Trump said to the crowd at the New Holland Arena.
Before his interview with Musk on Monday, Trump's campaign announced a rally in Wilkes-Barre for Aug. 17 at the Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza.