The small town of Butler, Pennsylvania, population just over 13,000, is hosting what Sheriff Mike Slupe estimates will be 50,000 to 60,000 attendees for former President Donald Trump’s campaign rally at Butler Farm Show today.
The event marks Trump’s return to the infamous site where an assassination attempt occurred just two months ago.
The American Glass Research (AGR) building, from where Thomas Matthew Crooks fired shots on July 13, is a focal point of heightened security measures. That incident left Trump with a minor ear injury, wounded two attendees, and resulted in the death of Corey Comperatore, a former fire chief.
Newsweek reporter Monica Sager, on the ground at the Butler rally, observed multiple police officers near the AGR building. “No Trespassing” signs were prominently displayed around the area where the building is located. Sager also noted a police officer on horseback patrolling the area.
AFP/Getty Images
A state trooper at the scene confirmed to Newsweek that there is “beefed up security” for the event. Officers were seen along the fence line of the Butler Farm Show grounds, where the rally is taking place. A drone was observed flying above the event space, likely for aerial surveillance.
A significantly increased security presence was evident, with armed law enforcement officers in camouflage uniforms positioned on rooftops, according to reporting by the Associated Press. The building from which Crooks fired was concealed by tractor trailers, a large grassy area, and a fence.
Trump supporters Debbie and Jim spoke briefly with Newsweek, saying they felt safe at the rally because security measures had been noticeably “beefed up.”
The Secret Service, recently criticized in a bipartisan Senate report for five key failures during the July 13 incident, maintains a visible presence throughout the grounds. The report cited issues including failure to effectively cover the AGR building and coordinate with local law enforcement.
As the afternoon progresses, supporters continue to arrive, many wearing Trump campaign merchandise. Voting advocacy organizations are also present. Scott Presler, founder of Early Vote Action, reported registering a dozen new voters since early morning.
The rally’s guest list includes tech billionaire Elon Musk, who confirmed his attendance via social media, as well as Trump’s sons Eric and Donald Jr, and running mate JD Vance. Members of the Comperatore family, including Helen Comperatore and her daughters, are listed as special guests, while the Trump campaign has not confirmed whether former First Lady Melania Trump will be present at the event.
Trump’s campaign has described the event as a “tribute to the American spirit,” stating in a press release that “In America, we do not let monsters like that evil assassin have the last word.”
Pennsylvania remains a key battleground state in the upcoming election. Recent aggregate polls from FiveThirtyEight and The New York Times show a tight race for the state’s 19 Electoral College votes, with Vice President Kamala Harris leading by narrow margins of 0.6 percent and 1 percent, respectively.
This is a developing news story and will be updated with more information.
