Trump Will Return to Site of 1st Assassination Attempt, Honor Shooting Victims: Campaign

Former President Donald Trump raises his fist while being escorted off the stage at a rally after a failed attempt on his life in which gunfire from a would-be assassin hit and injured his ear, in Butler, Pa., on July 13, 2024. NTD, Evan Vucci/AP Photo

In a “tribute to the American spirit,” former President Donald Trump will return to Butler Township, Pennsylvania, on Oct. 5 for a rally “on the very same ground where he came within a quarter of an inch of losing his life,” his campaign announced on Sept. 25.

It will be the former president’s first return visit to the Butler Farm Show since gunfire from a would-be assassin disrupted his campaign rally there moments after it began on July 13.

Aiming from an unguarded rooftop, the would-be assassin fired at Trump, striking his right ear. Bullets also struck three rally attendees, one fatally. A U.S. Secret Service sniper’s return gunfire killed the gunman.

Trump has said he survived “by the grace of God.” He turned his head at the precise moment that the bullet was heading toward him, avoiding a direct hit.

“During his visit, President Trump will honor the memory of Corey Comperatore, who heroically sacrificed his life to shield his wife and daughters from the bullets on that terrible day,” his campaign’s news release said.

He also will recognize rally-goers David Dutch and James Copenhaver, who were seriously hurt. In addition, the former president “will express his deep gratitude to law enforcement and first responders, and thank the entire community for their outpouring of love and support in the wake of the attack,” his campaign said.

The Secret Service thwarted an apparent second planned assassination attempt at a golf course that the former president owns in West Palm Beach, Florida.

While Trump played a round of golf, an agent fired toward the area where he spotted a rifle’s muzzle protruding from a brush-covered fence line. The concealed would-be assassin fled, according to the agency.

Police later arrested the suspect, identified as Ryan Wesley Routh, 58, of Hawaii. He was initially charged with weapons offenses but was also indicted for attempted assassination in an indictment unsealed on Sept. 24.

“After not one, but two attempts on his life in the past nine weeks, President Trump is more determined than ever to see his mission through to the end,” his campaign’s news release said.

“In that Butler field on July 13th, he took a bullet for democracy—and on November 5th, he is going to save our democracy. With the help of the amazing people of Pennsylvania and citizens all across our land, we will make America safer, stronger, freer, and greater than ever before,” the campaign said.

His remarks are set to begin at 5 p.m. on Oct. 5.