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Edited by: Fern Sidman
Former President Donald Trump made an emotional return to Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday to deliver a speech at a campaign rally that was cut short in July due to an assassination attempt. Opening his speech with the words, “As I was saying,” Trump revisited the points he was making when the tragic incident unfolded, reaffirming his commitment to his supporters and the nation. According to a report that appeared on theNewsmax.com web site, Trump’s speech was interrupted on Saturday afternoon, July 13th when gunman, Thomas Crooks, 20,attempted to take his life during a rally, a moment that has since been seared into the memory of his movement.
During the rally in July, Trump was discussing immigration numbers when gunfire erupted. Picking up where he left off, Trump told the crowd on Saturday, “I love that chart. I love that graph,” as he resumed his remarks, fulfilling the promise he made to return and finish the speech he began nearly three months earlier. As Newsmax.com reported, Trump’s speech was particularly emotional when he remembered Cory Comperatore, a firefighter who was fatally shot while shielding his wife and daughters during the July 13 assassination attempt. “Comperatore is a folk hero,” Trump declared, praising his bravery and selflessness. Comperatore’s family was present at the rally, and Trump took the opportunity to honor his legacy as “an incredible husband and father, a devout Christian, a veteran, and a proud former fire chief, very respected within the town.”The tribute was accompanied by the haunting sound of “Ave Maria,” performed by opera tenor Christopher Macchio.
Comperatore was well-known and admired in his community for his willingness to put others before himself, particularly through his career as a firefighter. “Few men volunteered to run into fires, but Cory was one of those,” Trump said, speaking to Comperatore’s extraordinary courage and commitment to service, as was indicated in the Newsmax.com report. His death left a profound impact on the community, and his legacy was front and center as Trump recounted his story to the Butler rally attendees.
“It’s love like Cory’s that is joining us to save our country, that’s going to heal our country, and that is going to reunite our country as one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all,” Trump said, as reported by Newsmax.com. His words resonated deeply with the audience, many of whom had lived through the trauma of that summer day. Trump’s message of unity and healing seemed especially poignant given the personal sacrifices made by those present.
In addition to remembering Comperatore, Trump took time to honor others who were affected by the violence on July 13. David Dutch, 57, and James Copenhaver, 74, were both injured during the attack, and Trump acknowledged them during the rally, the Newsmax.com report said. Several other attendees and first responders from the day of the attempted assassination were also special guests, each playing a crucial role in either surviving the attack or helping others in its aftermath.
“Tonight I returned to Butler in the aftermath of tragedy and heartache to deliver a simple message to the people of Pennsylvania and to the people of America,” Trump told the crowd, according to Newsmax.com. “Our movement to make America great again stands stronger, prouder, more united, more determined, and nearer to victory than ever before.” His words resonated with the crowd, many of whom had attended the July rally and witnessed firsthand the chaos and devastation of the assassination attempt.
Trump framed the assassination attempt as an attack not just on him personally, but on the broader “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) movement. “The attempt,” Trump said, “came when a cold-blooded assassin aimed to silence me and to silence the greatest movement, MAGA, in the history of our country.” Despite the violence and tragedy, Trump insisted that the movement has emerged stronger and more resilient than before. The Newsmax.com report indicated that his message of unity transcended political affiliations, with the former president stating, “Our movement belongs to everyone, no matter which party.”
As Newsmax.com highlighted, Trump’s return to Butler was about more than just revisiting his interrupted speech—it was a rallying cry for his supporters and a reaffirmation of the MAGA movement’s core values. “We are going to usher in a new golden age of American security, prosperity, sovereignty, and freedom for our citizens of every race, religion, color, and creed,” Trump said, promising a brighter future for all Americans. This message of inclusivity and hope is central to Trump’s ongoing political platform as he continues to galvanize support for his vision of America’s future.
Trump did not shy away from recounting the harrowing moments when the assassin opened fire, emphasizing the bravery of those who acted to protect him. “For 16 harrowing seconds during the gunfire, time stopped as this vicious monster unleashed pure evil from his sniper’s perch,” Trump said, recounting the moments of chaos. “By the hand of providence and the grace of God, that villain did not succeed in his goal, did not come close.”
He thanked his Secret Service detail for their swift and selfless actions, saying, “They threw their bodies on top of mine without a thought for their own lives.” As Newsmax.com reported, Trump’s gratitude for his security team was clear, and he credited both their quick response and divine intervention for saving his life and preserving the movement.
“Those agents displayed a devotion to duty that cannot be described,” Trump said, referring to his Secret Service team. “And they did it yet again, less than three weeks ago, when they really did a fantastic job. Another attempt. It was another attempt. We have an evil world. We have a very sick world. My gratitude to them is beyond measure,” he added, as quoted by Newsmax.com.
The rally was not only an emotional event but also a high-profile gathering of Trump’s key supporters. Among those in attendance was Elon Musk, owner of X (formerly Twitter), who has emerged as a vocal advocate of free speech.
Musk, wearing a MAGA hat, offered strong support for Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign and emphasized the critical importance of the upcoming election. According to multiple reports, including those from Politico and Lou Dobbs, Musk highlighted the stakes of the election, stating that it is “the most important election of our lifetime.” He warned that if Trump did not win, this could be “the last election,” highlighting concerns about threats to democracy and freedom of speech.
Musk’s speech drew a sharp contrast between Trump and President Joe Biden, using vivid imagery to illustrate their differing leadership styles. He remarked, “We had one president who couldn’t climb a flight of stairs and another who was fist-pumping after getting shot,” referencing Trump’s resilience following the assassination attempt in Butler earlier that year.
The Tesla and SpaceX CEO continued by addressing foundational American freedoms, particularly free speech and the right to bear arms. Musk argued that the 1st and 2nd Amendments were intrinsically linked, stating, “You must have free speech in order to have democracy. That’s why it’s the 1st Amendment. And the 2nd Amendment is there to ensure that we have the 1st Amendment.” He warned of the dangers posed by policies that undermine voter ID laws, asserting that 14 states no longer require ID for voting, which threatens the integrity of the democratic process.
Musk’s endorsement of Trump and his concerns about the direction of the country were met with enthusiastic support from the rally’s attendees. His appearance further solidified his growing political presence during the 2024 election cycle, aligning him closely with Trump’s vision for the future of the United States.
Newsmax.com reported that Trump’s arrival was marked by a performance of his traditional rally anthem, “God Bless the USA,” sung live by country singer Lee Greenwood, adding to the patriotic atmosphere of the event.
Trump used the occasion to emphasize his ongoing mission to “rescue the United States from a failed and very corrupt political establishment.” Newsmax.com reported that his remarks addressed the necessity of reforming both the political system and the press. “We need also a very free and open press to give it back to the country,” Trump said, stressing the need for transparency and honesty in media reporting. He called on his supporters to stay engaged and vigilant, as he pledged to continue his fight for the country’s future.
Throughout his speech, Trump’s resolve was evident. Reflecting on the assassination attempt and the ongoing challenges of his political career, he made it clear that he would not be deterred. “In that mission, I will never quit. I will never bend. I will never break, I will never yield. Not even in the face of death itself,” he declared, as quoted by Newsmax.com. His words, filled with defiance and determination, energized his supporters and reinforced his message that the MAGA movement remains strong despite the adversity he has faced.
Trump’s speech served as both a rallying cry and a tribute, blending moments of personal reflection with broader political goals. His commitment to his supporters was evident as he reiterated his dedication to “making America great again” and vowed to continue fighting against the forces that are corrupting the country.
