Former President Donald Trump made a return to Butler, Pennsylvania, the location of his July assassination attempt, to hold a rally that quickly shifted from a commemoration to a standard campaign event. Trump used the rally to attack Vice President Kamala Harris and drum up support for his reelection bid, calling on allies like Tesla CEO Elon Musk to help make his case.
The rally was also intended to honor Corey Comperatore, a former firefighter who was killed at the previous event, and the city of Butler itself. Trump's speech included honoring the victims of the shooting before transitioning into his usual stump speech.
Elon Musk made an appearance at the rally to endorse Trump and highlight the former president's character under fire. Musk's endorsement marked a shift in his relationship with Trump, as he has since become more involved in fundraising for the campaign and potentially eyeing a White House position.
Ohio Sen. JD Vance, named as Trump's running mate after the Butler shooting, also spoke at the rally, emphasizing the importance of the event as a metaphor for the United States.
The Secret Service heightened security measures for the rally following the previous assassination attempt against Trump in July. The agency pledged comprehensive changes and enhancements to ensure the safety and security of the former president.
Overall, the Butler rally was a mix of honoring the victims of the previous shooting, attacking political opponents, and rallying support for Trump's reelection bid. The event marked one of Trump's last high-profile opportunities to make his case for another term as president.