spot_imgspot_img

Trump returning to Butler on Saturday

spot_img

(The Center Square) – On Saturday, former President Donald Trump will return to the same rally stage in Pennsylvania where he stood when a would-be assassin opened fire in July, nearly taking his life.

Trump confirmed the visit to Butler on X, alongside the now-iconic image of him raising his fist into the air, blood smeared across his face as the American flag drapes in the background.

The moment, recognized as a historic turning point in an unpredictable campaign cycle on all sides, was only the first attempt on Trump’s life. A second man, 58-year-old Ryan Routh, sits in jail after opening fire at the former president as he golfed in West Palm Beach, Fla. on Sept. 15.

Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, was the Butler gunman and killed by security. Corey Comperatore, in the audience behind Trump, was killed by Crooks’ shots.

Security measures for Saturday, however, are already ratcheting up, according to multiple media reports. In an interview with NBC News, a woman who sells merchandise at the rally said the security perimeter surrounding the venue is already “locked down.”

That perimeter has been the source of much scrutiny from a congressional task force investigating the July 13 shooting that killed the 50-year-old Comperatore and severely wounded 57-year-old David Dutch and 74-year-old James Copenhaven.

During a Sept. 26 hearing in Washington, lawmakers balked at the U.S. Secret Service’s decision to leave the AGR building, located roughly 400 feet from the rally stage, outside of its purview – even after local law enforcement warned them of the danger.

Drew Blasko, a patrolman with the Butler Township Police Department who served as assistant team leader of one of two local sniper units on duty that day, said he asked for more guards to protect the area.

Despite an assurance to the contrary, the request was unfulfilled – a point that was illustrated when Chairman Mike Kelly, R-Pa., showed a state trooper’s dashboard camera footage that caught the shooter, Crooks, scaling the roof of the building. In just three minutes he opened fire.

The request for more outdoor guards wasn’t the only resource discussed that never showed up on the day of the rally. Adams Township Police Sgt. Edward Lenz, who commanded the Butler County Emergency Services Unit that day, and Pennsylvania State Police Lt. John Herold said sniper fencing was intended to cover a chain-link fence separating the AGR complex from the farm show grounds. Additional barriers, including a large projector screen, were not set up either.

During congressional questioning, the lawmen agreed that eight to 10 more officers stationed outside the building would have likely prevented Crooks from getting into position. Foot traffic around the complex could have been restricted – upward of 200 people who had not gone through security screening were reportedly watching the rally from the parking lot – and approximately 5 acres of the building’s land could have been sectioned off from the public. A sniper on the nearby water tower, cameras on the building’s roof and blocked-off parking would have been other options, the officers added.

DON’T MISS OUT

Be the first to know about the latest news, giveaways, events, and updates from The Black Chronicle!

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

spot_img
spot_img

Hot this week

African and Caribbean Nations Call for Reparations for Slave Trade, Propose Global Fund

Nations across Africa and the Caribbean, deeply impacted by...

Health care company agrees to pay $22.5 million to settle claims of over billing

A health care company agreed to pay nearly $22.5...

Sports betting expert offers advice on paying taxes for gambling winnings

(The Center Square) – Tax season is underway, and...

Entertainment district benefits don’t outweigh the cost, economists say

(The Center Square) — Weeks later, after more details...

Business association ‘disappointed’ by WA L&I’s proposed workers comp rate hike

(The Center Square) – The Association of Washington Business...

State rep says Wisconsin’s school funding program worked on Election Day

(The Center Square) – One of Wisconsin’s Republican state...

Washington state voters decide to keep capital gains tax

(The Center Square) – Tuesday night results for Initiative...

Watchdog highlights financial, staffing issues at Virginia Department of Health

(The Center Square) — Virginia’s legislative watchdog agency presented...

Republicans sweep Texas races statewide, school choice likely on the horizon

(The Center Square) – Texas voters overwhelmingly reelected Republicans...

Tennessee economists present rosy revenue picture

(The Center Square) – Tennessee's top economists presented different...

Casey disputes McCormick’s U.S. Senate win

(The Center Square) – U.S. Sen Bob Casey Jr....

Helene: Federal legislation seeks $15B in assistance

(The Center Square) – Two bills have been filed...

Caddo Commission postpones allocating funds for community lighthouse project

(The Center Square) — The Caddo Parish Commission postponed...

More like this
Related

State rep says Wisconsin’s school funding program worked on Election Day

(The Center Square) – One of Wisconsin’s Republican state...

Washington state voters decide to keep capital gains tax

(The Center Square) – Tuesday night results for Initiative...

Watchdog highlights financial, staffing issues at Virginia Department of Health

(The Center Square) — Virginia’s legislative watchdog agency presented...

Republicans sweep Texas races statewide, school choice likely on the horizon

(The Center Square) – Texas voters overwhelmingly reelected Republicans...