Former President Donald Trump’s campaign has estimated that over 105,000 people attended his return rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday – just a few months after he narrowly survived an assassination attempt. A campaign aide confirmed the number of attendees to Breitbart News.
Video footage of the October 5 event circulated online, highlighting the huge crowd gathered for Trump’s return. Supporters were seen camping out near the entrance on Friday night, hoping to secure a prime spot close to the stage. When Breitbart News arrived at the venue at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday morning, a long line of attendees could be seen making their way into the event.
Rallygoers spoke to Breitbart News about their admiration for Trump’s bravery in returning to the same site where he survived an assassination attempt after being hit in the ear by a bullet. The now-famous chart displaying illegal border crossings, which Trump credits with helping him dodge the bullet during the July 13 incident when Crooks started firing, was showcased once again at this rally.
The event also served as a celebration of life for former Pennsylvania fire chief Corey Comperatore, who tragically lost his life on July 13 when Thomas Matthew Crooks began firing bullets at the 45th president in what is now considered the first assassination attempt on Trump. Trump made sure to time his speech so that at 6:11 p.m., exactly twelve weeks after the shooting occurred, he paused for a moment of silence for Compertore. This was followed by opera singer Christopher Macchio performing Franz Schubert’s “Ave Maria” live on stage in honor of the late fire chief.
Rally attendees David Dutch and James Copenhaver, who were severely injured during the assassination attempt on Trump, were also honored at the 45th president’s return rally in Butler on Saturday. Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, was present at the event and urged Trump supporters to vote, warning them that “this will be the last election” if they do not participate.