It has been roughly two weeks since former President Donald Trump was the target of an assassination attempt at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
However, in a move that has stunned the nation, Trump has expressed his intention to soon return to the scene of that harrowing experience in order to hold another event – this time in honor of the man who was tragically gunned down by the would-be assassin, as Breitbart reports.
On July 13, during a large, outdoor rally in Butler, Trump was struck in the ear after gunshots rang out from a nearby rooftop in a stunning sequence of events seen by millions live on television.
Two spectators in the crowd were seriously injured in the incident, and retired fire chief Corey Comperatore, another rally attendee, was tragically killed by a bullet while shielding his family.
Though some might avoid ever visiting such a site again, Trump made a surprising announcement on his Truth Social network this past week, declaring that he had every intention of heading back to Butler for a very important reason.
In his characteristic all-caps style, Trump wrote, “I will be going back to Butler, Pennsylvania, for a big and beautiful rally, honoring the soul of our beloved firefighting hero, Corey, and those brave patriots injured two weeks ago.”
Hearkening back to the battle cry he released moments after being struck himself, Trump added, “What a day it will be – fight, fight, fight! Stay tuned for details.”
It was just last week that the Washington Post reported that the U.S. Secret Service had encouraged the Trump campaign to consider discontinuing the sort of large, outdoor rally events for which the former president is known.
Sources said to be familiar with the matter who spoke to the Post on condition of anonymity suggested that security vulnerabilities at outdoor venues were sufficient reason for Trump to explore alternative options.
The Post suggested that the Trump campaign had not planned any upcoming events in outdoor settings and was instead scouting sports arenas and similar venues for future rallies.
At the time of the paper's reporting, the Trump campaign declined to comment, and the reason for that may have revealed itself shortly thereafter, given the former president's announcement of his imminent return to Butler.
As CBS News noted, it was on Saturday that Trump moved to set the record straight on the rally question, posting again on Truth Social to say, “I will continue to do outdoor rallies, and Secret Service has agreed to substantially step up their operation."
They are very capable of doing so," he added. "No one can ever be allowed to stop or impede free speech or gathering!!!”
Though Trump supporters everywhere will no doubt be holding their breaths every time the former president takes the stage between now and November, his bravery in the face of mortal danger is undeniable and is among the reasons millions have already decided to cast a ballot for him this fall.
