Donald Trump returned to Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday for a rally at the same location where an attempt on his life occurred just 12 weeks earlier.
The U.S. Republican presidential candidate, known for his bold approach, began his speech with humor, referencing the failed assassination attempt.
Standing behind bulletproof glass, Trump opened with the line, “As I was saying,” which elicited laughter from the crowd. He then pointed to a border-crossing chart that he claims helped save his life back in July when Thomas Matthew Crooks fired at him from a nearby rooftop.
Despite being grazed by a bullet on his ear, Trump declared that neither he nor the MAGA movement would be silenced. His supporters waved “FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT!” signs in reference to the moment after the shooting.
Elon Musk, who has endorsed Trump, was also present at the rally, along with Trump’s running mate, Ohio Senator J.D. Vance.
During the event, Trump paid tribute to Corey Comperatore, a former volunteer fire chief who lost his life during the shooting. He offered heartfelt words for Comperatore’s widow, Helen, and their family, who were in attendance.
Security was heightened to ensure Trump could finish the speech he had started before the attempt on his life. His lighthearted remark, “As I was saying,” reflected his resolve to move forward despite the attack.