Trump rally in Butler: Tight security, big crowd anticipated

Butler County has hosted many large-scale events in its history, but county Commissioners Chairwoman Leslie Osche can’t recall one as big as the one planned for Saturday for former president and Republican nominee Donald Trump.

Trump will return to the Butler Farm Show grounds, nearly three months after an assassination attempt there and, possibly making the event even larger, Elon Musk will be there, too.

Doors open at the farm show, 625 Evans City Road, at 10 a.m. Saturday. Trump is scheduled to deliver remarks at 5 p.m.

Here’s what to know:

Security

A bullet grazed Trump’s right ear during the rally July 13. Rallygoer Corey Comperatore, a Buffalo Township firefighter, was killed while shielding his family from bullets. James Copenhaver of Moon and David Dutch of Plum were injured during the shooting. They will be recognized during Saturday’s rally, according to the Trump campaign.

The Trump campaign hired a private security firm for the event. Osche said her understanding is there are a high number of participating agencies for event safety, and the number of people participating in those agencies is also increased from the July rally.

The Farm Show grounds have been lined with large box trucks and trailers as a safety precaution, Osche said, which is new from the previous rally.

There have been “comprehensive changes and enhancements” to communication capabilities, resourcing and protective operations, said Anthony Guglielmi, spokesman for the U.S. Secret Service. He said Trump is “receiving heightened protection” and the Secret Service “takes the responsibility to ensure his safety and security very seriously.”

“Regarding the October 5 event in Butler, we are coordinating closely with the Pennsylvania State Police as well as local law enforcement in and around Butler Township,” he said. “We are also leveraging other federal security resources to expand personnel and technology.”

More on Trump's 2nd Butler rally

• Butler-area residents split on Trump's return for rally at farm show grounds
• Elon Musk says he will attend Trump's Butler rally
• Months after husband's death at Trump rally, Helen Comperatore ‘still trying to heal’

Guglielmi said to maintain the integrity of the Secret Service’s operations, he cannot go into specifics regarding the security enhancements. He said there will be an increased presence of state, local and federal law enforcement.

Butler County’s Emergency Management Agency also has put in a lot of work, and crews have improved connections to nearby cell towers to bolster communications, Osche said.

“I feel confident it will be a safe event,” Osche said.

Traffic

Osche said her understanding is that the only entrance to the event will be from Buttercup Road.

State police said previously they expect heavy traffic in the Butler Farm Show grounds area. Motorists not attending the event should avoid the area, include Route 68 (Evans City Road) in Butler and Connoquenessing townships. It’s recommended they use I-79, Route 8 and Route 22 to get around event traffic.

“While we cannot comment on specifics, the Pennsylvania State Police is committed to providing the necessary resources to ensure a safe event when former President Trump returns to Butler,” said Adam Reed, spokesman for state police. “The United States Secret Service has the lead in planning, and our department is working with them and our local partners to ensure a safe event.”

Prohibited items

The Secret Service directs people to a list of things that can’t be brought to the venue, which include coolers, large backpacks, selfie sticks and large signs.

Bags can’t be larger than 18 inches by 13 inches by 7 inches. Signs can’t be bigger than 20 feet by 3 feet by 1/4-inch. Glass, thermal or metal containers are prohibited.

The full list can be found at https://www.secretservice.gov/prohibiteditems.

All eyes on Butler

Osche said when she was visiting the site Thursday for an interview, a Japanese news station also was at the grounds for its news coverage.

“There’s certainly a heightened interest,” Osche said.

Osche said the guest list for the event continues to grow. She and Commissioner Kimberly Geyer will deliver remarks on first responders, resilience in the community and remembering Comperatore.

Reports indicate Secret Service agencies are anticipating attendance to be between 15,000 to 60,000 people. Most hotels in the Butler area are reporting they’re completely booked.

“Candidates come to Butler County because we do represent the best of what is middle class America, and we’re proud of that,” Osche said.

Weather

TribLive news partner WTAE predicts a sunny day Saturday, with a high of 74 degrees.

There is a 9% chance of precipitation.