Jacki Quinto traveled more than 1,300 miles from Amarillo, Texas, to see former President Donald Trump return to the Butler County site where a bullet grazed his right ear in an attempted assassination in July.

“I think it’s very important to be here now,” she said, adding she wasn’t surprised Trump would return to the scene just a few months after the shooting occurred. “It’s what he should do.”

Quinto was among tens of thousands of supporters who descended on the Butler Farm Show grounds Saturday to cheer on the former president.

An enthusiastic, often loudly animated crowd greeted the former president.

Many donned Make America Great Again hats, Trump shirts and patriotic colors. One T-shirt design prevalent in the crowd featured a photo of the former president, ear bloodied, fist raised, screaming “Fight, fight, fight,” after being wounded at the July 13 rally.

Thousands cheered and pointed their phones to the sky to record the moment Trump’s plane flew over the site as he arrived in Butler.

Spontaneous chants of “USA, USA, USA,” and “Fight! Fight! Fight!” broke out throughout the crowd several times, starting hours before Trump took the stage. Many supporters pumped their fists while cheering throughout the rally, reminiscent of the gesture Trump made after the assassination attempt.

Trump’s speech was preceded by a program that included paratroopers, a live patriotic painting and music.

Several speakers, including Trump, paused to honor Corey Comperatore, 50, of Buffalo Township, who was shot and killed while shielding his wife and daughters from gunfire at the July rally. The crowd largely fell quiet during some the tributes to him. Other times, they broke into cheers of “Corey! Corey! Corey!”

His fire turnout gear was displayed in the stands behind the stage.

Several supporters who witnessed the assassination attempt in July returned Saturday.

Thad Paunovich, 30, of Delmont said he was sitting about 15 rows behind Trump during the July rally.

“At the time, I had no idea what was happening,” he said. “All of a sudden I saw President Trump go down, and the rest of the crowd began to take cover. I got down and took cover until I saw President Trump stand up. I stood up with him and noticed he was hit with blood flowing from his ear.”

Paunovich acknowledged that violence was on his mind as he came back to Butler on Saturday.

“However, I didn’t hesitate for a second on whether I should come back and show my support for Donald Trump,” he said. “Donald Trump is a fighter, and we as supporters have his back.”

Dina and Larry Goldowski of Middleton, Pa., also had been at the July rally.

They said they had no hesitations about returning to see Trump again.

“We’ve got to fight, fight, fight for the country,” Dina Goldowski said.

The pair said they were happy to see added security at Saturday’s event.

U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly, R-Butler, who chairs a bipartisan task force probing the July assassination attempt, told TribLive Saturday that security and communications strategies were improved ahead of the rally.

“The biggest difference between July and October is communication,” Kelly said, explaining that law enforcement at all levels are prepared to better communicate with each other.

Helicopters and drones hovered above the site throughout the day.

“There is no place safer in America — or maybe in the world — than Butler, Pennsylvania today,” Kelly said.

Many attendees said they felt safe.

“I figure security will be awesome today,” said Quinto, who traveled from Texas to catch the rally and the Steelers-Cowboys game Sunday in Pittsburgh.

Rallygoers had to pass through metal detectors and bag checks. Snipers lined nearby rooftops.

Kelly Carroll, 50, of West Deer said she was unconcerned as she attended her first Trump rally Saturday.

“I had no qualms about coming today,” she said. “I just wanted to be part of it.”

Carroll said she enjoyed what she called a friendly atmosphere.

“It’s not going to change my vote,” said Carroll, who had already decided to vote for Trump. “It’s just about being part of a bigger movement.”

The rally drew supporters of all ages.

Carson Vanallman, 12, of Tyrone in Blair County arrived in Butler Saturday morning with his parents. He was excited to see the former president in person for the first time.

“I love his energy and what he brings to the table,” he said.

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