Donald Trump is returning to Butler, Pennsylvania, the place where he was last seen encouraging his followers to "fight," even while blood marked his face from an assailant's bullet. In announcing his return, the former president and current Republican nominee said he planned to “celebrate a unifying vision for America’s future in an event like the world has never seen before.” While many are predicting a large crowd to hear Trump speak back at the very Farm Show property where a bullet grazed his right ear on July 13, there is also apprehension in town, along with a sense that Butler is still healing, The Associated Press reports. There are visible signs of the tension left behind. “Fight” graffiti — echoing Trump’s words in the immediate aftermath of the shooting — began showing up around Butler County in the ensuing two weeks. In some places, the word “fight” on roadways was countered by another spray-painted message: “love.”
Police and emergency officials are under investigation by state police, the FBI, and Congress following the shootings. The county has received around 300 open records requests, far above the usual amount. Many expect lawsuits that could last for years. County Commissioner Kevin Boozel said some residents are concerned about Trump’s upcoming rally due to the previous security failure. At the last event, extreme heat also led to several hospitalizations. Boozel has received numerous emails urging officials to cancel Trump’s return. "‘Don’t let him back here,’” he said of Trump. “Because emotionally, we’re not ready for that.” Retired librarian Kathy Kline supports Kamala Harris and feels those opposing Trump’s return have been overlooked. Kline belongs to a Facebook group, “Butler PA Women for Kamala Harris,” which has grown to 1,500 members.
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