Trump Praises Secret Service, Acknowledges Mistakes After Assassination Attempt

Amya Jones
August 6, 2024 12:04am
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Former President Trump addressed the Secret Service and acknowledged scrutiny of the agency's effectiveness during the assassination attempt on his life, while the Butler Farm Show resumed activities after the incident.

The 76th Annual Butler Farm Show commenced on Monday in the same field where an assassination attempt on former President Trump's life occurred just over three weeks prior. Organizers and vendors prepared for the event amid the aftermath of the July 13th shooting.

Ken Laughlin, president of the Butler Farm Show, expressed sadness over the incident and its impact on the community. "It's a hard thing to get over," he said, "but everybody is excited here to get the Farm Show going and get back to normal life."

Trump Praises Secret Service, Acknowledges Mistakes After Assassination Attempt

Given the recent security concerns, Laughlin confirmed that Pennsylvania State Police would provide additional assistance during the event. Organizers also pledged cooperation with the ongoing FBI investigation into the assassination attempt.

On Sunday evening, a public vigil was held at the farm show grounds to "cleanse and reclaim" the site for its intended purpose, according to Rev. Joel Benson of Butler Trinity Lutheran Church.

Trump Praises Secret Service, Acknowledges Mistakes After Assassination Attempt

The Butler Farm Show aims to highlight the region's agricultural heritage, featuring local exhibits and showcasing the county's prominence in Pennsylvania's agriculture industry.

While both major political parties plan to staff kiosks at the fair, the exhibits will remain politics-neutral. No displays will be specifically geared towards Trump or his appearance at the previous rally.

Trump Praises Secret Service, Acknowledges Mistakes After Assassination Attempt

In his first Pennsylvania appearance since the Butler incident, Trump addressed a large indoor event at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg. He joked about the venue's resemblance to Madison Square Garden.

The Butler Farm Show opened up its fairground rides on Monday at 4 p.m. The schedule includes a variety of agricultural events and contests, such as hog showmanship, log pull competitions, and watermelon-eating contests.