Enthusiastic supporters greet Trump as he returns from Butler County

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

“I think it's very important to be here now,” she said, adding that she wasn't surprised that Trump returned to the scene just months after the shooting. “He should do that.”

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

An enthusiastic, often rowdy crowd greeted the former president.

Many wore “Make America Great Again” hats, Trump shirts and patriotic colors. A T-shirt design prevalent in the crowd featured a photo of the former president with his ears bleeding and his fist raised screaming “Fight, fight, fight” after he was wounded at the July 13 rally.

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

Spontaneous chants like “USA, USA, USA” and “Fight!” Fight! Fight!” erupted several times in the crowd, hours before Trump took the stage. Many supporters clenched their fists and cheered during the rally, reminiscent of the gesture Trump made after the assassination.

Trump's speech was preceded by a program featuring paratroopers, a live patriotic painting and music.

Several speakers, including Trump, paused to honor Corey Comperatore, 50, of Buffalo Township, who was shot while shielding his wife and daughters from gunfire at the July rally. During several tributes to him, the crowd largely fell silent. Another time they burst into cheers of “Corey!” Corey! Corey!”

His firefighting equipment was displayed in the stands behind the stage.

Several supporters who witnessed the attack in July returned on Saturday.

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

“At the time I had no idea what was going on,” he said. “Suddenly I saw President Trump fall to the ground and the rest of the crowd began to run for cover. I got out and took cover until I saw President Trump stand up. I stood up next to him and noticed blood coming from his ear.”

Paunovich admitted violence was on his mind when he returned to Butler on Saturday.

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

Dina and Larry Goldowski of Middleton, Pennsylvania, also attended the July rally.

They said they had no concerns about going back to Trump.

“We have to fight, fight, fight for the country,” said Dina Goldowski.

The two were happy about the extra security at Saturday's event.

U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly, R-Butler, who chairs a bipartisan task force investigating the July attack, told TribLive on Saturday that security and communications strategies were enhanced in advance of the rally.

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

Helicopters and drones hovered over the site throughout the day.

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

Many participants said they felt safe.

“I expect security to be great today,” said Quinto, who traveled from Texas to watch the rally and Steelers-Cowboys game in Pittsburgh on Sunday.

Rally participants had to pass through metal detectors and bag checks. Snipers lined the surrounding rooftops.

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

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

Carroll said she enjoyed what she called the friendly atmosphere.

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

The rally attracted supporters of all ages.

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

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