On July 13, 2024, the small town of Butler, Pennsylvania, population 13,000, found itself at the center of a national crisis when gunman Thomas Mathew Crooks launched an attack during a rally for former President Donald Trump. The incident resulted in chaos and tragedy; Trump narrowly escaped with a bullet grazing his ear, an outcome that could have had catastrophic consequences for both the President and the nation. In the aftermath, Butler shifted from being a quiet, friendly town known for its agricultural roots to a site of notoriety for the attempted assassination. As residents grappled with this sudden infamy, many expressed sadness that their community’s peaceful image was forever tainted by violence.
Local leaders and residents were quick to express their grief, especially over the death of firefighter Corey Comperatore, who was slain amidst the chaos. Mayor J.D. Longo of nearby Slippery Rock articulated the pain many felt, lamenting that events like these overshadow the idyllic nature of life in Butler. The rally was meant to be a celebration of democracy and political engagement, but instead it turned into a tragedy that would haunt the community. Longo emphasized the collective sorrow for Comperatore’s family, hoping that Butler could be remembered for its unity and resilience, rather than the violence of that day.
Despite the tragedy, a sense of pride emerged within Butler as the community rallied to support each other post-incident. Zach Scherer, a local Trump supporter, noted persistent feelings of grief and anxiety among residents, many of whom have been affected on a personal level. While the community recognized the importance of mourning the loss of life, there was also a desire to focus on the solidarity displayed during the tough times. The notion of “tough cookies,” as President Trump often refers to his supporters, encapsulates the local spirit that emerged despite the harrowing circumstances.
Residents also reflected on the impact of the shooting on their cherished traditions. Erin Autenreith, a long-time rally-goer, shared her dismay over the association of Butler’s beloved farm show with this violent episode. Once a wholesome gathering spot for families, the annual event has now taken on a new, tragic significance. Autenreith’s somber nostalgia for the past underscores how the fabric of everyday life has been irrevocably altered by such violence, and local activities are now tainted by reminders of that fateful day.
The Butler Farm Show, the venue for the Trump rally, is struggling to separate itself from the shooting. Media restrictions on the property indicate an attempt to manage its public image and minimize the impact of the event on its long-standing tradition. Residents like Autenreith lament that Butler has become synonymous with violence instead of its positive attributes, like its proximity to Pittsburgh and its thriving community events. The shooting has cast a long shadow over the community, prompting discussions about identity and legacy even as they seek to return to normalcy.
In the weeks following the incident, however, the resilience of Butler’s residents shone through. There was a notable sense of togetherness as they came together to support the Comperatore family and each other during this challenging time. Lucie Roth, who was at the rally, illustrated the determination of those in the community as she re-attended Trump’s subsequent events without hesitation. This spirit of unity in the face of adversity reflects a deeper bond among residents, who express the hope that the community will ultimately be defined not by violence but by solidarity and support for one another in their time of need.
