Enthusiastic Trump supporters speak out about security at historic rally in Pennsylvania

BUTLER, Pa. – For ardent Trump supporters who flocked to the Butler Farm Show grounds to hear the former president speak, safety was the top priority.

Police were omnipresent in the crowd, which a Butler County sheriff's official estimated at up to 60,000 people. Snipers were seen on rooftops ahead of the rally and the Secret Service confirmed increased security. The event marked Trump's return to the Pennsylvania venue where he narrowly survived an assassination attempt in July. The former president's address is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. EST.

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A uniformed Secret Service agent checks on a rally attendee as former President Trump returns to Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday. (Matthew McDermott for Fox News Digital)

Friends who traveled more than three hours to see Trump said their families were concerned about them coming to the rally but expressed that the increased security made them feel safe.

“Our families weren’t particularly excited about us coming today,” Jody Cavalieri said. “But we see the snipers, the police everywhere and the camaraderie, and it’s great.”

“People come from all over the country, it’s an incredible feeling,” said Dena Diebold.

Secret Service officers stand in the entrance area of ​​the Butler Farm Show grounds, where former President Trump returned Saturday for a campaign rally. (Matthew McDermott for Fox News Digital)

The Secret Service has increased security since the first Butler rally in July – including the roof of a nearby warehouse from which investigators say 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks fired on July 13.

Crooks fired eight rounds of bullets, grazing Trump's ear, killing a 50-year-old firefighter and father of two daughters, Corey Comperatore, and wounding two others.

A Secret Service officer checks a rally attendee before former President Trump's rally on Saturday in Butler, Pennsylvania. (Matthew McDermott for Fox News Digital)

US Secret Service (USSS) spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said in a statement to Fox News Digital that Trump received “enhanced” security during the second Butler rally.

“Since the assassination attempt on former President Trump on July 13, the U.S. Secret Service has made extensive changes and improvements to our communications capabilities, resources and protections,” he said. “Today, the former president receives increased protection and we take the responsibility to ensure his safety very seriously.”

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Guglielmi said the USSS is “coordinating closely with the Pennsylvania State Police as well as local law enforcement.”

“We are also leveraging other federal security resources to expand personnel and technology,” he said. “In order to maintain the integrity of our protection measures, we cannot elaborate on the security enhancements. Area residents should expect traffic delays and an increased presence of state, local and federal law enforcement as part of our efforts.”

A Secret Service officer checks on a rally attendee before former President Trump's speech on Saturday in Butler, Pennsylvania. (Matthew McDermott for Fox News Digital)

Chairs are set up for Saturday's Trump campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. (Matthew McDermott for Fox News Digital)

Supporters noted the increased protection and said they felt safer than they did during the July 13 rally.

“It’s obviously safer. Much safer,” David Mills told Fox News Digital, pointing to the snipers on the rooftops. “There are snipers back on the roof. There are law enforcement agencies everywhere.”

“I didn't feel unsafe in July, but the safety in July was significantly less than it was four years ago (in Butler) and today,” he added.

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Others said the added security made them feel safe taking part.

“I feel safe. I listen to Fox News and I know they have increased security,” said Saint Mary School District athletic secretary Denise Materia. “I see the safety here, and I’ve seen the evidence of things we’re not allowed to introduce.”

Dan Deazley carries a cross as he prays with Sue Hensal and others as they wait in line for a rally for Republican presidential candidate and former President Trump at the Butler Farm Show grounds in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

Dan Beasley, a real estate agent, joked that this was the “safest place in America.”

“It’s probably the safest place in America right now,” he said with a laugh. “That’s what I’m going to say.”

“People are quiet,” he continued. “This is a group of God-fearing people taking a stand here.”

Trump's campaign said he was “more determined than ever” after the two attacks in the last nine weeks, one in Butler and the other at his golf club in West Palm Beach, Florida.

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“In this Butler Field on July 13th he fired a bullet for democracy – and on November 5th he will save our democracy,” they said. “With the help of the great people of Pennsylvania and citizens across our country, we will make America safer, stronger, freer and greater than ever before.”