BUTLER, Pa. (AP) — Thousands of supporters returned to Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday to rally around Donald Trump at the same site where a gunman tried to assassinate him in July.
Trump's campaign predicted that tens of thousands would attend the event, billed as a “tribute to the American spirit," and hundreds were lining up as the sun rose. Speakers who took the stage ahead of the GOP nominee — who has characterized his return as a fulfillment of “an obligation” to Butler — recalled the details of the July 13 shooting, praised the former president's courage and said God protected him that day, something Trump has also suggested about his surviving the attempt.
Click to Gallery
Kelly Comperatore-Meeder, left, and Dawn Comperatore-Schafer, sisters of firefighter Corey Comperatore, who died as he shielded family members from gunfire, cry at a campaign event for Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump, at the Butler Farm Show, the site where a gunman tried to assassinate Trump in July, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Kelly Comperatore-Meeder, left, and Dawn Comperatore-Schafer, sisters of firefighter Corey Comperatore, who died as he shielded family members from gunfire, cry at a campaign event for Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump, at the Butler Farm Show, the site where a gunman tried to assassinate Trump in July, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
BUTLER, Pa. (AP) — Thousands of supporters returned to Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday to rally around Donald Trump at the same site where a gunman tried to assassinate him in July.
Kelly Comperatore-Meeder, left, and Dawn Comperatore-Schafer, sisters of firefighter Corey Comperatore, who died as he shielded family members from gunfire, cry at a campaign event for Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump, at the Butler Farm Show, the site where a gunman tried to assassinate Trump in July, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Kelly Comperatore-Meeder, left, and Dawn Comperatore-Schafer, sisters of firefighter Corey Comperatore, who died as he shielded family members from gunfire, cry at a campaign event for Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump, at the Butler Farm Show, the site where a gunman tried to assassinate Trump in July, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Supporters arrive before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign event at the Butler Farm Show, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump boards his plane at West Palm Beach International Airport, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in West Palm Beach, Fla., as he travels to a campaign rally in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
Attendees stand during the Pledge of Allegiance before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump arrives to speak at a campaign event at the Butler Farm Show, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Supporters arrive before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
Supporters arrive before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
A supporter arrives before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
A supporter arrives before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
Supporters arrive before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
Supporters arrive before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show, the site where a gunman tried to assassinate him in July, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Law enforcement monitors the site before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
Supporters wait to go through security as they arrive before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
Supporters arrive before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
A U.S. Secret Service agent looks at the site before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show, the site where a gunman tried to assassinate him in July, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
A supporter of Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump waves a flag before a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
Supporters of Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump wait to enter a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
A supporter of Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump waits in line to enter a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
The campaign rally site is seen near sunrise before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at the Butler Farm Show, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
There were numerous references and tributes to Corey Comperatore, who died at the July rally as he shielded family members from gunfire. His fireman’s jacket was set up on display surrounded by flowers, an artist created a patriotic rendering of the former fire chief live on stage, and Comperatore's sisters wiped tears from their eyes as their brother was honored from the stage.
A visibly heightened security presence surrounded the site, with men in camouflage uniforms stationed on roofs with large guns. The building from which shots were fired in July was completely obscured by tractor-trailers, a large grassy perimeter and a fence, featuring Trump’s image from the previous rally. Other tweaks included most bleacher seats being arranged at the sides, rather behind the stage.
Kelly Comperatore-Meeder, left, and Dawn Comperatore-Schafer, sisters of firefighter Corey Comperatore, who died as he shielded family members from gunfire, attend a campaign event for Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump, at the Butler Farm Show, the site where a gunman tried to assassinate Trump in July, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Kelly Comperatore-Meeder, left, and Dawn Comperatore-Schafer, sisters of firefighter Corey Comperatore, who died as he shielded family members from gunfire, cry at a campaign event for Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump, at the Butler Farm Show, the site where a gunman tried to assassinate Trump in July, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Kelly Comperatore-Meeder, left, and Dawn Comperatore-Schafer, sisters of firefighter Corey Comperatore, who died as he shielded family members from gunfire, cry at a campaign event for Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump, at the Butler Farm Show, the site where a gunman tried to assassinate Trump in July, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Supporters arrive before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign event at the Butler Farm Show, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump boards his plane at West Palm Beach International Airport, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in West Palm Beach, Fla., as he travels to a campaign rally in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
Attendees stand during the Pledge of Allegiance before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump arrives to speak at a campaign event at the Butler Farm Show, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Supporters arrive before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
Supporters arrive before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
A supporter arrives before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
A supporter arrives before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
Supporters arrive before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
Supporters arrive before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show, the site where a gunman tried to assassinate him in July, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Law enforcement monitors the site before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
Supporters wait to go through security as they arrive before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
Supporters arrive before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
A U.S. Secret Service agent looks at the site before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show, the site where a gunman tried to assassinate him in July, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
A supporter of Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump waves a flag before a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
Supporters of Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump wait to enter a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
A supporter of Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump waits in line to enter a campaign rally at the Butler Farm Show, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
The campaign rally site is seen near sunrise before Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump speaks at the Butler Farm Show, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, in Butler, Pa. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
ROME (AP) — Police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse violent demonstrators in Rome as tens of thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters took to the streets in major European cities and around the globe Saturday to call for a cease-fire as the first anniversary of the Hamas attacks on Israel approached.
Massive rallies were planned in several European cities, with gatherings expected starting Saturday and peaking Monday, the date of the anniversary.
In Rome, several thousands demonstrated peacefully Saturday afternoon until a smaller group tried to push the rally toward the center of the city, in spite of a ban by local authorities who refused to authorize protests, citing security concerns.
Some protesters, dressed in black and with their faces covered, threw bottles and paper bombs at the police, who responded with tear gas and water cannons, eventually dispersing the crowd.
The rally in Rome had been calm earlier, with people chanting “Free Palestine, Free Lebanon,” waving Palestinian flags and holding banners calling for an immediate stop to the conflict.
In London, thousands gathered in Russell Square amid a significant police presence. Some of the march’s organizers had said they planned to target companies and institutions they claimed were “complicit in Israel’s crimes,” including Barclays Bank and the British Museum.
The atmosphere was tense as pro-Palestinian protesters and counterdemonstrators, some holding Israeli flags, passed one another. Scuffles broke out as police officers pushed back activists trying to get past a cordon. Fifteen people were arrested on suspicion of public order offenses and assault, London's Metropolitan Police said.
In the northern German city of Hamburg, about 950 people staged a peaceful demonstration with many waving Palestinian and Lebanese flags or chanting “Stop the Genocide,” the DPA news agency reported, citing a count by police. Two smaller pro-Israeli counterdemonstrations took place without incident, it said.
Several thousands protesters gathered peacefully at Paris’ Republique Plaza in a show of solidarity with the Palestinian and Lebanese people. Many were waving Palestinian flags while holding posters reading ”stop the genocide,” “free Palestine,” and “hands off Lebanon.”
Pro-Palestinian demonstrators also gathered at New York’s Times Square to call for a cease-fire, chanting “Gaza!" to a drumbeat. Some wore keffiyeh scarfs, waved Palestinian and Lebanese flags and held a large cardboard image of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with red paint symbolizing blood across his face.
Rallies were also planned in several other cities in the United States as well as in other parts of the world, including Denmark, Switzerland, South Africa and India. In the Philippines, dozens of left-wing activists protested near the U.S. Embassy in Manila, where police prevented them from getting closer to the seaside compound.
Pro-Israeli demonstrations are expected to be held Sunday because Jews across the world are still observing Rosh Hashana, or the Jewish new year.
This year, the emotions will be extraordinarily powerful for many given that the midpoint of the 10 days spanning Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur is Oct. 7 — the one-year anniversary of the Hamas attack that killed 1,200 Israelis and triggered the ongoing war in Gaza.
Security forces in several countries warned of heightened levels of alert in major cities, amid concerns that the escalating conflict in the Middle East could inspire new terror attacks in Europe or that the protests could turn violent.
Pro-Palestinian protests calling for an immediate cease-fire have repeatedly taken place across Europe and around the globe in the past year and have often turned violent, with confrontations between demonstrators and law enforcement officers.
Italian authorities believed that the timing of Saturday's rally in Rome risked the Oct. 7 attack being “glorified,” local media reported.
Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi also stressed that, ahead of the key anniversary, Europe is on high alert for potential terror attacks.
“This is not a normal situation. … We are already in a condition of maximum prevention,” he said.
Ben Jamal, director of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign in Britain, said he and others will keep organizing marches until action against Israel is taken.
“We need to be out on the streets in even bigger numbers to stop this carnage and stop Britain being drawn into it,” Jamal said.
In Berlin, a march is scheduled from the Brandenburg Gate to Bebelplatz on Sunday. Local media reported that security forces have warned of potential overload because of the scale of protests. German authorities pointed to increasing antisemitic and violent incidents in recent days.
Earlier this week in France, Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau warned the country’s regional prefects, expressing concern about possible tensions and saying that the terrorist threat was high.
On Oct. 7 last year, Hamas launched a surprise attack into Israel, killing 1,200 Israelis, taking 250 people hostage and setting off a war with Israel that has shattered much of the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip.
More than 41,000 Palestinians have been killed since then in Gaza, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which does not differentiate between fighters and civilians.
Nearly 100 Israeli hostages remain in Gaza, with fewer than 70 believed to be alive. Israelis have experienced attacks — missiles from Iran and Hezbollah, explosive drones from Yemen, fatal shootings and stabbings — as the region braces for further escalation.
In late September, Israel shifted some of its focus to Hezbollah, which holds much of the power in parts of southern Lebanon.
——
Hui reported from London. AP journalists Sylvie Corbet in Paris, Jamey Keaten in Geneva and John Minchillo in New York contributed to this story.
A woman holds a Serbian flag during a pro-Palestinian gathering in Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)
People protest and call for the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip by the Hamas militant group, in Tel Aviv, Israel, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)
Pro-Palestinian supporters protest in Santiago, Chile, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Esteban Felix)
Pro-Palestinian protesters demonstrate in Quito, Ecuador, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Dolores Ochoa)
People attend at a protest in Rome, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. Pro-palestinians people take to the street in an unauthorised march in the centre of Rome two days ahead of the first anniversary of the Oct. 7. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
A protester holds a a cushion that reads, "Macron I hate you with all my heart " during rally in support of Palestinian people in Gaza and Lebanon in Paris, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Michel Euler)
Italian Police and demonstrators clash during a march in support of the Palestinian people in Rome, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, two days before the anniversary of Hamas-led groups attack in Israeli territory outside of Gaza on Oct. 7, 2023. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
Demonstrators hold Palestinian flags and chant slogans during a pro Palestinian protest in Istanbul, Turkey, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Khalil Hamra)
A demonstrator hold a Palestinian flag and chants slogans during a pro Palestinian protest in Istanbul, Turkey, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Khalil Hamra)
People attend at a protest in Rome, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. Pro-palestinians people take to the street in an unauthorised march in the centre of Rome two days ahead of the first anniversary of the Oct. 7. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
People attend at a protest in Rome, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. Pro-palestinians people take to the street in an unauthorised march in the centre of Rome two days ahead of the first anniversary of the Oct. 7. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
A participant in a pro-Palestinian rally holds up her red-painted hands on the Steintordamm, in Hamburg, Germany, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. (Georg Wendt/dpa via AP)
Demonstrators participate in a pro-Palestinian protest in Bengaluru, India, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Aijaz Rahi) Palestinian
Italian Police and demonstrators clash during a march in support of the Palestinian people in Rome, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, two days before the anniversary of Hamas-led groups' attack in Israeli territory outside of Gaza on Oct. 7, 2023. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
Italian Police and demonstrators clash during a march in support of the Palestinian people in Rome, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, two days before the anniversary of Hamas-led groups' attack in Israeli territory outside of Gaza on Oct. 7, 2023. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
Protesters hold placards and Palestinian flags during a rally in support of the Palestinian people, in Basel, Switzerland, Saturday Oct. 5, 2024. (Ennio Leanza/Keystone via AP)
People demonstrate in support of Palestinians in Copenhagen, Denmark, Saturday Oct. 5, 2024. (Thomas Traasdahl/Ritzau Scanpix via AP)
People demonstrate in support of Palestinians in Copenhagen, Denmark, Saturday Oct. 5, 2024. (Thomas Traasdahl/Ritzau Scanpix via AP)
Demonstrators participate in a pro-Palistinian protest in Bengaluru, India, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Aijaz Rahi)
People demonstrate in support of Palestinians in Hamburg, Germany, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. (Georg Wendt/dpa via AP)
People attend at a protest in Rome, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. Pro-palestinians people take to the street in an unauthorised march in the centre of Rome two days ahead of the first anniversary of the Oct. 7. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
People attend at a protest in Rome, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. Pro-palestinians people take to the street in an unauthorised march in the centre of Rome two days ahead of the first anniversary of the Oct. 7. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
Women attend at a protest in Rome, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. Pro-palestinians people take to the street in an unauthorised march in the centre of Rome two days ahead of the first anniversary of the Oct. 7. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
Palestinian flag is seen during a protest in Rome, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. Pro-palestinians people take to the street in an unauthorised march in the centre of Rome two days ahead of the first anniversary of the Oct. 7. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
People attend at a protest in Rome, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. Pro-palestinians people take to the street in an unauthorised march in the centre of Rome two days ahead of the first anniversary of the Oct. 7. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
Women attend at a protest in Rome, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. Pro-palestinians people take to the street in an unauthorised march in the centre of Rome two days ahead of the first anniversary of the Oct. 7. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
Activists tear a U.S. flag during a rally near the U.S. Embassy in Manila Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, as they hold a protest to observe the first-year anniversary of the war in Gaza.(AP Photo/Gerard V. Carreon)
An activist raises a placard as police personnel block activists from marching near the U.S. Embassy in Manila on Saturday, Oct.5, 2024, as they hold a protest to observe the first-year anniversary of the war in Gaza.(AP Photo/Gerard V. Carreon)
People stand during a protest in Rome, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. Pro-palestinians people take to the street in an unauthorised march in the centre of Rome two days ahead of the first anniversary of the Oct. 7. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
People stand during a protest in Rome, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. Pro-palestinians people take to the street in an unauthorised march in the centre of Rome two days ahead of the first anniversary of the Oct. 7. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
People stand during a protest in Rome, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. Pro-palestinians people take to the street in an unauthorised march in the centre of Rome two days ahead of the first anniversary of the Oct. 7. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
Italian Police officers patrol during a protest in Rome, Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. Pro-palestinians people take to the street in an unauthorised march in the centre of Rome two days ahead of the first anniversary of the Oct. 7. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
Police personnel block activists from marching near the U.S. Embassy in Manila Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, as they hold a protest to observe the first-year anniversary of the war in Gaza. (AP Photo/Gerard V. Carreon)
