Sean Parnell, a combat veteran and best-selling author, discussed the significance of former President Donald Trump’s rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where Trump was nearly assassinated during a July event.

Former political candidate and combat veteran Sean Parnell speaks first to open the Donald Trump rally in Erie on July 29, 2023.

Speaking on SiriusXM’s Breitbart News Saturday, Parnell, who is a native of Butler County, expressed the importance of the rally and highlighted Trump’s resilience.

Parnell, who was at the rally in July, is set to speak ahead of Trump at the upcoming event.

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He explained that Trump was adamant about returning to the exact location where he was shot in the ear, insisting on speaking from the same stage to “finish the job” and show that he remains undeterred.

“President Trump was insistent that the stage be in the exact same spot because he wanted to come back, and he wanted to finish the job,” Parnell said. “He wanted to honor his commitment to the people of this area but also send a message to would-be enemies across the world that he’s not afraid, that he’s indomitable and unstoppable.”

Parnell noted that Trump’s perseverance is a reflection of true leadership, particularly during a time when crises are unfolding both in the U.S. and around the world.

A statue of former President Donald Trump with a raised fist greets supporters before Trump speaks at a campaign rally in Butler, Pa., on October 5, 2024. On July 13, 2024, a gunman fired eight rounds at the former president and Republican presidential nominee during a rally in Butler. Trump was grazed by a bullet in the attack, and Pennsylvania firefighter Corey Comperatore was killed as he tried to shield his family from the attack. Two other men were injured.

He pointed to Trump’s resilience as an example of the type of leadership needed in the face of adversity.

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“In times of great crisis, the American people deserve leaders and not politicians,” Parnell said. He stressed that the upcoming election in Pennsylvania will be pivotal, stating, “If we win Pennsylvania, my friend, it’s over for Kamala. We win Pennsylvania, we save this country.”

The rally will also serve as a commemoration of firefighter Corey Comperatore, a husband and father who was killed during the July shooting.

Parnell explained that the event will be different from the usual Trump rallies, focusing on the resilience of Butler County and the local community.

“This rally promises to be very special,” Parnell emphasized. “There are going to be so many historic moments unfolding before your eyes.”

Reflecting on the July rally where the attack occurred, Parnell praised the calmness and bravery of the crowd, noting that the attendees stood in solidarity with Trump, even as shots rang out.

 

He recounted how people remained focused on the safety of the former president, despite the uncertainty of the situation.

“There was no panic. People didn’t hurt one another. Nobody ran for their lives. They stood in solidarity with President Trump,” Parnell said, describing the atmosphere of the rally.

As Secret Service agents worked to control the situation, Parnell and other veterans helped guide rallygoers to safety.

Parnell emphasized that the rallygoers’ primary concern was Trump’s well-being, underscoring the strong support for the former president.

“Their first instinct was not to care about their own safety, but to worry about somebody else,” Parnell said, praising the character of the people in western Pennsylvania.

Parnell also recalled the powerful moment when Trump stood up and pumped his fist, shouting, “Fight!” The crowd’s response was deafening, and Trump’s determination to continue despite the attack resonated with everyone present.

“The roar from that crowd was like nothing I’ve ever heard at any Trump rally,” Parnell said. “He didn’t want to leave the stage. He wanted to keep going, but the Secret Service didn’t let him.”

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The Butler rally is expected to be a powerful and emotional event, honoring those affected by the July shooting while showcasing Trump’s determination and resilience.