Trump returns to Pennsylvania for the first time since shooting

This will be Trump's first Pennsylvania rally since assassination attempt
Secret Service, Capitol Police and state police helping secure the venue
Latest polling shows Kamala Harris gaining momentum in Pennsylvania

Updated: Jul 31, 2024 / 07:37 PM CDT

GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN – JULY 20: Republican Presidential nominee former President Donald J. Trump holds a public campaign rally with his running mate, Vice Presidential nominee U.S. Senator J.D. Vance (R-OH) (not pictured), at the Van Andel Arena on July 20, 2024 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This is also Trump’s first public rally since he was shot in the ear during an assassination attempt in Pennsylvania on July 13. Photo by Bill Pugliano/Getty Images)

(NewsNation) — Former President Donald Trump is returning to Pennsylvania just weeks after a failed assassination attempt in Butler County.

Trump’s visit is not only crucial in energizing voters in the key battleground state but is also symbolic in showing that he and his campaign will not be held back by the attempt on his life.

The rally will take place at an indoor complex in Harrisburg. While it is more straightforward to secure an indoor venue as opposed to the open-air field where Trump held his previous rally in the state, thorough security measures have been put in place by the Secret Service, Capitol Police and state police.

Supporters have begun lining up around the venue hours before the rally is scheduled to begin, showing out in droves for Trump’s first appearance in the state after a bullet grazed his ear.

Trump was the target of an assassination attempt on July 13th when 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks opened fire, killing one and injuring two spectators.

Since that day, the Secret Service has faced intense scrutiny, with former Director Kimberly Cheatle resigning due to security failures and Deputy Director Ronald Rowe stepping in as acting director.

Wednesday’s rally comes at a critical time for Trump’s campaign as recent polls show Vice President Kamala Harris has gained some momentum in Pennsylvania, closing the gap between her and Trump. Still, Trump maintains a two-point lead over Harris in the state, according to the latest Decision Desk HQ poll.