Trump holds rally at site of assassination attempt in Pennsylvania

Republicans hope return will boost turnout for him in crucial swing state during polls

- 

BUTLER, Pennsylvania - Donald Trump made a defiant return on Oct 5 to the rural Pennsylvania site where an assassin's bullet narrowly missed killing him in July, questioning whether his political opponents tried to take him out and declaring he would "never quit".

"Exactly 12 weeks ago this evening, on this very ground, a cold-blooded assassin aimed to silence me," the Republican told thousands of cheering supporters after taking the stage behind bulletproof glass.

Calling the gunman a "vicious monster", he vowed he would "never quit... never bend... never break". Trump's much-hyped return to Butler came exactly one month before the Nov 5 presidential election, the outcome of which President Joe Biden suggested on Oct 4 might not be peaceful.

"As I was saying," Trump said as he appeared on stage, pretending he was resuming the speech that was interrupted when he was grazed in the ear by a bullet on July 13.

In mid-speech, he called up on stage a powerful ally, Mr Elon Musk, chief executive of Tesla and owner of social media platform X. It was Mr Musk's first time at a Trump campaign event since he endorsed the former president after July 13.

Mr Musk literally jumped up on stage with his arms held high. "The true test of someone's character is how they behave under fire," he said, calling the election a "must-win situation" for Trump and urging the crowd to register to vote. "Be a pest to everyone you know," he added.

Trump saluted firefighter Corey Comperatore, who was shot and killed by the shooter, and two other people who were wounded.