Rep. Mike Kelly (R-Pa.) revealed in an interview with NOTUS his concerns about holding a Trump rally at the Butler Farm Show, where an assassination attempt occurred on July 13. Kelly had warned Trump’s campaign that the venue was not suitable for the event.
“I told them, ‘You can’t do it there. It’s too small,’” Kelly said, recalling his conversation with the campaign. Despite his objections, the campaign had already made up its mind. When he pressed further, asking who conducted the site visit, the response remained the same: “Congressman, we told you we’ve already made a decision.”
Kelly expressed his frustration, saying, “That answer told me nobody’s been here. I told them, ‘You made the wrong decision. This is going to be very dangerous,’ but they refused to reconsider.”
The dialogue exemplifies the campaign’s unwillingness to entertain dissent or advice, showcasing a “Trump knows best” mentality. Tragically, an assassin’s bullet grazed Trump’s ear during the rally, resulting in two injuries, one fatality, and the shooter’s death.
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Kelly now leads the House task force investigating the assassination attempt. He has pledged to keep the investigation nonpartisan, though Republicans have shown a willingness to remain partisan at all costs. In fact, in the same interview, Kelly went after Democrats for their investigation on the Jan 6th insurrection, border policies, COVID-19, etc.
Kelly’s concerns with the rally site stemmed not only from the venue’s small size but also from ongoing road construction that would hinder traffic and raise logistical challenges. His pushback was met with more resistance from the campaign, confirming his fear that the team was ignoring valid safety issues.
In response to Kelly’s concerns, a Trump campaign staffer dismissed the idea that venue logistics played a role in the shooting. “Venue size, traffic, and parking have nothing to do with the assassination attempt on President Trump’s life. Any suggestion that the campaign knew of information that could have prevented it is appalling and categorically false.”
According to the report, Kelly also spoke with Trump on the phone. Despite the recent violence, Trump insisted he would return for another outdoor rally. Kelly urged caution, but Trump remained defiant, replying, “No, I’m coming back. I have a duty to come back.”
This exchange underscores the campaign’s disregard for outside advice, with Trump determined to proceed on his own terms, no matter the risk.
Featured image via Political Tribune gallery
