HARRISBURG, Pa. — Former President Donald Trump held a rally in Harrisburg on Wednesday night, his first in Pennsylvania since the attempt on his life in Butler County nearly three weeks ago.
The former president and current GOP nominee for president spoke for nearly 90 minutes at the New Holland Arena in the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and paid tribute to Corey Comperatore, who was killed in the Butler Township shooting, by holding a moment of silence.
“Eighteen days ago we had a rough day," Trump said. “By all accounts, I should not be here right now.”
The 45th president then set his sights on his opponent to try to become the 47th president in November: Vice President Kamala Harris.
Trump blamed Harris for the increase in border crossings during the Biden administration, though Harris blames Trump for blocking key bipartisan legislation that would have helped secure the border.
"She voted in favor of deadly sanctuary cities numerous times," Trump said. "Upon taking office, Harris and Biden allowed a gigantic invasion of our country, bringing in millions and millions of illegal aliens."
The rally came as Trump drew controversy for his remarks on Harris’ race earlier in the day at a journalism conference in Chicago, where he claimed Harris “happened to turn Black.” Trump did not reference Harris’ race during his speech.
Trump responded to Harris’ challenge to compare his record with hers, as the Vice President in her Atlanta rally last night reiterated her commitment to debate the former president in September.
"Challenge accepted, are you ready?" Trump said. "Let's compare our record, point by point."
The Harris campaign held an event of its own in Steelton with labor leaders Wednesday morning and criticized Trump's record on labor and unfulfilled promises on infrastructure.
Trump says he plans to return to Butler Township for a rally in the near future.