Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro confirmed on Sunday that one of the victims in the attack against former President Donald Trump was a 50-year-old former firefighter who died shielding his wife and daughter from gunfire. Corey Comperatore perished as a "hero," said the politician while revealing the identity of the deceased.
"His wife told me that he threw himself over his family to protect them," Shapiro said in a press conference attended by Local 10 News.
President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden extended their "deepest condolences" to Comperatore's family. "He was a father. He was protecting his family from the bullets being fired and lost his life. God bless him. We are also praying for the full recovery of the wounded," Biden stated.
Social media has been flooded with messages of condolence, and former colleagues of Comperatore have also shared their thoughts on him. Randy Reamer, president of the Buffalo Township Volunteer Fire Company, described him as "an honest guy" and "a true brother of the fire service."
The deceased had led the company for about three years and was also a lifetime member, signifying over 20 years of service. Reamer added that Comperatore was "a great guy in every aspect, always willing to help others." He added, "He definitely stood up for what he believed in, never backed down from anyone... He was a really good guy."
The Buffalo Township Volunteer Fire Company planned a tribute for the fallen ex-chief. Ricky Heasley of Sarver, the company's deputy director, had known him for over a decade and remembered him as a very outgoing and lively person, reported Local 10 News.
A GoFundMe campaign was launched to support Comperatore's family, which by Sunday had already surpassed $400,000.
It is known that two other individuals were injured during the attack at the Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. They were identified as David Dutch, 57, from New Kensington, Pennsylvania, and James Copenhaver, 74, from Moon Township, Pennsylvania, according to the State Police. Both were reported to be in stable condition on Sunday.
On Saturday, former President Donald Trump was injured during a political rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The attacker was identified as a 20-year-old named Thomas Matthew Crooks, who fired from the rooftop of a building about 140 meters from the stage where Trump was speaking. After being shot by Secret Service agents, a semi-automatic AR-15 rifle was found near his body.
Details and Context of the Trump Rally Attack
This section provides answers to common questions about the incident to offer further context and understanding.
Who was Corey Comperatore?
Corey Comperatore was a 50-year-old former firefighter who died protecting his wife and daughter during the attack on Donald Trump's rally.
What did President Biden say about the incident?
President Joe Biden expressed his deepest condolences to Comperatore's family and praised him for protecting his family. He also prayed for the recovery of the wounded.
Who was the attacker?
The attacker was identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old who fired from a rooftop during the rally and was subsequently shot by Secret Service agents.
How is the community supporting Comperatore's family?
A GoFundMe campaign was launched to support Comperatore's family, and it had already raised over $400,000 by Sunday.