The individual who tragically lost their life during the assassination attempt on Donald Trump at his Pennsylvania rally has been identified. Corey Comperatore, a retired fire chief from Buffalo Township, was seated behind the former president when he was shot and killed by the 20-year-old gunman, Thomas Matthew Crooks.
Corey, who was 50 years old, died a hero. His family revealed that he was shielding his young daughter and wife from the gunfire when he was fatally shot. As chaos ensued, audience members frantically tried to save Corey’s life in the bleachers in Butler after Crooks opened fire from a rooftop 130 yards away.
Two other men were critically injured in the gunfire. They were identified as 57-year-old David Dutch from New Kensington and 74-year-old James Copenhaver from Moon Township. Both men are currently in stable condition.
Comperatore, well-known in his community, was remembered fondly by his family. His sister posted on Facebook: “The PA Trump Rally claimed the life of my brother, Corey Comperatore. The hatred for one man took the life of the one man we loved the most. He was a hero who shielded his daughters.”
The shooter, Crooks, was a registered Republican who had previously donated to President Biden. The motive behind his attempt on former President Trump’s life is still under investigation by law enforcement.
Comperatore’s family, devastated by his loss, expressed their grief and praised his bravery. His daughter Allyson wrote on social media, “He died a real-life superhero. They are not going to tell you how quickly he threw my mom and I to the ground. They are not going to tell you that he shielded my body from the bullet that came at us. He loved his family. He truly loved us enough to take a bullet for us.”
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro also honored Comperatore, calling him a hero who selflessly protected his family. “Corey went to church every Sunday and loved his community. He was an avid supporter of the former president and was so excited to be there last night with him in the community,” the governor said on Sunday. “I asked Corey’s wife if it would be okay for me to share that we spoke. She said yes. She also asked that I share with all of you that Corey died a hero.”
An emergency room doctor at the rally revealed that he performed CPR on Comperatore after he was hit. “I heard the shots and thought it was firecrackers at first. Someone was screaming ‘he’s been shot.’ So I made my way over and said I’m an emergency department physician. Let me help you.”
Trump, who was shot in the right ear by Crooks, briefly bent down, then stood up, pumped his fist, and chanted “fight, fight, fight” as the Secret Service rushed him off stage and into a motorcade. Crooks, a recent high school graduate and former student of the Bethel Park School District, opened fire with an AR-style rifle from a rooftop 130 yards away. His motive remains unclear.
Images of Crooks emerged, showing him wearing glasses, braces, and an American flag t-shirt in a yearbook headshot. Crooks’ uncle, Mark Crooks, told DailyMail.com he hadn’t seen the gunman or his parents in years and described them as very private.
Trump released a statement on Truth Social, confirming he was struck by a bullet and thanking the Secret Service and law enforcement for their rapid response. He extended his condolences to the family of Corey Comperatore and acknowledged the other individuals who were injured.
This tragic event has left the community and the nation in mourning, highlighting the deep-seated issues of violence and political division.
