Former police chief killed at Trump rally used his body to shield family from gunfire
The former fire chief killed at a Donald Trump rally in Pennsylvania spent his final moments diving in front of his family, protecting them from gunfire that rang out Saturday during an attempt to assassinate the former president.
Corey Comperatore’s quick decision to use his body as a shield against the bullets flying toward his wife and daughter has left close friends and neighbors who love and respect the 50-year-old Trump supporter feeling confident, noting that the Butler County resident is “a man of faith.”
“He was a true hero. He pushed his family out of the way, and he was killed because of them,” said Mike Morehouse, who has lived next door to Comperatore for the past eight years. “He was a hero and I was glad to have him as a neighbor.”
Comperatore died Saturday during an attempt to assassinate Trump at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. At least two others were injured: David Dutch, 57, of New Kensington, Pennsylvania, and James Copenhaver, 74, of Moon Township, Pennsylvania, according to Pennsylvania State Police. Both were listed in stable condition as of Sunday.
As support for the Comeratore family began pouring in from across the country, President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden also sent their “deepest condolences.”
“He was a father. He protected his family from bullets being fired and he lost his life, God love him,” Biden said, adding that he was praying for the full recovery of those injured.
Separately, US Rep. Ronny Jackson of Texas said in a statement on Sunday that his nephew was injured but “fortunately not seriously.”
“My family was sitting up front, near where the President was speaking,” Jackson said. “They heard the gunshots — my nephew then realized he had blood on his neck and something had grazed and cut his neck. He was treated by paramedics in the medical tent.”
Secret Service said they killed shooting suspect, People attacked from high positions outside the protest site.
The former president was showing off a graph of border crossings when at least five shots were fired. Trump was seen covering his ears and falling to the ground. Agents quickly formed a shield around him. When he stood up, his face covered in blood, he raised his fist to cheering supporters as he was escorted off the stage by Secret Service agents.
Trump later sent his condolences to the Comperatore family.
Randy Reamer, president of the Buffalo Township Volunteer Fire Department, called Comperatore “a man of integrity” and “a true brother to the fire department.” He said Comperatore had been chief of the department for about three years but was also a lifetime member, meaning he had served for more than 20 years.
“Just an all-around great guy, always willing to help people,” Reamer said of Comperatore. “He definitely stood up for what he believed in, never backed down from anyone. … He was just a really good guy.”
A crew is washing down the facade of the Buffalo Township Volunteer Fire Department on Sunday with plans to install a memorial curtain in honor of the late former police chief.
Sarver Assistant Police Chief Ricky Heasley, who knew Comperatore for more than a decade, remembers him as very outgoing and full of life.
“He never said a bad word,” Heasley said.
And in the front yard of the Comperatores’ two-story home in Butler County, a small memorial was erected with an American flag and small bouquets of flowers.
For Morehouse, Comperatore’s death was an emotional blow — but it also inspired political action. Morehouse said he plans to vote for the first time in his life in November, and he plans to check Trump’s name.
“As soon as I heard what happened and then found out it was Corey, I went upstairs as soon as I got home and registered to vote,” Morehouse said. “It was my first time voting and I thought I would do it in his memory.”
ONE GoFundMe launched to support the Comperatore family has raised more than $480,000 in donations as of Sunday.
