The former fire chief who was killed at a Pennsylvania rally for Donald Trump spent his final moments diving in front of his family to protect them from gunfire that rang out Saturday during an assassination attempt against the former president.
Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro said on Sunday that Corey Comperatore, 50, had died a “hero”, using his body as a shield to protect his wife and daughter from the bullets.
“His wife shared with me that he dove on his family to protect them,” Mr Shapiro said.
President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden extended their “deepest condolences” to Mr Comperatore’s family.
“He was a father. He was protecting his family from the bullets that were being fired and he lost his life, God love him. We’re also praying for the full recovery of those who were injured,” Mr Biden said.
We lost a fellow Pennsylvanian last night: Corey Comperatore.
Earlier today, I spoke to his wife and his two daughters. They asked me to share that Corey died a hero — diving on his family to protect them from danger.
I’ve ordered United States and Commonwealth flags to be… pic.twitter.com/UEN3P4D1Ju— Governor Josh Shapiro (@GovernorShapiro) July 14, 2024
At least two other people were injured during the attempt to kill Mr Trump at Saturday’s rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
They have been named as as David Dutch, 57, of New Kensington, Pennsylvania and James Copenhaver, 74, of Moon Township, Pennsylvania, according to the Pennsylvania State Police. Both were in a stable condition on Sunday.
Separately, Texas US representative Ronny Jackson said in a statement that his nephew was injured but “thankfully his injury was not serious”.
“My family was sitting in the front, near where the president was speaking,” Mr Jackson said.
“They heard shots ringing out, my nephew then realised he had blood on his neck and something had grazed and cut his neck. He was treated by the providers in the medical tent.”
The Secret Service said it killed the suspected gunman, who attacked from an elevated position outside the rally venue.
The former president was showing off a chart of border-crossing numbers when at least five shots were fired.
Mr Trump was seen holding his ear and got down on the ground. Agents quickly created a shield around him. When he stood, his face bloodied, he pumped his fist to cheering supporters
Randy Reamer, president of the Buffalo Township volunteer fire company, called Mr Comperatore “a stand-up guy” and “a true brother of the fire service”.
He said Mr Comperatore was as chief of the company for about three years but was also a life member, meaning he had served for more than 20 years.
“Just a great all-around guy, always willing to help someone out,” Mr Reamer said. “He definitely stood up for what he believed in, never backed down to anyone. He was a really good guy.”
Assistant chief Ricky Heasley, who knew him for more than a decade, remembered him as very outgoing and full of life.
“He never had a bad word,” Mr Heasley said.
