Trump rally victim named as former fire chief Corey Comperatore as family say he died shielding daughter from bullets

A FORMER fire chief has been identified as the victim who was shot dead during Donald Trump's assassination attempt on Saturday.

Corey Comperatore, the former fire chief for Buffalo Township — about 15 miles southeast of Butler, Pennsylvania — died protecting his daughter from bullets at the rally.

10

10

10

The shooter has since been identified as 20-year-old Thomas Crooks.

A sniper shot him dead just moments after he fired bullets at Trump in an assassination attempt, killing Comperatore and critically injuring two others in the crowd.

The victim's brother posted to Facebook on Sunday morning, grieving the loss of his "baby brother."

"The hatred for one man took the life of the one man we loved the most," he wrote in the .

"He was a hero who shielded his daughters. His wife and girls just lived through the unthinkable and unimaginable.

"My baby brother just turned 50 and had so much life left to experience. Hatred has no limits and love has no bounds.

"Pray for my sister-in-law, nieces, my mother, sister, me, and his nieces and nephews as this feels like a terrible nightmare but we know it is our painful reality."

A GoFundMe for his family has also been created on behalf of Comperatore's daughter, Allyson.

Most read in The US Sun

BOOZE TRAGEDY

Brit, 28, becomes fifth to die after 'drinking fake booze' on holiday

BOOZE WARNING

Holiday warning as 5 killed including Brit lawyer in 'fake booze poisoning'

baby joy

Ashley Cain set to become a father again after tragic loss of daughter

CORNERED RAT

Putin may unleash CHEMICAL weapons after losing Kursk, says ex-Nato commander

It has been rising in donations every few minutes as people continue to show their support, and has already amassed over $249,000 as of Sunday afternoon.

The GoFundMe's original goal was set at $7,000.

"Saturday night, our friend and family, Allyson, lost her father due to a senseless, tragic act at the Trump Rally in Butler," a friend wrote in a .

";Allyson has been an athlete with us since the beginning.

"She’s a huge part of our community. If you’re able to support her and her family during this time, we will have a spot for donations at the gym. Additionally, please take the time to sign the cards at the desk."

HAUNTING PHOTO

The victim's wife, Helen, has not made a statement following Comperatore's death yet, but she did a haunting photo to Facebook.

Sunday morning, she posted a picture of the American flag that was hanging up at the Trump rally.

It was illuminated by the only light in the image.

Both Allyson and her mother have changed their Facebook profile photos to an image with Comperatore.

A friend of Helen's posted to Facebook saying she had "no words" for what happened.

"My high school bestie lost her husband today. Why can't the hate and violence stop?" she .

"Innocent lives are being taken and this is not ok. I love you, Helen. I just keep thinking about being in your wedding and how you were marrying your soulmate.

"I am so sorry. He will be missed by so many. Prayers for peace and strength for you girl, I am right here if you need me.";

In addition to Comperatore's death, two other rally attendees were severely injured.

Both David Dutch, 57, and James Copenhaver, 74, were rushed to a hospital in critical condition.

As of Sunday, both men were is stable condition.

'DIED A HERO'

On Sunday, Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro addressed Comperatore's death after speaking to his wife and two daughters.

He called the former fire chief a "hero."

";Corey was a girl dad. Corey was a firefighter. Corey went to church every Sunday. Corey loved his community. Most especially, Corey loved his family," he said per .

Shapiro described Comperatore as an “avid supporter of the former president” and said he was excited to be at the rally.

What we know so far:

• A shooter opened fire at a Donald Trump rally in Pennsylvania on Saturday evening, killing one, critically injuring two others, and wounding the former President
• Dramatic footage showed the moment Trump dived behind his podium as Secret Service agents closed in
• The FBI confirmed it was an assassination attempt, but said there was no prior threat
• Trump broke his silence with a statement describing the shooting - after a bullet struck his ear and left blood pouring down the side of his face
• A hot microphone captured the moment Secret Service agents screamed "Get down!"
• The shooter - identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks - was shot dead by Secret Service agents at the scene
• A witness claims he warned police about a man with a rifle on a nearby roof minutes before the attack
• President Joe Biden dubbed the shooting "sick," and has suspended campaigning for the next two days

"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.

"Corey dove on his family to protect them last night at this rally," he said.

He added that "all leaders need to take down the temperature and rise above the hateful rhetoric that exists and search for a better brighter future for this nation."

'EXTEND MY CONDOLENCES'

Trump posted to his social media platform Truth Social after the shooting to share more about the moment he knew he was shot.

"I want to thank The United States Secret Service, and all of Law Enforcement for their rapid response on the shooting that just took place in Butler, Pennsylvania," Trump wrote hours after the shooting.

"Most importantly, I want to extend my condolences to the family of the person at the Rally who was killed, and also to the family of another person that was badly injured.

10

10

10

"It is incredible that such an act can take place in our Country. Nothing is known at this time about the shooter, who is now dead.

"I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear. I knew immediately that something was wrong in that I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin.

"Much bleeding took place, so I realized then what was happening. GOD BLESS AMERICA!"

Members of Trump's family as well as former presidents have condemned the shooting and offered their sympathy.

Former president Barack Obama said, "There is absolutely no place for political violence in our democracy" while President Joe Biden had a similar sentiment, saying, "We must unite as one nation to condemn it."

HORROR SHOOTING

Trump took the stage at the rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, around 6 pm on Saturday.

He only spoke for a few minutes before the sound of gunfire rang out.

The former president clutched his ear as blood trailed down his face before he quickly ducked to the ground and was surrounded by Secret Service members.

People in the stands screamed, "Get down!" as they tried to cover themselves from the gunfire.

After an all-clear was given and the shooter was taken out by nearby snipers, Trump stood up from the ground with blood dripping down his ear and face.

He immediately raised his fist in the air and mouthed, "Fight, fight, fight."

The remaining supporters that were amongst the stands rose from the ground as well and began to cheer when they saw Trump.

He was quickly rushed into his car and sped toward a hospital.

The gunshot had pierced the upper part of his right ear.

A witness at the rally said they had seen someone with a rifle on a roof nearby and warned the Secret Service before the shooting took place.

Another witness was an emergency room doctor and he recalled how he performed CPR on a member of the crowd.

READ MORE SUN STORIES

TUNE IN

Freeview watchers warned of nine major changes coming to TVs across the UK TODAY

PAY OUT

Major update to car finance compensation scandal

A cop also saw the gunman before he shot the former president, but didn't engage after Crook pointed his rifle at him.

The U.S. Sun has contacted the Butler Police Department for an update.

10

10

10

10