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.
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.
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 .
Sunday morning, she posted a picture of the American flag that was hanging up at the Trump rally.
Donald Trump Rally Shooting Timeline
Donald Trump was shot at his Pennsylvania rally on July 13.
1pm: Doors open at the Butler Farm Show grounds where Trump was expected to speak at 5pm.
4:11pm: Sean Parnell gave the opening speech.
4:35pm: David McCormick rallied the crowd.
5:30pm: Crowds were still waiting for Trump.
6:03pm: Trump takes the stage.
6:11pm: Gunshots were fired as Trump delivered remarks.
6:12pm: Trump was ushered off stage by Secret Service agents.
6:42pm: Secret Service confirmed Trump is safe.
7:24pm: The shooter and one rally attendee are confirmed dead by law enforcement officials.
8:42pm: Trump confirms he was shot in the ear, sharing a statement on Truth Social.
8:49pm: The Secret Service confirms the shooter and a rally attendee are dead. Two others remain critically injured.
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.
"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."
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.
"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.
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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.
Donald Trump Rally Shooting Reaction
Dozens of politicians and celebrities have offered their support for the former president after he was reportedly grazed by gunfire at his Pennsylvania rally on July 13.
President Biden held a brief press conference just after 8 pm ET. He said he was hoping to speak to Trump.
"Look, there's no place in America for this kind of violence. It's sick," the president continued. "We cannot condone this."
Vice President Harris said she was "relieved" Trump was not seriously injured.
"Violence such as this has no place in our nation," she continued.
Former President Obama said on X: "There is absolutely no place for political violence in our democracy.
"Although we don’t yet know exactly what happened, we should all be relieved that former President Trump wasn’t seriously hurt, and use this moment to recommit ourselves to civility and respect in our politics. Michelle and I are wishing him a quick recovery.
Donald Trump, Jr shared a photo of his father raising a fist moments after he was shot with the caption: "He'll never stop fighting to Save America."
Robert F. Kennedy, Jr said: "Now is the time for every American who loves our country to step back from the division, renounce all violence, and unite in prayer for President Trump and his family."
Tesla CEO Elon Musk said: "I fully endorse President Trump and hope for his rapid recovery."
Britain's new Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer took to X to say: "I am appalled by the shocking scenes at President Trump's rally and we send him and his family our best wishes.
"Political violence in any form has no place in our societies and my thoughts are with all the victims of this attack."
Reform leader and newly elected MP Nigel Farage said it is a "miracle" that his friend is still alive.
Farage told Sunday Morning With Trevor Phillips: "I was very upset when I heard the news late last night, Donald Trump survived by a miracle, frankly.
"But one innocent man is dead, two are fighting for their lives in hospital. It's horrible, and yet somehow not surprising."
Former PM Boris Johnson also gave his condolences to Trump and his family as he said it shows "the tragic fragility of democracy in the face of violence and unreason".
Ukrainian PM Volodymyr Zelensky, who has been a target for assassins in the past, also said he was "appalled" by the events in the US.
"Such violence has no justification and no place anywhere in the world. Never should violence prevail," he said on X.
"I extend my wishes for strength to everyone who is horrified by this event. I wish America emerges stronger from this."