Firefighter Corey Comperatore tragically lost his life during an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro announced on Sunday.
Comperatore was among the thousands attending the rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, part of Trump’s 2024 reelection campaign. According to Governor Shapiro, Comperatore died heroically while trying to protect his family.
The assailant, identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, was shot and killed by Secret Service agents at the scene. The FBI is investigating the incident as an assassination attempt.
“I just spoke to Corey’s wife and Corey’s two daughters,” Shapiro said on Sunday. “Corey was a loving father, a dedicated firefighter, a churchgoer, and a cherished member of his community. Above all, he loved his family.”
Governor Shapiro shared that Corey was an enthusiastic supporter of Trump and was thrilled to attend the rally. “Corey’s wife gave me permission to share our conversation. She wants everyone to know that Corey died a hero, diving on his family to protect them during the attack,” Shapiro added.
In honor of Comperatore, Shapiro has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff.
The incident resulted in one death and two critical injuries, according to Pennsylvania State Police. Trump was shot in his right ear, resulting in a bloodied face, as he shared on social media.
Chaos and Bloodshed at the Rally
Witnesses described a scene of chaos and terror as shots were fired by a gunman positioned on a rooftop near the venue. The shooter used an AR-style weapon, creating a wave of panic among attendees.
As the shots rang out, Secret Service agents swiftly moved Trump to safety, while the crowd screamed and sought cover, as captured in video footage from the scene.
GOP Congressman Dan Meuser, who was seated in the front row with Pennsylvania Senate candidate Dave McCormick and Republican Rep. Mike Kelly, recounted seeing a man fatally shot just 20 feet behind them.
Joseph Meyn, a surgeon from Grove City, Pennsylvania, described helping to carry a man’s body out of the stadium. “Everyone was screaming for a medic. It was a bloody scene,” Meuser recalled.
Meyn, who was filming Trump’s speech, heard the gunshots and immediately recognized the sound. “I saw a man get hit directly in the head, and a woman suffered non-critical wounds to her hand and forearm,” he said. Another doctor was already attending to the woman, so Meyn helped carry the man’s body to a tent behind the bleachers.
Donna Hutz, another attendee, described the atmosphere as one of “complete shock.” She and her son were just a few rows in front of those shot. “It was too close for comfort,” she told CNN, recounting the sight of blood-soaked bleachers.