A man killed at a campaign rally for former President Donald Trump in Pennsylvania Saturday has been identified as 50-year-old former firefighter Corey Comperatore, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro announced Sunday.
Comperatore was an avid supporter of Trump and excited to be at Trump’s rally Saturday in Butler, Shapiro said. He was there with his wife and two daughters and dove over them to protect them when gunshots were heard in the crowd.
“Corey died a hero,” Shapiro said.
Shapiro described Comperatore as a “girl dad” who went to church every Sunday and loved his family and community.
“Corey was the very best of us, may his memory be a blessing,” Shapiro said.
Two other Pennsylvania residents were also shot at the rally and are both in critical condition, Shapiro said.
“Last night was shocking for this community and for this commonwealth, and I know, for this country,” Shapiro said. “Political disagreements can never, ever be addressed through violence. Disagreements are OK, but we need to use a peaceful political process to settle those differences.”
Gunshots were heard about six minutes into Trump’s speech Saturday. The former president could be seen clutching his ear after popping noises rang out over the rally. Trump ducked to the ground as several Secret Service agents rushed to the stage and surrounded him on all sides and there were screams from onlookers as the scene unfolded.
Trump said he was shot by a bullet that pierced the upper part of his right ear.
The FBI said the shooter, identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, was immediately killed by the Secret Service. A motive is not known at this time.
