Former President Donald Trump took a moment Thursday night at the Republican National Convention to pay homage to the Pennsylvania man who lost his life at a Trump rally Saturday.
Corey Comperatore, a 50-year-old husband, father and firefighter, died when he was shot by a bullet meant for Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania.
“Tragically, the shooter claimed the life of one of our fellow Americans, Corey Comperatore, and seriously wounded two other great warriors… David Dutch and James Copenhaver. I spoke to all three families of these tremendous people—our love and prayers are with them, and always will be,” Trump said, per Fox News.
“Corey, a highly respected former fire chief… was accompanied by his wife Helen… and two precious daughters,” he said. “He lost his life selflessly acting as a human shield to protect them from flying bullets… what a fine man he was.”
Comperatore’s firefighting jacket and helmet, sent to by his family, were on stage with Trump.
Trump walked over to the display, kissed Comperatore’s helmet, then asked for a moment of silence.
“There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for others,” Trump said.Â
He continued, “This is the spirit that forged America in her darkest hours, and this is the love that will lead America back to the summit of human achievement and greatness.”
The Sarver, Pennsylvania, man served as a fire chief for the Buffalo Township Volunteer Fire Co. His gear hung outside that station in his memory before it was sent to the convention in Milwaukee.
