Trump Honors Fallen Fire Chief Corey Comperatore in Return to Butler

Former President Donald Trump returned to Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday for a heartfelt rally, where he took a moment to honor retired fire chief Corey Comperatore, who died in a tragic assassination attempt at a previous rally 12 weeks earlier. Trump, addressing thousands of supporters, paid tribute to Comperatore’s bravery, calling him a man of "tremendous courage, tremendous guts."

Comperatore had attended Trump’s rally on July 13, when an assassin opened fire from a nearby rooftop, targeting the former president. As chaos erupted, Comperatore shielded his family from the gunfire, sacrificing his life in an act of profound heroism. Trump was struck in the ear but survived the attempt, thanks in part to the quick actions of the Secret Service.

On Saturday, at 6:11 p.m., exactly 12 weeks after the shots were fired, Trump led a moment of silence for Comperatore. His uniform, draped over an empty seat, symbolized the solemn remembrance, while “Ave Maria” played to honor the fire chief, who was a devoted member of Cabot Methodist Church.

“Corey was a protector who put his life on the line for others, and he loved doing it,” Trump told the crowd. “Every father and husband in America hopes that, if the time came, we would have what Corey had: tremendous courage, tremendous guts.” Trump described Comperatore’s legacy as "immortal," a lasting testament to his selflessness and bravery.

Comperatore, a 50-year-old retired fire chief, was fatally struck as he shielded his wife and daughters from the bullets. Several others were wounded, and the assassin, 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, was later apprehended. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro honored Comperatore’s sacrifice the day after the tragedy, calling him a “hero” and saying, “Corey was the very best of us, may his memory be a blessing.”

Trump, visibly moved during the rally, reflected on the July event and praised Comperatore’s selfless actions. He had also honored the fallen fire chief during the Republican National Convention shortly after the tragedy, holding a moment of silence and kissing Comperatore’s helmet displayed on stage.

“There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for others,” Trump said at the time, echoing a biblical sentiment that rang true in this touching tribute to a true American hero.

Share this article with your friends or subscribe to our newsletter for more updates.