The man who was killed at a rally for Donald Trump has been identified as Corey Comperatore, a former fire chief who spent his final moments diving down in front of his family, protecting them from the gunfire.
The 50-year-old lived in Pennsylvania and was loved by his family, Governor Josh Shapiro said.
“I just spoke to Corey’s wife and Corey’s two daughters,” he said on Sunday afternoon (early Monday morning AEST).
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“Corey was a girl dad. Corey was a firefighter. Corey went to church every Sunday. Corey loved his community. Most especially, Corey loved his family.
“Corey died a hero. Corey dove on his family to protect them last night.”
Comperatore’s quick decision to use his body as a shield against the bullets flying toward his wife and daughter rang true to the close friends and neighbours who loved and respected the proud Trump supporter, noting that the Butler County resident was a “man of conviction”.
“He’s a literal hero. He shoved his family out of the way, and he got killed for them,” said Mike Morehouse, who lived next to Comperatore for the last eight years.
“He’s a hero that I was happy to have as a neighbour.”
As support for Comperatore’s family began to pour in from across the country, President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden also extended their “deepest condolences”.
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“He was a father. He was protecting his family from the bullets that were being fired and he lost his life, God love him,” said Biden, who added he was praying for the full recovery of the wounded.
Randy Reamer, president of the Buffalo Township volunteer fire company, called Comperatore “a stand-up guy” and “a true brother of the fire service”.
He said Comperatore served as chief of the company for about three years but was also a life member, meaning he had served for more than 20 years.
“Just a great all-around guy, always willing to help someone out,” Reamer said of Comperatore.
“He definitely stood up for what he believed in, never backed down to anyone. … He was a really good guy.”
A crew was power-washing the front of the Buffalo Township Volunteer Fire Company on Sunday (Monday AEST) with plans to install memorial drapery to honour the slain former chief.
Assistant Chief Ricky Heasley of Sarver, who knew Comperatore for more than a decade, remembered him as very outgoing and full of life.
“He never had a bad word,” Heasley said.
In the front yard of the Comperatores’ two-storey home in Butler County, a small memorial had sprung up of a US flag and small bunches of flowers.
For Morehouse, Comperatore’s death was an emotional blow but it also has inspired political action.
He said he planned on casting a ballot for the first time in his life come November, checking Trump’s name.
“As soon as I heard what happened and then learned that it was to Corey, I went upstairs as soon as I got home and I registered to vote,” Morehouse said.
“This is the first time I’ve ever voted and I think it will be in his memory.”
At least two other people were injured: David Dutch, 57, of New Kensington, Pennsylvania, and James Copenhaver, 74, of Moon Township, Pennsylvania, according to the Pennsylvania State Police. Both were listed in stable condition on Sunday (Monday AEST).
Texas US Representative Ronny Jackson said in a statement on Sunday (Monday AEST) that his nephew was injured but “thankfully his injury was not serious”.
“My family was sitting in the front, near where the President was speaking,” Jackson said.
“They heard shots ringing out — my nephew then realised he had blood on his neck and something had grazed and cut his neck. He was treated by the providers in the medical tent.”
– Reported with AP and CNN
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