MILWAUKEE — Donald Trump brought Corey Comperatore’s firefighter helmet and jacket onto the stage during his speech at the Republican National Committee on Thursday, paying tribute to the supporter who was killed in Saturday’s assassination attempt on the former president.
Trump, 78, kissed the helmet of Comperatore, 50, the former Buffalo Township, Pennsylvania, mayor who was fatally shot by gunman Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20.
Trump’s right ear was grazed by a bullet in the attack and he spoke with the wound bandaged.
Former President Donald Trump hugs the uniform of firefighter Corey Comperatore, who was shot and killed during a Trump campaign rally in Pennsylvania. Tannen Morley/UPI/Shutterstock Comperatore was the chief of the Buffalo Township Fire Department. AP
“He selflessly lost his life acting as a human shield to protect people from flying bullets,” Trump said.
“He was a really fine guy.”
The former president grew emotional as he spoke about the shooting, and asked the convention to hold a “moment of silence in honor of my friend Corey.”
Trump touted a fundraiser that he said had raised $6.3 million for Comperatore’s family and two injured rally attendees, and proudly held up a $1 million check he said a friend had given him for the effort.
Corey Comperatore was a father and firefighter who was tragically killed during the assassination attempt on President Trump. AP
President Trump said he spoke with all three families on Thursday.
“There is no greater love than to give one’s life for another,” he said. “This is the spirit on which America was built in its darkest hour. This is the love that will once again lead America to the pinnacle of human achievement and greatness.”
His widow, Helen Comperatore, told The Washington Post that in his final moments, her husband bravely yelled “Get down!” and used his body to shield his family from the gunfire.
President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris called Comperatore a “hero” in remarks this week.
