The Saturday assassination attempt of former President Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, tragically took the life of former fire chief Corey Comperatore, who died protecting his wife and daughter from the gunfire. In a touching display of bipartisanship, Representatives Matt Gaetz (R-FL) and Jared Moskowitz (D-FL) introduced a resolution honoring Comperatore and his heroic sacrifice.
USA Today provided biographic details of Comperatore, the former fire chief for Buffalo Township Volunteer Fire Company. Current fire chief Kip Johnston said his selfless actions during Saturday's events were unsurprising, as "He always made sure everybody came out safe."
Fellow fireman Gary Risch Jr. said Comperatore's loss was profound: "There's a lot of history with him and a lot of great memories and stuff we'll never forget. I mean, they don't get much better than him."
Allyson Comperatore, Corey's daughter, wrote a tribute for her father quoted by Leader Times, part of which said, "he was the best dad a girl could ever ask for. My sister and I never needed for anything. You call, he would answer, and he would do whatever it is you needed, and if he didn't know how he would figure out how. He could talk and make friends with anyone, which he was doing all day yesterday and loved every minute of it. He was a man of God, loved Jesus fiercely, and also looked after our church and our members as family."
In his press release, Rep. Gaetz said, "Corey Comperatore should not have lost his life exercising his First Amendment right by going to a political rally. There is no place for political violence in America! Corey's selfless and courageous actions exemplify the highest standards of bravery and devotion to both his family and his country. This resolution seeks to commemorate his extraordinary bravery and unwavering commitment to public service after he heroically sacrificed his life while shielding his family from gunfire intended for President Trump."
"Corey Comperatore led his life keeping his community safe and spent the last moments of his life shielding his family from danger. No matter what side of the aisle you're on, those are the brave qualities we should all salute. He deserved the ability to go to a political rally and return home. I hope that my colleagues will join us in honoring his sacrifice," said Rep. Moskowitz.
