On Saturday, Corey Comperatore drove thirty minutes from his home to a fairground, eager to hear from former President Donald Trump, whom he deeply admired.
Comperatore, a 50-year-old engineer and father of two, attended the rally in Butler with his family, sitting together on bleachers adorned in American flag colors as Trump took the stage.
Tragedy struck moments later when gunfire shattered the hot afternoon air. Without hesitation, Comperatore shielded his wife and daughters, sacrificing himself to protect them. His wife, Helen, recounted to Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro how Corey acted heroically, absorbing the fatal shots intended for his family.
The shooting, now investigated as an assassination attempt by the FBI, has sent shockwaves nationwide. For Comperatore’s family, it’s a devastating personal loss—a man who cherished his children, enjoyed fishing trips, and spent years as a volunteer firefighter, running towards danger.
“This hatred for one man took the life of the man we loved most,” wrote his sister, Dawn Comperatore Schafer, in a heartfelt Facebook post. “It feels like a terrible nightmare, but we know it’s our painful reality.”
In addition to Corey, Pennsylvania authorities identified two other victims: David Dutch, 57, and James Copenhaver, 74, both gravely wounded and hospitalized in critical condition.
Shapiro described Corey as a dedicated firefighter, a regular churchgoer, and a proud father of daughters, deeply excited about attending the rally. He praised Corey as exemplary of community spirit and ordered flags at state buildings to fly at half-staff in his honor.
For Comperatore’s family and friends, the grief is profound. Steve Warheit, Corey’s brother through a long-standing bond, struggled to comprehend the loss, remembering shared hunts, fishing trips, and Corey’s infectious humor.
“He was always just my brother,” Warheit said, reflecting on their inseparable bond despite differing political views. “That’s Corey,” he smiled, recalling cherished moments captured in photos on his phone.
At the Buffalo Township Volunteer Fire Company, where Corey once served as chief, tributes poured in. Kip Johnston, the current chief and a close friend for three decades, mourned the loss of a leader who always put others before himself.
Dorothy Reitler, a longtime friend from their high school days, remembered Corey’s joy in being a supportive father and community member. She described him as the “perfect cheer dad” and recounted their shared moments at cheerleading events, where Corey’s presence was marked by enthusiasm and a willingness to participate, even if not always gracefully.
Paul Hayden, another neighbor and friend, emphasized Corey’s genuine character, unaffected by political differences. Despite flying a Trump flag during elections, Corey’s warmth and integrity shone through in his interactions with others.
Memories of Corey Comperatore—his bravery, humor, and dedication to family—remain indelible, a testament to a life cut tragically short by senseless violence.
* The Washington Post contributed to this article.
