BUTLER, Pa. (AP) — A tragic incident unfolded at a rally for former President Donald Trump in Pennsylvania, resulting in the loss of a beloved bystander and injuring two others. Corey D. Comperatore, 50, of Sarver, was a dedicated family man and a respected member of his community. He leaves behind a legacy of quiet resilience, having raised two daughters with his high school sweetheart while working as a project and tooling engineer. Comperatore also served as an Army reservist for a decade and volunteered as a firefighter, even holding the position of chief at one point.
During the rally, Comperatore heroically shielded his family from gunfire, ultimately sacrificing his life in the attempt to protect them. The tragic incident also left former President Trump injured, with Comperatore being the unfortunate casualty. Two other bystanders, David Dutch, 57, of New Kensington, and James Copenhaver, 74, of Moon Township, were critically injured and remain hospitalized.
Dutch, an ex-Marine who served during Desert Shield and Desert Storm, has a long history of service and currently works as a machinist with Siemens USA. He is also the commandant of the local Marine Corps League chapter. Copenhaver, a retired manager of a Pennsylvania state liquor store, has been actively involved in local politics and community affairs, attending municipal meetings and serving on the township's military banner committee.
Comperatore's former colleague at the Buffalo Volunteer Fire Department, Mike Joos, praised his leadership and bravery, highlighting his ability to inspire trust and courage in his team. High school classmate Natalie Thimons described Comperatore as a devoted father and husband, emphasizing his unwavering love for his family.
As the community mourns the loss of Comperatore and prays for the recovery of Dutch and Copenhaver, the impact of this tragic event reverberates through the close-knit town of Butler, Pennsylvania. The selfless actions of these individuals in the face of danger serve as a reminder of the resilience and strength found in ordinary citizens facing extraordinary circumstances.
