Sunday, July 14th 2024, 1:32 pm
One man was killed and two others were critically injured in a shooting at a rally for former President Donald Trump on Saturday night.
Shots rang out at the rally in Butler, and Trump was rushed off stage after a bullet pierced the upper part of his right ear.
One of the victims was identified as Corey Comperatore, according to Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro.
"Corey was the very best of us," Shapiro said in a news conference on Sunday afternoon. "Corey died a hero. Corey dove on his family to protect them last night. Corey was a girl dad, Corey was a firefighter, Corey went to church every Sunday, Corey loved his community."
According to the governor, Comperatore was shot while attempting to shield his family from the gunfire.
Governor Shapiro said he is ordering flags to fly at half-staff in memory of Comperatore.
Two other spectators were critically injured and rushed to the hospital.
Pennsylvania State Representative Marci Mustello (R-Butler) released a statement on Sunday, as Comperatore was his constituent.
"It is with great sorrow I extend my deepest condolences to the family, friends and community of Corey Comperatore, who was taken from us far too soon. Corey was a devoted public servant, having served as the fire chief for Buffalo Township Fire Company, and he was a cherished member of our community in Butler County.
"His commitment to his wife and two daughters, and his unwavering dedication to his role as a fire chief exemplified his remarkable character. My heart breaks for his loved ones during this incredibly difficult time, and I join the community in mourning his loss. A true American hero, Corey sacrificed his life to protect his family.
"May Corey Comperatore's memory be a blessing and a reminder of the selfless service he provided to us all."
Meanwhile, the gunman was identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks of Bethel Park. The U.S. Secret Service said he was shot and killed by a sniper.
Law enforcement has told CBS News that Crooks opened fire with a semi-automatic AR-style rifle and the ATF is currently tracing the weapon.
They also said that the gun Crooks used was legally purchased and registered to his father, Mathew Crooks.
It was also revealed on Sunday that suspicious devices were found in Crooks's vehicle. He had a piece of commercially available equipment that appeared capable of initiating those devices.
Crooks was killed by a Secret Service sniper at the rally, according to the agency.
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