Tribute Fundraiser Planned For Firefighter Slain At Trump Rally

RUSSELLTON, PA — A fundraiser will be held in July in memory of Corey Comperatore, who was shot and killed in the assassination attempt on President Donald Trump at a campaign rally in Butler last year.

Corey's Cruise & Concert with Gary Burk III will be held July 12 at the New No Offseason Entertainment Venue in Russellton. All proceeds from the cruise - a motorcycle ride - and concert will go to local churches and first responders.

Comperatore, 50, a volunteer firefighter from Sarver, died while shielding his family from gunfire at the July 13 Trump rally at the Butler Farm Show grounds. Two other spectators at the event were seriously wounded. A Secret Service sniper shot and killed the shooter, Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, of Bethel Park, who opened fire from a nearby rooftop.

When Trump took office for his second term in January, he invited first responders from Butler to walk in his inaugural parade to honor them and Comperatore.

Trump also invited Comperatore's widow and daughters to his Congressional address last month and mentioned the firefighter while he spoke.

"He sacrificed his life to save theirs," Trump said. "Corey is looking down on his three beautiful ladies right now, and he is cheering you on. He loves you."

Trump further lauded Comperatore as “a firefighter, a veteran, a Christian, a husband, a devoted father, and above all a protector.”