The quiet town of Butler, Pennsylvania was shattered by a tragic act of violence on Saturday evening as an armed gunman opened fire on a campaign rally for former President Donald Trump.
In the chaos that ensued, firefighter Corey Comperatore was killed while bravely trying to shield his family from the hail of bullets, according to CNN.
Authorities have identified the shooter as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, a resident of the nearby town of Bethel Park.
Crooks, perched on a rooftop outside the rally venue, fired multiple shots from an AR-style weapon towards the stage where Trump was speaking.
"It was complete shock," recalled attendee Donna Hutz, who was seated just a few rows in front of the victims. "The gunshots rang out and everyone just hit the ground. It was too close for comfort." As Trump ducked for cover behind the podium, swarmed by Secret Service agents, the crowd erupted into a frenzy of screams and panic. In the chaos, Corey Comperatore, a beloved local firefighter, selflessly threw himself over his family to shield them from the hail of bullets.
"Corey was a girl dad. Corey was a firefighter. Corey went to church every Sunday. Corey loved his community. Most especially, Corey loved his family," said Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, who spoke with Comperatore's grieving wife and daughters.
"Corey dove on his family to protect them last night at this rally. Corey died a hero."
The former president himself was struck in the right ear by a bullet fragment, his face covered in blood as he was rushed from the stage.
In the aftermath, leaders from across the political spectrum condemned the senseless act of violence. President Joe Biden offered his condolences to Comperatore's family, describing him as a "father" who "was protecting his family from the bullets being fired when he lost his life."
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