A man killed at a campaign rally for former President Donald Trump in Pennsylvania on Saturday has been identified as 50-year-old former firefighter Corey Comperatore, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro announced Sunday.
Comperatore was an avid Trump supporter and was excited to be at Trump’s rally Saturday in Butler, Shapiro said. He was there with his wife and two daughters and dove over them to protect them when gunshots were heard in the crowd.
“Corey died a hero,” Shapiro said.
Shapiro described Comperatore as a “dad girl” who went to church every Sunday and loved her family and community.
“Corey was the best of us, may his memory be a blessing,” Shapiro said.
Two other Pennsylvania residents were also shot at the rally and both are in critical condition, Shapiro said.
“Last night was shocking for this community and for this community, and I know, for this country,” Shapiro said. “Political disagreements can never be resolved through violence. Disagreements are acceptable, but we need to use a peaceful political process to resolve these differences.”
Shots were heard about six minutes after Trump’s speech on Saturday. The former president could be seen holding his ear after popping noises echoed throughout the rally. Trump fell to the ground as several Secret Service agents rushed the stage and surrounded him on all sides and there were screams from spectators as the scene unfolded.
Trump said he was shot by a bullet that pierced the upper part of his right ear.
The FBI said the shooter, identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, was immediately killed by the Secret Service. The reason is not known at this time.
This story originally appeared on NBCNews.com read the full story
