Donald Trump Kisses Corey Comperatore's Helmet At 2024 RNC

During the 2024 Republican National Convention, former President Donald Trump spoke about the tragic shooting that occurred during his rally in Pennsylvania over the weekend.

While Trump sustained an ear injury, he was not seriously hurt. However, one man died, and two others were severely injured during the attempted assassination of the former president.

Days after the tragedy, former president Donald Trump spoke at the 2024 Republican National Convention, where he paid tribute to the late firefighter who lost his life on Saturday.

Thousands of mourners gathered at a Pennsylvania banquet hall on Thursday to pay tribute to Corey Comperatore, a former fire chief who was fatally shot during the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump.

According to The Associated Press, Trump sent a heartfelt note of condolence, praising him as a hero.

The parking lot outside the building was crowded with fire trucks and police vehicles. Sharpshooters were stationed on the roofs of the event hall and nearby buildings, while dozens of people stood in line to get inside. Firefighters in dress uniforms were among the mourners.

During the RNC event, Donald Trump walked over and kissed the helmet of former fire chief Corey Comperatore.

"I want to thank the fire department and the family for sending his helmet and his outfit. It was just something, and they're going to do something very special when they get it," Trump said. "But we did something which cannot match what happened. Not even close, but I am very proud to say that over the past few days, we've raised $6.3 million for the families of David [Dutch], James [Copenhaver], and Corey, including from a friend of mine [who] just called up. He sent me a check right here. I just got it. $1 million from Dan Newland."

"And again, when speaking to the family, I told them, 'Well, I'm going to be sending you a lot of money, but it can't compensate [what happened].' They all said the same thing, 'You're right, sir. We appreciate so much what you're doing, but nothing can take the place of Corey.'"

Trump then addressed the other two bystanders who "were seriously injured" who are now doing "very well" and they're "going to be okay."

"So now, I ask that we observe a moment of silence in honor of our friend Corey," he concluded.

The Comperatore family issued a statement describing him as a “beloved father and husband, and a friend to so many throughout the Butler region.”

“Our family is finding comfort and peace through the heartfelt messages of encouragement from people around the world, through the support of our church and community, and most of all through the strength of God,” the statement said.

As The Blast previously reported, Corey died protecting his family at the rally. He "dove" onto his family to shield them from the bullets.

"His courage was not the loud and boisterous kind; it was the courage of quiet resilience, the strength to be vulnerable, and the bravery to lead with love," his obituary stated. "Corey's legacy is not just in the major milestones he achieved, but in the small acts of kindness that marked his everyday life. He was quick to help those in need, never expecting anything in return, and his impact on the lives he touched was profound."

According to his obituary, Corey, a proud Freeport High School graduate of the class of 1992, honored his country as a dedicated US Army Reserves veteran for 10 years. He continued his commitment to excellence in his professional life, excelling as a project and tooling engineer at JSP.

Corey's passion for his community was evident through his active membership at the Cabot Church and his lifelong service at the Buffalo Volunteer Fire Department, where he notably served as chief in the early 2000s.

The late firefighter was the "quintessential family man and the best girl dad," per the obituary. His love for his wife Helen (Scott) Comperatore was "a testament to the power of partnership and devotion." They shared two daughters, Allyson and Kaylee Comperatore. Also surviving are his mother, Karen (Denny) Bird, his sisters, Kelly (Doug) Meeder and Dawn Comperatore Shaffer, his stepbrother, Steven (Megan) Warheit, his two beloved Dobermans, Ivan and Negan, and many nieces, nephews and great nieces.