MILWAUKEE — Donald Trump brought on stage the fire helmet and jacket of Corey Comperatore during his speech to the Republican National Committee Thursday — honoring the supporter murdered Saturday during the assassination attempt on the former president.
Trump, 78, kissed the helmet of Comperatore, 50, the former chief of the Buffalo Township, Pa., who was fatally struck by gunman Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20.
Trump’s right ear was grazed by a bullet in the attack and he spoke with a bandage covering the wound.
Former President Donald Trump embraces a uniform representing firefighter Corey Comperatore who was shot and killed during a Trump campaign rally in Pennsylvania. Tannen Maury/UPI/Shutterstock
Comperatore was a chief at the Buffalo Township fire department. AP“He lost his life selflessly acting as a human shield to protect them from flying bullets,” Trump said.
“What a fine man he was.”
The former president, growing emotional at points as he recounted the shooting, asked the convention hall to recognize “a moment of silence in honor of our friend, Corey.”
Trump touted a fundraising drive that he said has raised $6.3 million for the families of Comperatore and two wounded rally-goers — and brandished a $1 million check he said that a friend had given him for the cause.
Corey Comperatore was a father and firefighter who was tragically killed during the Trump assassination attempt. APTrump said that he spoke with all three of the families on Thursday.
“There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for others,” he said. “This is the spirit that forged America in her darkest hours. This is the love that will lead America back to the summit of human achievement and greatness.”
Widow Helen Comperatore told The Post that her husband heroically shouted “get down!” and used his body to shield his family from the gunfire in his final moments.
President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have referred to Comperatore as a “hero” in remarks this week.
