White House Honors Hero Firefighter Who Died During Assassination Attempt
The White House on Sunday paid tribute to Corey Comperatore, the Pennsylvania firefighter who gave his life during the attempted assassination of then-candidate Donald Trump on July 13, 2024.
Comperatore was killed in Butler, Pennsylvania, when 20-year-old gunman Thomas Crooks opened fire from a rooftop while President Trump was addressing a campaign rally. The gunman struck Trump in the ear and injured two others, but it was Comperatore’s final act of heroism that left a lasting mark—he used his own body to shield his wife and two daughters from the gunfire.
“One year ago, Corey Comperatore died a hero—shielding his family from an assassin’s bullet in Butler. His courage, love, and sacrifice will never be forgotten. We honor Corey today and always,” the White House posted in a statement on X.
One year ago, Corey Comperatore died a hero—shielding his family from an assassin’s bullet in Butler. His courage, love, and sacrifice will never be forgotten.
We honor Corey today and always. ?? pic.twitter.com/2WfjOzM7ns
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) July 13, 2025
In the days after the attack, President Trump publicly praised Comperatore’s sacrifice, calling him a true American hero. Speaking at the Republican National Convention just days later, Trump honored the fallen firefighter in front of the nation. Bandaged and still recovering from his own injury, Trump walked across the stage, hugged the firefighter’s uniform, and kissed the helmet placed there in Comperatore’s memory.
“He lost his life, selflessly acting as a human shield to protect his wife and two daughters,” Trump said. “He went right over the top of them and was hit. What a fine man he was.”
Trump then led the packed arena in a moment of silence: “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for others. This is the spirit that forged America in her darkest hours, and this is the love that will lead America back to the summit of human achievement.”
The legacy of Corey Comperatore continues to be honored by Americans across the country. His selfless courage, immortalized in that moment of crisis, remains a solemn reminder of the quiet heroism found in everyday patriots.