UPDATE: Fire chief who died at Trump rally used his body to shield others

The former fire chief who was killed at a Pennsylvania rally for Donald Trump spent his final moments diving in front of his family to protect them from gunfire that rang out Saturday during an assassination attempt against the former president.

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro confirmed Sunday that Corey Comperatore, 50, had died a “hero, using his body as a shield to protect both his wife and daughter from the bullets.

“His wife shared with me that he dove on his family to protect them,” Shapiro said.

Two other people were injured during the apparent attempt to kill Trump at Saturdays rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.

While law enforcement officials have not released details of the other victims, Texas U.S. Rep. Ronny Jackson said in a statement Sunday that his nephew was injured but “thankfully his injury was not serious.”

“My family was sitting in the front, near where the President was speaking, Jackson said. They heard shots ringing out — my nephew then realized he had blood on his neck and something had grazed and cut his neck. He was treated by the providers in the medical tent.”

The Secret Service said it killed the suspected shooter, who attacked from an elevated position outside the rally venue.

The former president was showing off a chart of bordercrossing numbers when at least five shots were fired. Trump was seen holding his ear and got down on the ground. Agents quickly created a shield around him. When he stood, his face bloodied, he pumped his fist to cheering supporters

Randy Reamer, president of the Buffalo Township volunteer fire company, called Comperatore “a standup guy” and “a true brother of the fire service.” He said Comperatore served as chief of the company for about three years but was also a life member, meaning he had served for more than 20 years.

“Just a great allaround guy, always willing to help someone out,” Reamer said of Comperatore. “He definitely stood up for what he believed in, never backed down to anyone. … He was a really good guy.”

A crew was powerwashing the front of the Buffalo Township Volunteer Fire Company on Sunday with plans to install memorial drapery to honor the slain former chief.

Assistant Chief Ricky Heasley of Sarver, who knew him for more than a decade, remembered him as very outgoing and full of life.

“He never had a bad word,” Heasley said.

A GoFundMe launched to support Comperatore’s family had already surpassed more than $180,000 in donations as of Sunday.

SportsPlus

Local News

Scooter Hobbs column: Kelly puts his money where his heart is

Local News

Bryan Beam proud of accomplishments as parish administrator, but ready to pass torch

McNeese Sports

Cowboys can’t finish off No. 25 Bulldogs

Local News

Shopping spree delivers holiday cheer

Jim Beam

Jim Beam column:Bad drivers, texts are problem

Local News

New chapter begins at St. Louis Catholic High demolition underway

Local News

‘Growing pains’ for Sallier residents, but end result will be worth it, councilman says

life

PHOTO GALLERY: Taste and Sell fundraiser

Crime

12/13: Calcasieu Parish Sheriff announces arrest list a day ago

Local News

McNeese will celebrate 542 graduates today

McNeese Sports

Cowgirls finish non-league slate at OSU

McNeese Sports

Cowboys face ranked challenge

Local News

Morgan McKnight: Teaching a social role that has long-term effects

Local News

Calcasieu School Board creates fund for excess tax revenues

life

Cantata offers songs in the spirit of the season

Crime

12/12: Calcasieu Parish Sheriff announces arrest list

Local News

Young readers get a merry Christmas

Local News

Trump named Time’s Person of the Year and rings the New York Stock Exchange’s opening bel

Jim Gazzolo

Jim Gazzolo column: Decisions that shape the coach

McNeese Sports

Cowboys still figuring things out

life

Christmas at City Hall comes back to Westlake

Local News

Christmas comes to Chateau du Lac with Elvis in the building, spreading festive cheer

life

Have yourself a jazzy little Christmas: Nellie Lutcher Christmas Carole Extraordinaire set for Sunday

McNeese Sports

Guillory ready to make impact