Donald Trump took a moment during his speech at the Republican National Convention to honor the man who was killed last Saturday when a gunman opened fire at his rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, narrowly missing the former president.
As the former president spoke at his convention in Milwaukee on Thursday night, the uniform and helmet of Corey Comperatore, who was killed during the rally, was on display on the stage behind him.
At one point, Trump even stopped talking and walked over to kiss the uniform of the slain former fire chief, who was the father of two daughters, on the helmet.
“Tragically, the shooter took the life of one of our fellow Americans, Corey Comperatore, an incredible person, or so everyone tells me,” Trump said in his speech.
“He was a very respected former fire chief, respected by everyone,” Trump said.
Donald Trump kisses Corey Comperatore’s helmet during his speech at the Republican National Convention. The uniform was on display on stage as Trump delivered his acceptance speech
Donald Trump is joined on stage by his wife Melania and members of his family
The former president said he spoke to Comperatore’s wife, Helen, on Thursday and that she was devastated. Trump also said Comperatore was the father of two daughters.
“He lost his life selflessly acting as a human shield to protect them from flying bullets. He flew right over them and got hit,” Trump said. “What a fine man he was.”
Then Trump stopped talking and pointed to the uniform. He walked over to the uniform and kissed the helmet.
The former president thanked the fire department and her family for sending Comperatore’s uniform and helmet to Congress.
It should be noted that the victim’s last name on the uniform was indeed misspelled, but the spelling did match the name on the jacket outside the fire station in Pennsylvania.
The family confirmed through a spokesperson that they had given it to the ex-president for Congress.
Trump stands wearing the uniform of Corey Comperatore, who was shot dead when the gunman opened fire at the former president’s rally in Butler, PA on Saturday
Former Buffalo Township Fire Chief Corey Comperatore was the person killed in the crowd at the Trump rally in Butler, PA
Trump said the fire department and his family sent the uniform to Milwaukee for his speech
Republican presidential candidate and former US President Donald Trump is joined on stage by his wife Melania, other family members and Republican vice presidential candidate JD Vance
As the thousands of convention attendees bowed their heads, Trump held a moment of silence in honor of Comperatore.
“There is no greater love than to lay down your life for others. This is the spirit that forged America in her darkest hour, and this is the love that will lead America back to the heights of human achievement and greatness that we need,” Trump said.
The former president announced during his speech to Congress that they had raised $6.3 million for the families.
Trump said he also spoke to the two other men, David Dutch and James Copenhaver, who were seriously injured in the shooting.