FREEPORT, Pennsylvania (AP) — Thousands of mourners paid their respects Thursday at a Pennsylvania banquet hall to the family of a former fire chief who was shot and killed in the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump.
Trump sent a letter of condolence praising Corey Comperatore as a hero; a copy of it was displayed at the memorial service. He did not attend the memorial service, which was the second of two public events honoring and celebrating Comperatore’s life. Hundreds of people gathered for a vigil for him at a race track on Wednesday.
A private funeral is planned for Friday. Trump will not attend the funeral due to Secret Service concerns, according to a source familiar with the matter who was not authorized to speak publicly.
Thursday’s crowd appeared to be a mix of friends, neighbors and strangers who wanted to show their appreciation for the man who authorities said spent his final moments shielding his wife and daughter from gunfire at the campaign rally.
The parking lot in front of the building was filled with fire and police cars. Snipers were stationed on the roof of the venue and on the surrounding buildings while people, including firefighters in dress uniforms, lined up to get in.
Comperatore, 50, worked as a project and tool engineer, was an Army reservist and was a volunteer firefighter for many years after his time as chief, according to his obituary.
Trump suffered an ear injury but was not seriously injured and attended the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee this week.
Trump honored Comperatore during his speech Thursday night accepting the party’s presidential nomination. On the convention stage, he presented him with his firefighting gear, kissed his helmet and praised the former chief as an “incredible person.”
Trump said a fund for Comperatore’s family and the two men injured in the attack had raised more than $6 million.
Mourners filled Laube Hall, a room with white brick walls, white linens, white curtains and exposed wood beams that is normally used for weddings and other ceremonial occasions.
Guests walked past a immense framed photo of Comperatore holding a fish while a screen displayed a slideshow of photos from his life – his wedding, a recent 50th birthday party, spending time with his daughters, firefighting, fishing and hanging out with his Dobermans.
The meeting was attended by firefighters from other surrounding communities as well as people involved in local and state Republican politics.
Rich Tallis, a volunteer firefighter from Penn Hills who attended the wake, did not know Comperatore personally but felt the need to honor his memory.
“All first responders are like brothers – police, EMS, firefighters, military. Technically we are all one,” he said.
Flowers were placed on the tables in the hall – some sent by fire departments in New York and West Virginia, a race track and the mayor of a nearby community. Others came from as far away as Florida.
The mourners took turns standing in front of Comperatore’s open coffin.
In one corner hung a framed copy of a note to Comperatore’s wife, signed by Trump and former First Lady Melania Trump. “Corey will forever be remembered as a true American hero,” they wrote.
Retired New York Fire Department Lieutenant Joe Torrillo said outside the viewing that he came because Comperatore was a firefighter who lost his life the same way he lived it – like a hero.
“And you know, a lot of people maybe wouldn’t have done or couldn’t have done what he did,” Torrillo said.
Jon Ruffley, who lives outside Pittsburgh and attended part of the Trump rally Saturday, attended the wake with his wife and juvenile child. He said he hoped his presence would send the family a supportive message that “we stand together as Americans, regardless of someone’s political affiliation.”
“I think it’s really important that we raise our children to realize that political violence is unacceptable and that we advocate for important discourses about things in our society,” he said.
A van parked on the way to the banquet hall displayed video screens with slides, including a photo of Trump raising his fist after Saturday’s shooting, the slogan “Never give up” and a message offering prayers for Trump and Comperatore.
In a statement released Thursday, Comperatore’s family described him as a “beloved father and husband and friend to so many people throughout the Butler region.”
“Our family finds comfort and peace through the warm, encouraging messages from people around the world, through the support of our church and community, and most of all through the power of God,” the statement said.
Two other people were injured at the rally: David Dutch, 57, of New Kensington, and James Copenhaver, 74, of Moon Township. Both were listed in solemn but stable condition Wednesday evening, according to an Allegheny Health Network spokesperson.
Joseph Feldman, a lawyer for Copenhaver, said Wednesday that he had spoken to his client by phone.
“He seems to be in good spirits, but he also understands the seriousness of the situation,” Feldman said. “And he is deeply saddened by what happened and he feels deep compassion” for the other victims and their families.
Feldman said Copenhaver suffered “life-altering injuries” but declined to provide details. He said Copenhaver’s priority is to “continue the medical treatment he is receiving and hopefully be released at some point.”
In a statement, Dutch’s family thanked the “community of western Pennsylvania and countless others across the country and around the world” for the incredible outpouring of prayers and well wishes.
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Associated Press reporters Heather Hollingsworth in Mission, Kansas; Lisa Baumann in Bellingham, Washington; Michelle Price in Milwaukee and Michael Rubinkam in northeastern Pennsylvania contributed to this report.
