White House Honors Hero Firefighter Who Died During Assassination Attempt

The White House took a moment on Sunday to remember and honor Corey Comperatore, the hero firefighter who was killed on July 13, 2024, when gunman Thomas Crooks attempted to assassinate then-presidential-candidate Donald Trump.

When Crooks opened fire from the roof of a building at the Butler, Pennsylvania, campaign rally, he struck Trump’s right ear — but he also struck and injured two other rally attendees and killed Comperatore, who had moved to shield his family members with his own body when the shots rang out.

“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’s official account posted via 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 immediately following the shooting, Trump praised the firefighter who lost his life that day shielding his family. During a speech the following week at the Republican National Convention, the still-bandaged candidate kissed Comparatore’s helmet and presided over a moment of silence in his honor.

“He lost his life, selflessly acting as a human shield to protect [his wife and two daughters] from flying bullets, he went right over the top of them and was hit. What a fine man he was,” Trump said, walking over to hug the uniform that had been brought to the stage and kiss the top of the helmet.

After observing “a moment of silence in honor of our friend Corey,” Trump continued: “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.”