Funeral held for former fire chief killed at Trump rally

The sound of bagpipes, a three-blast salute and the blare of trumpets resounded today in a small Pennsylvania town as hundreds gathered to honor a former fire chief who was shot and killed at a rally for former President Donald Trump.

After the funeral service for Corey Comperatore, crowds of mourners waiting outside fell silent as his American flag-draped casket emerged from Cabot Methodist Church. Firefighters ceremonially removed the flag and presented it to his wife, Helen, before loading the casket onto a fire truck decorated with black pennants.

Three firefighters stood guard on the back of the truck, followed by more than 100 other emergency vehicles from area fire departments, as the truck slowly drove toward Comperatore’s hometown of Freeport, where he would be laid to rest.

A sniper team on a nearby rooftop served as a reminder of the weekend’s bloodshed. Officials have said Comperatore spent his final moments shielding his wife and daughter from gunfire at Trump’s rally Saturday in Butler, Pennsylvania.

Trump, who suffered an ear injury in the shooting but was not seriously injured, did not attend the funeral due to Secret Service concerns, a source familiar with the situation said, who was not authorized to speak publicly.

Annette Locke, a member of the West Deer Township Volunteer Fire Department, stood across from the church and softly touched her heart as she spoke of the horrific consequences of the “completely senseless” shooting.

“He was with his family on a beautiful, sunny day, and now he’s gone,” Locke said.

Joe and Jen Brose stood at the edge of their driveway with their three young sons, all dressed in T-shirts saluting the United States, watching the long procession that lasted for a good half hour.

“It’s times like these when the community comes together,” said Joe Brose.

“I thought it was heartwarming and very humbling to see,” said Jen Brose, whose sister attended the Trump rally.

Trump honored Comperatore during his speech at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. He displayed Comperatore’s firefighting gear on the convention stage, kissed his helmet and praised the former chief as “an incredible person.”

Mike Drane, who lives near the church where the funeral took place, said he was overwhelmed by Trump’s tribute.

“Trump knew the bullet was for him, not Corey,” Drane said.

Nancy Macurdy, who lives across from the church, was camping when the shooting happened but wanted to be home for the funeral.

“We are a very close-knit community here,” she said.

A woman who was at the church for the funeral said Comperatore’s wife and daughters gave testimonies and that the church’s pastor read a eulogy written by one of Comperatore’s siblings. The woman, who asked not to be named, said she did not recognize any Trump politicians or representatives in the crowd, which included country singer Billy Ray Cyrus. The service was closed to the news media.

In nearby Sarver, where Comperatore lived, families took the day off from work or changed their plans to gather along the community’s main road. Groups of young boys stood along the road, signaling for trucks to honk their horns. Five-year-old Ryder Presutti, dressed in a red firefighter’s suit, waved a small American flag as the fire trucks passed.

Others gathered at Andy’s House of Cars or Cabot Archery to await the funeral procession. Outside the Dollar General, at least a dozen SUVs were lined up in a tailgate formation, their trunks open. One resident expressed her feelings with a sign in the front yard, made of large black letters, that read: “American Hero Corey Comperatore.”

“It’s a heartbreaking situation,” said Daneene Wimer, 44, of Evans City, near the scene of the shooting. She and her sisters came with their families to “honor someone who laid down his life for his family.”

“I will definitely shed tears (when the procession is over),” she said.

Comperatore, 50, worked as a project and tool engineer, was an Army reservist and spent many years as a volunteer firefighter after serving as a chief, his obituary said. He and his family attended Cabot Methodist Church, where their pastor, Jonathan Fehl, officiated.

On Thursday, thousands of mourners gathered at a banquet hall to honor Comperatore and his family. Hundreds gathered for a vigil for him on Wednesday at a racetrack.

Guests at Comperatore’s visit saw a slideshow of photos from his life: his wedding, a recent 50th birthday party, time with his daughters, firefighting, fishing and hanging out with his Dobermans. Also on display was a framed copy of a letter to Comperatore’s wife, signed by Trump and former first lady Melania Trump.

“Corey will forever be remembered as a true American hero,” the Trumps wrote.

In a statement released Thursday by Comperatore’s family, he was described as a “beloved father and husband, and a friend to many in the Butler area.”

“Our family has found comfort and peace through the heartfelt messages of encouragement from people around the world, the support of our church and community, and most importantly, the power of God,” the statement said.

Two other people were injured at Trump’s rally: David Dutch, 57, of New Kensington, and James Copenhaver, 74, of Moon Township. Both were in serious but stable condition as of Wednesday evening, an Allegheny Health Network spokesman said.