Community honors father killed at Butler Trump rally
BUFFALO TWP — Corey Comperatore’s time on Earth was tragically cut short, but his good deeds and concern for others will have a lasting effect on those he left behind.
A resident of Buffalo Township, Comperatore, 50, was killed Saturday, July 13, when he was struck by a bullet fired during an assassination attempt against former President Donald Trump at a rally at the Butler Farm Show grounds.
The gunman, Thomas Matthew Crooks of Bethel Park, 20, was himself killed by a Secret Service sniper shortly afterward.
Comperatore died while shielding his family from the gunfire. His death is a devastating blow to those who loved him and the community at large.
A candlelight vigil was held in his honor Wednesday at Lernerville Speedway.
“We wanted to show our support in a way that is safe and nonpolitical,” said family friend Heidi Powell, who was one in a group of eight people who organized the event, beginning two days after the shooting.
Kelly McCollough, who also aided in the preparation, spoke at the event.
“We are shocked. We are devastated and heartbroken for Corey’s family,” she said. “Tonight is about unity. There is healing in togetherness and we need each other.
“There is no room for hate here. There are no political opinions outside of the love for the Comperatore family.”
Comperatore was a member of the Buffalo Township Volunteer Fire Company. He met many people through this involvement, Jeff Lowers being one of them.
“We went through training together and our kids went to school together,” said Lowers, a member of Freeport Volunteer Fire Department. “He was a good firefighter, a great person and a great dad. He was a friend of mine.
“Corey loved helping others. He was all about community.”
Of the hundreds of people who sat in the grandstands at Lernerville, there were many who did not know Comperatore personally, but still felt the need to attend the vigil.
“My son, Pernell, was good friends with Corey through the fire department,” said Janine Shaw, of Sarver. “He spent a lot of time with his family.
“What happened to Corey was such a tragedy, and I feel I have to show my support for his family and pray for them.”
Pastor John Neyman of SonRise Community Church in Buffalo Township also addressed the crowd.
“It’s a time of collective mourning and a time to reflect on the real, true importance of life,” he said. “We want everyone to walk away tonight with three things — faith, hope and love.”
Two GoFundMe accounts set up in Comperatore’s honor have combined to raise more than $6 million.
