Man who aided Comperatore at last rally says at Saturday’s Butler Trump rally: ‘Turn down the temperature’
A doctor who aided the Buffalo Township man who died in a shooting at the July 13 campaign rally for former President Donald Trump, encouraged those attending the Saturday, Oct. 5, rally at the Butler Farm Show grounds to “turn down the temperature.”
Dr. James Sweetland, a retired physician from DuBois, when speaking Saturday, recounted how he gave CPR to Corey Comperatore, who was shielding his wife and daughter when he was struck by a bullet amid the July assassination attempt.
“I’ve been called a hero many times over for my actions that day,” Sweetland said. “I’ve struggled with that title.”
He said Comperatore, on the scale of heroes, ranks much higher than he does. He applauded how the former fire chief took action to protect his family amid the tragedy that took his life, severely injured two others and wounded Trump’s ear.
“I am honored to be mentioned in the same breath as Corey,” Sweetland said.
Sweetland admitted to the crowd that he was formerly a Democrat and encouraged those at the rally to talk with Democrats as the election draws near. He urged everyone to approach conversations in a civil and respectable manner, saying he doesn’t want the election determined by an “assassin’s bullet.”
“Democrats are like teenagers,” he advised, referencing his past political beliefs. “When you talk to them, you don’t think they are listening, but they are.”
As Sweetland tended to Comperatore, he was aided by Rico Elmore, vice chairman of the Beaver County Republican Party, and a first responder Ed Shear.
Sweetland said he initially hesitated to render aid, until responding to a voice that he believes was God, saying, “go, go,” and “Why are you waiting go?”
He administered CPR, but was unable to save Comperatore’s life.
Comperatore was remembered with a display at the October rally.
