SARVER, Pa. (NewsNation) — A visitation was held Thursday for Corey Comperatore, the former fire chief who was fatally shot at a weekend rally for former President Donald Trump.
An event on Wednesday was the first of two to memorialize and celebrate Comperatore’s life. The second, a visitation for friends, was held Thursday at Laube Hall in Freeport.
Outside Lernerville Speedway in Sarver, where the vigil was held for Comperatore, a sign read: “Rest in Peace Corey, Thank You For Your Service,” with the logo of his fire company.
Comperatore, 50, had worked as a project and tooling engineer, was an Army reservist and spent many years as a volunteer firefighter after serving as chief, according to his obituary.
He died Saturday during the attempt on Trump’s life at the rally in Butler. Comperatore spent the final moments of his life shielding his wife and daughter from gunfire, officials said.
A statement issued Thursday by Comperatore’s family described him as “our beloved father and husband, and a friend to so many throughout the Butler region.”
“Our family is finding comfort and peace through the heartfelt messages of encouragement from people around the world, through the support of our church and community, and most of all through the strength of God,” the statement said.
Vigil organizer Kelly McCollough told the crowd Wednesday that the event was not political in nature, adding that there was no room for hate or personal opinions other than an outpouring of support for the Comperatore family.
The Associated Press contributed this report.