Top Points:
Heroic Tribute: Former President Donald Trump honored Corey Comperatore, a former fire chief who was killed acting as a human shield during an assassination attempt at a Pennsylvania rally. Trump paid tribute by kissing Comperatore's firefighter helmet on stage.
Assassination Attempt: Trump recounted his narrow escape from an assassin's bullet, attributing his survival to divine intervention and quick reflexes. The attack left two other rallygoers injured and part of Trump's right ear blown off.
Secret Service Scrutiny: The Secret Service's handling of the incident is under investigation. Director Kimberly Cheatle is scheduled to testify before the House Oversight Committee on Monday, with potential subpoenas if she refuses to appear before the House Homeland Security Committee.
Full Report:
Former President Donald Trump honored the fallen firefighter, Corey Comperatore, who was tragically killed at a Pennsylvania rally last weekend, during his Republican National Convention speech on Thursday night. Comperatore, 50, was fatally shot while acting as a human shield to protect his family during an assassination attempt that also left two other rallygoers injured and part of Trump's right ear blown off.
“He was a highly respected former fire chief,” Trump said. “He lost his life selflessly, acting as a human shield to protect his family from flying bullets.”
In a powerful gesture, Trump walked over to Comperatore’s firefighter uniform on stage and kissed the helmet, symbolizing the deep respect and gratitude he holds for the brave man’s sacrifice.
Opening his third nomination acceptance speech, Trump recounted the harrowing experience of surviving the assassination attempt, narrowly avoiding a fatal shot by tilting his head at the last second.
“You’ll never hear it from me a second time because it’s actually too painful to tell,” Trump said. He described the routine day on the campaign trail where “the crowd was cheering wildly” and “everybody was happy,” before chaos erupted.
After the bullet struck his ear, Trump said, “I immediately knew it was very serious, that we were under attack. … There was blood pouring everywhere, and yet, in a certain way, I felt very safe because I had God on my side."
“The amazing thing is that prior to the shot, if I had not moved my head at that very last instant, the assassin’s bullet would have perfectly hit its mark and I would not be here tonight,” he added.
Trump praised the crowd for their bravery and composure, noting that they refused to stampede despite the sound of multiple gunshots.
“This massive crowd of tens of thousands of people stood by and didn’t move an inch,” Trump said. “In fact, many of them bravely but automatically stood up looking for where the sniper would be … and then began pointing at him.”
Trump became an instant symbol of resilience when he rose from the stage, blood-soaked but defiant, and fist-pumped into the air while screaming, “Fight!”
“The crowd realized I was OK and roared with pride for our country like no crowd I have ever heard before,” Trump said. “Never heard anything like it. For the rest of my life, I will be grateful for the love shown by that giant audience of patriots that stood bravely on that fateful evening in Pennsylvania.”
The Secret Service’s handling of the incident is now under scrutiny. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle is set to testify before the House Oversight Committee on Monday regarding the agency’s security failures. Despite pressure from a cadre of senators at the GOP convention, Cheatle has refused to resign.
Rep. Mark Green, R-Tenn., who chairs the House Homeland Security Committee, told The Federalist on Thursday that his committee would subpoena the Secret Service chief if she refused to appear before his panel as well.
Original Story by Tristan Justice, The Federalist
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