Meanwhile, Donald Trump shared a video clip of of Corey’s wife and daughter showing up for the first time and said, “RIP Corey Comperatore.”
Corey Comperatore’s widow, Helen, spoke exclusively with Pittsburgh’s Action News 4 about her husband, describing him as a hero.”He definitely was a hero,” Helen said. “He saved his wife, he saved his child and he was just the best guy. He was just the best.”
Helen and Corey Comperatore had been married for 29 years, having started their relationship as high school sophomores. Helen recalled their early days together, saying, “It was Valentine’s Day. Corey showed up at my house with a dozen red roses.” Their love story continued with marriage and two daughters, Allyson and Kaylee.
The Comperatore family was at the rally to see Trump in person for the first time. When the shooting started, Corey warned his family to get down and shielded them. “I was the one that my dad threw down. As he was throwing me down, that was when he was shot and he ended up falling onto me,” Allyson recounted. Kaylee, still grappling with the trauma, said, “I started screaming, but in my head, I kept saying, ‘Wake up,’ like this is a dream.”
In a poignant tribute, Corey’s firefighter gear was displayed at the Republican National Convention. Helen shared that Corey had joked about being called up on stage, and his display at the convention was seen as a fulfillment of that wish.
The Comperatore family has received an outpouring of support, including prayer shawls, a cross, wind chimes, and numerous cards. A GoFundMe campaign has raised millions for the family, but Helen knows it cannot bring Corey back. “I talk to him anyway, and the only thing that ever comes out of my mouth is, ‘I’m sorry that this happened to you,'” she said.
Helen Comperatore has hired an attorney to seek justice and answers about the shooting. “I want justice for my husband, and I’m going to get it,” she asserted. The family specifically seeks accountability from the security at the rally. Kaylee expressed her frustration, saying, “I really think my dad’s blood is on their hands, and I hope they wake up every day thinking about what they took from our family.”
Two other individuals were also injured in the shooting. David Dutch, 57, from New Kensington, and James Copenhaver, 74, from Moon Township, are both recovering at home.
The Comperatore family plans to use the funds raised to start a foundation in Corey’s honor. Helen Comperatore has been invited to join Trump at his next visit to Butler in October but will evaluate security arrangements before making a decision.
Source : Times of India
