Trump camp starts GoFundMe for other shooting victims

A GoFundMe campaign started by Donald Trump’s campaign for the other victims of Saturday’s assassination attempt on the former president raised more than $3 million in 24 hours, easily tripling its goal in a deluge of public support.

“Support for Butler PA—President Trump Authorized” fundraiser blew past its goal of $1 million for the shooting victims, including the family of slain ex-firefighter Corey Comperatore and two other attendees who were critically wounded at the rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.

As of Sunday evening, the page launched Saturday by Meredith O’Rourke, the 2024 Trump campaign’s national finance director and senior advisor, had received 42,500 donations totaling $3.2 million and counting.

“President Donald Trump has authorized this account as a place for donations to the supporters and families wounded or killed in today’s brutal and horrific assassination attempt,” said Ms. O’Rourke in the description. “All donations will be directed to these proud Americans as they grieve and recover. May God bless and unite our nation.”

Those donating include $50,000 from Ultimate Fighting Champion President Dana White; $50,000 from the conservative Heritage Foundation; $50,000 from singer Kid Rock; and $30,000 from former GOP presidential hopeful Vivek Ramaswamy.

Nicole Shanahan, the running mate of independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., contributed $20,000, while conservative pundit Ben Shapiro gave $15,000.

The gunman identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, was killed by the Secret Service after clipping former President Donald Trump on the ear during his campaign speech, narrowly missing his head, in what authorities are investigating as an attempted assassination.

Support For Butler PA Victims - President Trump Authorized https://t.co/iSpDk75uzU

— Team Trump (Text TRUMP to 88022) (@TeamTrump) July 14, 2024

Mr. Comperatore, 50, a former volunteer fire chief from Sarver, Pennsylvania, was shot and killed as he dove to protect his wife and daughter from the gunfire.

“Corey was the very best of us,” said Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro. “Corey died a hero. Corey dove on his family to protect them last night. Corey was a ’girl dad.’ Corey was a firefighter. Corey went to church every Sunday. Corey loved his community.”

The Pennsylvania State Police said at least two other rally-goers were injured: David Dutch, 57, of New Kensington, Pennsylvania, and James Copenhaver, 74, of Moon Township, Pennsylvania.

Both were listed Sunday in stable condition.

“These victims and their families are certainly in our thoughts today,” said Col. Christopher Paris, Pennsylvania State Police Commissioner. “The Pennsylvania State Police continue to work tirelessly alongside our federal, state and local partners as this investigation continues.”