- The Washington Times - Thursday, July 18, 2024

MILWAUKEE — Former President Donald Trump paused his speech at the Republican National Convention to kiss the firefighter helmet of Corey Comperatore, the man who died after being shot during an assassination attempt at a Trump campaign rally Saturday.

“Tragically the shooter claimed the life of one of our fellow Americans, Corey Comperatore, an unbelievable person everybody tells me. Unbelievable,” Mr. Trump said in his speech Thursday.

He said he has been in contact with Comperatore’s family, along with the families of the two men, David Dutch and James Copenhaver, who were wounded in the shooting at the rally in Pennsylvania.

The shooter, who was quickly killed by law enforcement officers, also shot Mr. Trump in the ear, coming millimeters from likely killing Mr. Trump

In the middle of his speech, he walked to Comperatore’s firefighter jacket and helmet, which had been set up on a stand behind him, and leaned over and kissed the helmet.

He thanked the family and the fire department for sending the items. He said that more than $6 million has been raised for the victims’ families.

He then requested a moment of silence for “our friend Corey.”

• Mallory Wilson can be reached at mwilson@washingtontimes.com.

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