One year after the attempted assassination of Donald Trump left firefighter Corey Comperatore dead, his family is sharing how they’re honoring his legacy and the message of support they received from President Trump.
On July 13, 2024, Corey Comperatore was killed while shielding his daughter from gunfire at Trump’s rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Now, marking a full year since the attack, Corey’s wife Helen and daughters Kaylee and Allyson have opened up about life after loss, and the personal letter President Trump sent to offer his condolences.
“Bonded for Life”: Trump’s Three-Word Message
Speaking to the Butler Eagle, Helen Comperatore revealed that Donald Trump sent her a handwritten note marking the first anniversary of Corey’s death.
“He wrote in [a letter], he said, ‘I want you to know that our families are bonded for life.’”
Helen admitted, “I couldn’t believe I was getting a letter from the president.”
The Comperatore family says they have stayed in contact with the President since the tragedy, as they navigate grief and seek ways to honor Corey’s memory.
Honoring Corey’s Legacy: From Grief to Purpose
This past weekend, the family hosted Corey’s Cruise, which is a 50-mile motorcycle ride and celebration ending with music and fireworks. Helen and her daughters led the convoy in Corey’s beloved Ford Mustang convertible.
“Of course, I wish my dad was here,” said Kaylee, speaking to local media. “But the fact that the world knows my dad’s name… It means the world that people know my dad’s name and want to come celebrate him.”
Kaylee and Allyson said organizing the event gave them purpose in their grief, calling it a way to “continue his legacy.”
Ongoing Questions for the Secret Service
While the family focuses on remembering Corey, they’re also still looking for answers.
Speaking to Fox News, Helen expressed frustration with how security failed that day, calling out the Secret Service directly:
“The Secret Service failed my husband miserably. I want them to tell me everything that happened that day.”
She added: “Why Butler? Why was that such a failure that day?”
The Butler shooting led to major changes within the Secret Service, including the resignation of its director. Critics have called it “the biggest U.S. security blunder since Reagan was shot.”
Remembering a Hero
Corey Comperatore, 50, was a firefighter, churchgoer, and devoted father of two. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro described him as a true hero, saying:
“Corey dove on his family to protect them.”
President Trump himself later confirmed he was shot in the ear during the attack. Corey was remembered nationwide as the rally attendee who gave his life to protect his loved ones.
“I’ve had to learn how to live without my best friend,” Helen shared. “We haven’t healed that much.”
As they move forward, the Comperatore family says they’ll continue sharing Corey’s name, and his story, with anyone willing to listen.
