Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R-VA) has ordered all Virginia flags to be flown at half-staff in memory of Corey Comperatore, a former fire chief who was killed at former President Donald Trump’s Pennsylvania rally on Saturday.
The rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, saw Trump barely survive his assassination attempt, suffering an injury to his right ear before being ushered to his motorcade. Comperatore, who had been a fire chief in the area, had his identity confirmed by Gov. Josh Shapiro (D-PA), with Comperatore’s sister writing on X that her brother died shielding his family from the shooter’s gunfire.
“Today, I ordered flags to be flown at half-staff in memory and respect of Corey Comperatore, who tragically lost his life shielding his family,” Youngkin wrote on X. “Virginia stands in solidarity with all Pennsylvanians and we continue to pray for his family and those who remain in critical condition.”
Today, I ordered flags to be flown at half-staff in memory and respect of Corey Comperatore, who tragically lost his life shielding his family. Virginia stands in solidarity with all Pennsylvanians and we continue to pray for his family and those who remain in critical condition.
— Governor Glenn Youngkin (@GovernorVA) July 15, 2024
Per Youngkin’s order, flags across the state were flown at half-staff starting at noon on Monday, and they will remain at half-staff till sunset on Tuesday evening.
Per @GovernorVA, Virginia flags are to be lowered to half staff across the state from noon Monday until sunset Tuesday to show support for Corey Comperatore, who was fatally wounded while trying to protect his family during a shooting at a political rally Saturday in Butler, Pa.
— Va Capitol Police (@VaCapitolPolice) July 15, 2024
Two other victims were also injured in the Butler rally shooting. The FBI has since identified the shooter as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, who was able to fire at the rally stage from less than 200 feet away.
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On Sunday, Youngkin issued a statement condemning the shooting, asking the nation to pray both for the victims and for the United States after Saturday’s historic event. He argued that “American exceptionalism” is earned, not granted, and said the United States must condemn this attempt to kill the former president.
Meanwhile, the Trump campaign has launched a fundraiser to support the victims of the shooting and their families financially, which has so far raised almost $4 million. Notable donors include $50,000 from musician Kid Rock, $50,000 from UFC President and CEO Dana White, and $30,000 from former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy.