Today, We Should All Honor Corey Comperatore, a True American Hero

July 13th, 2024, could very well have been a day that changed the course of American history.

On that day, one year ago today, as I write these words, a crazed gunman took a shot at then-candidate and former President Donald Trump at a Butler, Pennsylvania, rally. The events of that day are burned into the national psyche and will pass into American culture as one of those "do you remember where you were when" moments, as my colleague Susie Moore pointed out earlier on Sunday. I know it has for me; my wife and I were enjoying our usual Saturday lunch at our favorite dining establishment when the news came on the television. A man visiting from Ohio, seated at the next table, looked at me and said, "Well, Trump just won the election."

See Also: Where Were You?

But the man we must always remember is Pennsylvania firefighter Corey Comperatore, who, without a moment's hesitation and without a thought for his own safety, shielded his wife and daughters from the assassin's bullets, giving up his own life in the process. On this one-year anniversary of the event, the White House has released a statement about Mr. Comperatore:

One year ago, Corey Comperatore died a hero—shielding his family from an assassin’s bullet in Butler. His courage, love, and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

We honor Corey today and always. 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/2WfjOzM7ns
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) July 13, 2025

Mrs. Comperatore and her daughters, clearly still suffering the loss of Corey, also spoke, and we owe it to Corey to listen to them:

One year later, our hearts remain with the Comperatore family. Corey’s courage and love for his family reflect the very best of America. President Trump remains committed to honoring Corey’s legacy and securing justice in his name. pic.twitter.com/NysOfoFgdV
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) July 13, 2025

I'm not a fan of the way the word "hero" is abused in the media lately. I find the use of the term "sports hero" particularly annoying; there's nothing whatsoever heroic in being paid seven figures a year to run around with a ball. The word "hero" should mean something. It should recognize someone who has shown courage, fortitude, and a willingness to act even at great cost.

Corey Comperatore exemplified all of those things. When shots were fired, he acted without hesitation. He covered his wife and daughters with his own body, taking hits in the process. He gave his life there, on the scene, and I harbor no doubt that if somehow, one could ask Corey Comperatore today about that cost, he would say it was worth it.

This is what a hero does. This is what a man does. A man protects. A man provides. And, in the extreme, a man guards. Even at that ultimate cost.

Only two months later, another crazed lunatic was set up for an attempt at President Trump's life, but fortunately, that ended without bloodshed.

Fox News National Correspondent Alexis McAdams joined a growing chorus of voices seeking more answers as to what happened on July 13th, 2024:

It has been one year since President Trump was nearly assassinated at his rally in Butler, PA. & one year since Corey Comperatore was killed.

But, the family still doesn’t know much about the gunman.

Pushing for answers.

As they say the Secret Service needs to be held… pic.twitter.com/ZFILPmgrQr
— Alexis McAdams (@AlexisMcAdamsTV) July 9, 2025

The post continues:

As they say the Secret Service needs to be held accountable for making big mistakes.

All of this is true. But on this thoughtful Sunday, it's good to set that aside for now, and take the time to honor a true American hero, a hero in every sense of the word, a man who represents the very best of America: Corey Comperatore.

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