[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 118 (Monday, July 22, 2024)]
[House]
[Pages H4720-H4722]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING THE LIFE OF COREY COMPERATORE

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under the Speaker's announced policy of 
January 9, 2023, the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Kelly) is 
recognized for 42 minutes as the designee of the majority leader.


                             General Leave

  Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent 
that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and 
extend their remarks and include extraneous materials on the subject of 
this Special Order.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Pennsylvania?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as 
I may consume.
  Madam Speaker, I rise tonight to honor the life of a true hero, Corey 
Comperatore, who was tragically killed shielding his family from 
gunfire during former President Donald Trump's campaign rally in my 
hometown of Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday, July 13.
  Many of us have come to know a little bit more about Corey over the 
last week. Tonight, over the next half hour, my colleagues and I will 
tell you more about Corey's story, who he was, his incredible life of 
service to his community and his country, and perhaps most importantly, 
his role as a father and loving husband.
  I take this moment to offer our thoughts and prayers to the two 
Pennsylvanians who were injured during the shooting and continue to 
recover, Mr. David Dutch of New Kensington, Pennsylvania, and James 
Copenhaver of Moon Township, Pennsylvania, and, of course, to former 
President Donald Trump in his recovery. He showed incredible strength 
in the immediate aftermath of the shooting.
  Who was Corey Comperatore? He was a constituent of mine from Sarver, 
Pennsylvania. He was a proud 1992 graduate of Freeport High School. He 
went on to honor his country as a dedicated 10-year veteran of the U.S. 
Army Reserves.
  Corey's passion for his community and his commitment to his strong 
Christian faith led him to serve as an active member at the Cabot 
Church. Those who know Corey say his faith was the foundation of his 
whole life. His obituary reads this way: ``He was a man of God who 
loved Jesus with every fiber of his being. His actions were guided by 
his unwavering belief, and he inspired those around him to live with 
purpose and grace. His ability to lift the spirits of everyone he 
encountered was truly unparalleled.''
  Corey also believed in service to his community and to others. He 
spent much of his adult life as a member of the Buffalo Township 
Volunteer Fire Department in Butler County where he notably served as 
the chief in the early 2000s.
  Above all, Corey was what his obituary calls ``the quintessential 
family man and the best girl dad.'' I have pictures of Corey with his 
wife, Helen, and also pictures of his daughters, which we will put up 
later, but they are always going to be part of his legacy.
  Helen, his daughters, Allyson and Kaylee Comperatore, will carry on, 
and so will the small acts of kindness that marked his everyday life. 
He was quick to help those in need. He never expected anything in 
return. His impact on the lives he touched was profound.
  Tragically, Corey's life was cut short at the age of 50. Tonight, I 
want to extend my deepest condolences to the Comperatore family, their 
friends, and Corey's family at Buffalo Township Fire Department. God 
bless you all.
  Before I introduce my colleagues to speak about Corey tonight, I want 
to take a few moments to talk about the community where this tragic 
assassination attempt took place. It is in my hometown of Butler, 
Pennsylvania. This is an all-American town of about 13,000 people that 
has been thrust into the national spotlight over the last week.

  I have lived in Butler County nearly my whole life. I went to high 
school there. My wife and I have raised our family there. I later had a 
great opportunity and privilege to coach little league baseball, pony 
league baseball, and midget football. My family business is here. It 
has been here since 1957. Now, I am fortunate enough to represent this 
town here in the United States House of Representatives.
  Butler Farm Show is where this rally was located. It is usually a 
family-friendly place. It is just a few miles from my home, just a 
little over 4 miles, and I drive past it almost every single day.
  Since 1947, this has been a place of common ground where families and 
children can show their farm animals and where people gather in the 
summer for food and fun. It is also a popular spot in the Butler 
community for so many events.
  On this morning, I was there with members of the House Homeland 
Security Committee, and I thank Chairman Green for allowing me to be 
there with them.
  I can tell you that my community is still grieving. They are shocked 
by what happened on what was supposed to be another peaceful, sunny day 
on these very grounds.
  I was at the Butler Farm Show with President Trump, with Corey, with 
David, and with James on July 13. My wife, Victoria, was there with my 
son, George, and three of our grandchildren.
  What happened that day is a day like nothing I have ever experienced 
before. I can also tell you this: The people of Butler and all of 
western Pennsylvania are incredibly resilient. We always have been and 
always will be that way.
  Like so many small towns in America, we are there for each other when 
the times get tough, and we will get through this. Tonight as we have 
other colleagues speak, I think our commitment is the American people 
have the right to know what happened that day at the farm show grounds 
in Butler, Pennsylvania.
  They have the right to know, and we have the responsibility to find 
out for them what happened that day, how this could take place on those 
grounds, how that could take place in the United States of America, and 
we will not stop until we get the answers.
  Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. 
Meuser), my dear friend who was there that day with me.
  Mr. MEUSER. Madam Speaker, I rise as well to express my deep 
sympathy, and yes, eulogize a great Pennsylvanian, Corey Comperatore. I 
too, with my colleague, Representative Kelly, attended the rally last 
Saturday. Of course, it started as any rally does. People were very 
enthused and looking forward to the remarks of former President Trump.
  Madam Speaker, 7 or 8 minutes into the speech, the shots rang out, 
and many lives were changed forever. It was a tragic day that could 
have been worse, but for the Comperatore family, it was a tragedy that 
they will live with forever.
  We are here this evening to honor the life, legacy, and ultimate 
sacrifice of Corey Comperatore. As was expressed, he was a 
quintessential family man, and as has been expressed, the best girl 
dad, as well as a dedicated public servant and true local hero.
  As the Nation now knows, Corey's life was taken by the shooter, by 
the gunman, at the rally in Butler last Saturday. In his final moments, 
Corey gave his life while shielding his wife and daughter from the 
bullets as they rang out.
  He exemplified unparalleled bravery, shielding his wife and daughter 
and protecting them in his last moments. His courageous act saved his 
loved ones from the gunfire and truly serves as a testament to his 
character and his dedication to others.
  Corey Comperatore served his community with distinction for so many 
years, for decades, actually, particularly as a firefighter in Buffalo 
Township where he served as chief in the early 2000s.
  In addition to his service as a firefighter, Corey was a 10-year 
veteran of the United States Army Reserves, demonstrating his 
commitment to our Nation and its values.

[[Page H4721]]

  He will always be remembered by his family as a man whose life was 
guided by faith, saying Corey inspired those around him to live with 
purpose and grace. His passion for family, life, and service to others 
will never be forgotten.

                              {time}  2045

  Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman 
from Pennsylvania (Mr. Deluzio), Representative from Pittsburgh.
  Mr. DELUZIO. Madam Speaker, I think what you will hear on this floor 
tonight is a unified voice that we reject political violence, that we 
mourn Mr. Comperatore's loss of life, that we wish a speedy recovery to 
the victims.
  In this country, there ought to be no place for political violence. 
There ought to be no place for hate in the hearts of freedom-loving 
people, certainly not in western Pennsylvania, where we reel from it 
today.
  We can and often do disagree in this body all the time. The American 
people expect that of us. When we see the votes on the board, we see 
those disagreements resolved that way. We see them resolved in the 
ballot box in November.
  We cannot solve our differences with violence. We must always condemn 
it in all its forms. It goes to the heart of American democracy that 
when we have those disputes, we resolve them peacefully.
  What we saw in Butler not too long ago when that violence comes to 
our political system, when it comes to the heart of how we govern 
ourselves in our elections. We, of course, mourn the consequence, the 
cost of that violence. Mr. Comperatore, who we have heard so many talk 
about so eloquently, shielded his family from gunfire that day, showing 
some courage in the face of violence.
  I wish a speedy recovery to those still recovering, including my 
constituent from Moon Township, Mr. Copenhaver, David Dutch of New 
Kensington, the former President, who of course survived this attack, 
and so many others who witnessed it and I am sure still suffer from it.
  I thank my colleague for bringing us together in this important 
moment. I think it is important the American people hear us with a 
clear and unified voice calling for unity, rejecting the threat of 
violence in our elections.
  Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman 
from Pennsylvania (Mr. Thompson), the chairman of the Agriculture 
Committee.
  Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I thank my good friend 
from Butler, my colleague for hosting this Special Order this evening 
and for recognizing me.
  Tonight, we recognize Corey Comperatore's heroic actions, and we pay 
tribute to his lasting legacy. For three decades, Corey served the 
community as a Buffalo Township Fire Department firefighter. He was a 
brother firefighter.
  I had the privilege of just a few years ago sharing representation of 
Butler County with my good friend Mr. Kelly, and Buffalo Township was 
one of my municipalities that I served.
  Corey eventually rose to the rank of chief of his station. He 
constantly put his life on the line to protect his neighbors, 
responding to emergencies with courage and skill and unwavering 
commitment to safety.
  In the final moment of his life, his selfless courage was on full 
display. When gunshots were heard, he shielded the most precious people 
in his life: his wife and daughters.
  Corey Comperatore is a hero whose inspiring bravery will be 
remembered. Corey was a local leader, active church member, veteran, 
former fire chief, and most importantly a beloved father and husband. 
Having formerly represented parts of Butler County, it has been 
inspiring to hear how well-respected Corey was throughout his hometown 
and his home county.
  To Corey's family, we offer our deepest condolences. I cannot imagine 
the pain you are enduring, but please know you are not alone. Our 
Nation stands with you, united in our love and support, ready to offer 
comfort and strength during this challenging time.
  As we navigate the difficult days ahead, let us draw strength from 
each other in Corey's memory. Let us remember the importance of holding 
our loved ones close, telling them that we care, we love them, and 
living our lives with the same compassion, bravery, and warmth that 
Corey exhibited.
  Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I yield to the gentleman 
from Pennsylvania (Mr. Cartwright).
  Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Madam Speaker, I wish to add my voice to those 
speaking in memory of and in honor of Corey Comperatore.
  I talk a lot in this Chamber about putting people over politics, and 
that is what we are doing here, we Pennsylvanians tonight, in memory of 
Corey Comperatore.
  When you sign up to serve in the U.S. military, you agree to be 
willing to give up your life, if necessary, for the cause of freedom 
and for everything we hold dear in these United States.
  When you go out of your way to serve as a volunteer firefighter for 
three decades, you put the well-being of others, their homes and their 
businesses, above your own personal safety.
  When you spend the last moments of your life shielding your family 
members from gunfire, you show your true character: bravery.
  Corey Comperatore wasn't just brave. He was steadfast. He was a 
devoted father, husband, dedicated church member, and the kind of 
person who raised the spirits of those around him, always extending a 
helping hand to others and helping be the kind of close-knit community 
that makes Pennsylvania a great place to live.
  It is no wonder that scores of firefighters and other first 
responders and neighbors have rallied around Corey's family in their 
time of need. Here in the House of Representatives in Washington, D.C., 
our hearts are with them, too.
  We also continue to pray for the recovery of James Copenhaver and 
David Dutch, both still in serious condition in hospital care.
  Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I yield to another member 
of the Pennsylvania delegation, Dr.   John Joyce.
  Mr. JOYCE of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for 
yielding and for holding this Special Order.

  Tonight, we are here to mourn the passing of Corey Comperatore. As a 
firefighter, as a veteran of the U.S. Army reserves, Corey lived his 
life in service of those that he loved--his family, his friends, his 
community, and of course his country.
  Through his years of service with the Buffalo Township Fire 
Department, Chief Comperatore was familiar with danger, and he did not 
hesitate to take action when he began to hear the sounds of bullets 
that Saturday afternoon, immediately shielding his wife and his 
daughter from the incoming fire. He gave his life shielding his family 
from the danger that was present around him.
  The violence that Corey faced in his final moments was horrific. We 
have all made clear that horrific violence has no place in American 
political lives.
  In the week since his death, his neighbors have continued to come 
forward, sharing incredible stories of a man who was compassionate, 
kind, and caring. Together, as a body, we mourn his death, and we pray 
for those he loved and those he has left behind.
  Tonight, with my Pennsylvania colleagues, we join together in praying 
for the family of Corey Comperatore. May he rest in peace and may he 
rise in glory in his Savior, Jesus Christ.
  Again, I thank my colleague from Pennsylvania for leading this 
Special Order.
  Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I yield to another one of 
the Pennsylvanians with us tonight, my good friend, Mr. Scott Perry.
  Mr. PERRY. Madam Speaker, I thank my friend, Mike Kelly, for 
yielding. It is sad that we have to be here. Corey Comperatore is now a 
hero, but we would sure rather have Corey back in our lives. I didn't 
know Corey, but I have come, like many, to learn something about him.
  Each of us wonder, if we had to, what we would do in that moment; 
what we would do. Corey's resolve, Corey's mettle was already known to 
many. As it has been said, he was a volunteer firefighter and the 
chief, a devoted member of his local church, a member of the armed 
services of America. Probably other than loving his Savior, what

[[Page H4722]]

he found most important in the world was being a husband to Helen and a 
father to Allyson and Kaylee.
  We need to know why Corey is no longer with us on behalf of the 
American people, and we are going to find out, but that is not what 
this is about. This is about honoring the life and the legacy of a man 
who loved his family, his God, and his country, and laid down his life.
  He went to the rally, expecting safety, like everybody else, but in 
the face of unimaginable danger, when a moment means the difference 
between life and death, Corey shielded his wife and his daughter, the 
things he loved most in this world. For that, we honor him, we pray for 
him, we pray for his family and his community. We also know that he 
exemplifies the best not only in Butler, Pennsylvania, not only in 
Pennsylvania and our great Commonwealth, but in the United States of 
America and for all of humanity.
  I thank the gentleman for this time this evening. God bless Corey 
Comperatore and God bless his family.
  Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, tonight we talked about the 
tragic loss of Corey Comperatore. What is more tragic or could have 
been more tragic, what if Corey Comperatore had never been born?
  What if there never had been a Corey Comperatore? What if Helen had 
never had a husband like Corey Comperatore? His daughters would not 
have had a father. He was called a girl dad.
  His entire life was built on his strong faith and in service to his 
community, his country, and foremost, his family.
  In these times, when our country seems to be so torn apart on 
everything political, I think it is time for us to take a little more 
time to reflect on who we are as Americans. We are not Republicans, we 
are not Democrats, we are not Independents; we are Americans. At the 
very heart of what it is we are, we are Americans.
  Mr. Comperatore is exactly the example of those who serve, those who 
put others above themselves, those who put themselves in harm's way to 
protect those who are in danger. We come here tonight, and we talk 
about Corey.
  That Saturday was a Saturday that his family will never forget. As 
they made their way from their home to the Butler Farm Show grounds to 
hear former President Donald Trump at his rally, they were so excited 
to be there.
  However, tragically, evil struck, and America was once again reminded 
that at the end of the day, we are all Americans. Yes, we represent 
different parties. Yes, we represent different peoples, but at the end 
of the day, we are Americans.
  The example that Corey Comperatore puts forward is that of a strong, 
faithful American, a man of faith, a man who loved his country, a man 
who loved his community, but above all, a man who loved his wife and 
daughters.
  How tragic it would have been if he had never been born. As we mourn 
his death, we also must celebrate his life. We must say a prayer 
because I know where he is now. I know where he rests. I know he is in 
the arms of God. As tragic as this has been for his family, I know his 
family knows the same thing.
  I would hope that as we look into what happened, how this possibly 
could have happened, how in a little farm town in Pennsylvania evil 
could have prevailed, at least for a moment, but what has happened 
since then is our firm belief in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and 
our belief that Corey is now safe at home and will be there when his 
wife and daughters make that same trip sometime in the future.
  Madam Speaker, this is a country that has been torn apart for so long 
by parties that go at each other day in and day out. I would hope that 
at some point we sit and take a look at the fact that one and a half 
million men and women in uniform have given their lives to give us the 
opportunity to be here on this floor and debate policy, and what is in 
the best interests of the people who sent us here, and that is the 
American people. At some point, we have to believe the oath we have 
taken, and we have to fulfill that oath.

                              {time}  2100

  I hope that as we look at the tragic loss of Corey Comperatore, we 
also give thanks to God that he was born in the first place, that his 
wife and daughters had an opportunity to have a loving father and a 
loving husband, and that now he is safe and at home in the Lord's arms.
  I thank my colleagues for being here tonight, and I know everything 
comes from the heart on this. When something like this happens, we need 
to take a step back, take a deep breath, say a prayer, and ask God to 
be with us as we make our journey as Representatives of the most 
incredible Nation the world has ever known, the United States of 
America.
  Madam Speaker, I include in the Record a resolution that we will be 
offering, and entering in now. It is H. Res. 1369.
       Whereas Corey Comperatore was from Sarver, Pennsylvania, 
     leaving behind his wife, Helen, and two daughters, Allyson 
     and Kaylee;
       Whereas Corey Comperatore was a respected community leader 
     who dedicated years of service to the Buffalo Township 
     Volunteer Fire Department of Sarver, Pennsylvania;
       Whereas Corey Comperatore served his country as a veteran 
     of the United States Army Reserves;
       Whereas Corey Comperatore left behind a legacy of service 
     for his country and his community, a devoted member of the 
     Cabot Methodist Church; and
       Whereas Corey Comperatore died a hero, protecting his 
     family, shielding his wife and daughter from danger: Now, 
     therefore be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
       (1) mourns the loss of Corey Comperatore, a husband, 
     father, volunteer firefighter, community leader, and hero 
     from Sarver, Pennsylvania;
       (2) commemorates and celebrates the selfless and courageous 
     life of Corey Comperatore;
  Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of 
my time.

                          ____________________