Man Who Died At Donald Trump Rally 'Dove On His Family To Protect Them'

An attempted assassination at a Donald Trump rally on Saturday left two dead, including the gunman, and two in critical condition.

The 20-year-old gunman, identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks, used an AR-15-style semiautomatic rifle allegedly linked to his father. He fired eight times, with one bullet skimming the former President's right ear.

While Donald Trump survived the attack, a rallygoer unfortunately passed away, and he has now been identified.

Shortly after the 78-year-old took the stage at the Pennsylvania rally, several gunshots rang out, causing Secret Service agents to rush to the former President's side, seeking cover behind the podium. Blood was seen on Trump's right ear as he was escorted to an SUV safety. Trump was treated at a nearby hospital and is fortunately in good condition. Sadly, the incident resulted in the death of one rally attendee, along with the gunman.

According to the Associated Press, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro identified the deceased rally attendee as Corey Comperatore, a former local fire chief, stating that he "died a hero."

“His wife shared with me that he dove on his family to protect them,” Shapiro said.

The gunman was also killed at the rally by the Secret Service.

The FBI identified the gunman as Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old from a suburb located in the hills south of Pittsburgh.

Investigators believe that the weapon used by Crooks was purchased by his father at least six months prior, according to law enforcement officials. Federal agents are working to determine when and how Crooks obtained the gun, as well as to gather further information about him.

As police continue to try to dig up as many details on Crooks as they can, his political affiliations are not clearly defined. While records indicate he was registered as a Republican in Pennsylvania, federal campaign finance documents also reveal he donated $15 to a progressive political action committee on January 20, 2021, the day President Joe Biden was inaugurated.

The former President released a statement on his Truth Social account after the incident.

"It is incredible that such an act can take place in our Country. Nothing is known at this time about the shooter, who is now dead. I was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of my right ear," he confirmed.

"I knew immediately that something was wrong in that I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin. Much bleeding took place, so I realized then what was happening," Trump added. "GOD BLESS AMERICA!"

On Sunday morning, he released a second statement: "We will FEAR NOT, but instead remain resilient in our Faith and Defiant in the face of Wickedness."

"Our love goes out to the other victims and their families. We pray for the recovery of those who were wounded, and hold in our hearts the memory of the citizen who was so horribly killed," he said. "In this moment, it is more important than ever that we stand United, and show our True Character as Americans, remaining Strong and Determined, and not allowing Evil to Win."

After being briefed on the attempted assassination, President Joe Biden shared a statement, noting that America needs to unite.

"I have been briefed on the shooting at Donald Trump's rally in Pennsylvania," he said. "I'm grateful to hear that he's safe and doing well. I'm praying for him and his family and for all those who were at the rally, as we await further information."

The President continued, "Jill and I are grateful to the Secret Service for getting him to safety. There's no place for this kind of violence in America. We must unite as one nation to condemn it."