The FBI is investigating an officer's decision to retreat before a man opened fire at a Trump rally in Pennsylvania, striking and killing a firefighter shielding his family.
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FBI Probes Officer's Retreat Before Trump Shooter Opened Fire
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is investigating an officer's decision to retreat before a man opened fire at a Trump rally in Pennsylvania, striking and killing a firefighter shielding his family.
The incident occurred on Saturday in Butler, Pennsylvania, as former President Donald Trump addressed a crowd of supporters. Thomas Matthew Crooks, 21, allegedly approached the rally with a loaded firearm, intending to assassinate Trump.
FBI Probes Officer's Retreat Before Trump Shooter Opened Fire
According to eyewitness accounts, Crooks confronted a federal officer but was forced to retreat after the officer trained his weapon on him. Crooks then allegedly walked around the building, where he encountered Corey Comperatore, a volunteer firefighter from Buffalo Township.
Comperatore, 52, was attending the rally with his wife and two daughters. Crooks opened fire, striking Comperatore in the chest. Comperatore shielded his wife and daughters from the gunfire, but he was fatally wounded.
FBI Probes Officer's Retreat Before Trump Shooter Opened Fire
The FBI is investigating why the officer retreated instead of pursuing Crooks after the initial confrontation. The agency is also looking into the possibility that other officers may have been present at the time.
In a statement, the FBI said it is "conducting a thorough investigation into the shooting incident that occurred at the Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania." The agency added that it is "working closely with our law enforcement partners to determine the facts and circumstances surrounding this tragic event."
FBI Probes Officer's Retreat Before Trump Shooter Opened Fire
Corey Comperatore was a volunteer firefighter for over 25 years and was a well-respected member of the community. He was known for his bravery and selflessness, and he died a hero trying to protect his family.
Comperatore's wife, Amy, and his two daughters, Allyson and Brooke, were devastated by his death. Allyson described her father as "the best dad a girl could ever ask for" and said that he "died a real-life superhero."
FBI Probes Officer's Retreat Before Trump Shooter Opened Fire
The community has rallied around the Comperatore family in the wake of this tragedy. A GoFundMe campaign set up to help the family with expenses has raised over $1 million, and people have been offering their condolences and support.
Comperatore's sister, Dawn Comperatore Schafer, wrote in a Facebook post that her brother "was a hero that shielded his daughters." She added that he "died a true hero and will always be remembered as one."
FBI Probes Officer's Retreat Before Trump Shooter Opened Fire
The FBI is continuing its investigation into the shooting, and Crooks is scheduled to appear in court next week. The agency has not released any information about what motivated Crooks to open fire, but they are considering the possibility that he had political motives.
The shooting at the Trump rally has raised concerns about the safety of political events and the need for increased security at such gatherings. The FBI is working with law enforcement agencies across the country to ensure that similar incidents do not occur in the future.
