A shooting at former President Donald Trump’s campaign rally on Saturday evening in Butler, Pennsylvania, resulted in one death and injuries to three individuals, including Trump himself. The incident has prompted a massive outpouring of support, with GoFundMe donations surpassing $3.36 million within 24 hours from two separate campaigns.
Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, was addressing the rally when a bullet struck the upper part of his right ear. He was seen clutching his ear with blood streaming down his face as security agents quickly intervened.
A spokesperson for Trump’s campaign reassured the public on Saturday that the former president was “fine” and was “being checked out at a local medical facility.” Trump was released from the hospital later that night.
Authorities identified the other victims as 57-year-old David Dutch and 74-year-old James Copenhaver, both critically injured but stable as of Sunday afternoon. Tragically, 50-year-old former firefighter Corey Comperatore was killed while shielding his daughter from the gunfire.
The shooter, identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, was neutralized by security agents after firing from the roof of a nearby building. The FBI has classified the incident as an assassination attempt.
In the wake of the tragedy, support has poured in for the victims and their families. On Saturday, Meredith O’Rourke, a senior Trump adviser and national finance director of his 2024 campaign, launched a “President Trump Authorized” GoFundMe page to support those affected. Initially aiming for $1 million, the campaign has far exceeded this goal, raising over $2.8 million by Sunday evening from more than 37,000 donations. Significant contributions included $50,000 each from UFC President Dana White, singer Kid Rock, and The Heritage Foundation, with former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy donating $30,000.
O’Rourke wrote in the fundraiser’s description, “President Donald Trump has authorized this account as a place for donations to the supporters and families wounded or killed in today’s brutal and horrific assassination attempt. All donations will be directed to these proud Americans as they grieve and recover. May God bless and unite our nation.”
Another GoFundMe campaign was initiated on Sunday morning by Jason Bubb, a gym owner in Buffalo Township, Pennsylvania, for Allyson Comperatore, whose father was killed in the shooting. Bubb’s campaign aimed to raise $7,000 but has already garnered $530,000 from over 9,900 donations. The top donation of $25,000 came from an anonymous donor. Many contributors left heartfelt messages of condolence and tributes to Comperatore’s life and legacy.
The tragic event has undoubtedly shaken the community and the nation, but the overwhelming response and support highlight the resilience and unity in the face of adversity.
