Pennsylvania governor urges ‘peaceful political process’ following Trump shooting

Gov. Josh Shapiro (D-PA) on Sunday called the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump at a Saturday rally in Pennsylvania “shocking” and urged the public to temper their political rhetoric, particularly in the battleground state.

“Political disagreements can never, ever be addressed through violence. Disagreements are okay, but we need to use a peaceful political process to settle those differences,” Shapiro told reporters during a news conference. “This is a moment of possibility, responsibility to speak and act with more clarity. We’re all leaders need to take down the temperature and rise above the hateful rhetoric that exists and search for a better, brighter future for this nation.”

Shapiro also paid homage to two injured attendees, along with a third who was shot and killed by the alleged gunman. The governor confirmed the victim who was killed was 50-year-old Corey Comperatore, a former fire chief from the area, who dove on his family to protect them as shots rang out.

“Cory was an avid supporter of the former president and was so excited to be there last night with him in the community,” Shapiro said. “I asked for his wife if it would be OK for me to share that we spoke. She said yes. She also asked that I share with all of you that Corey died a hero.”

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Shapiro ordered that flags in the state be flown at half-staff to honor Comperatore. The governor has not spoken with Trump directly but said he “wished him well multiple times last evening through statements.”

The alleged gunman has been identified by law enforcement as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania.