Gaetz, Moskowitz file resolution to honor man killed in Trump assassination attempt

A would-be assassin's bullet failed to kill former President Donald Trump at a Saturday rally in Pennsylvania. But he did gun down a firefighter, Trump supporter and "girl dad" who threw himself in front of his family when the shots were heard, officials said.

On Tuesday night, Sen. Marco Rubio devoted the beginning of his speech at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee to Corey Comperatore.

"Corey was one of the millions of everyday Americans who make our country great," Rubio said. "He wasn't rich. He wasn't famous. And the only reason why we know his name and story now is because last Saturday, he shielded his wife and daughter from an assassin's bullet and lost his life the way he lived. A hero."

Earlier that day, a Republican and a Democratic member of Congress from Florida teamed up for a nonpartisan resolution to declare Comperatore a hero and to condemn "political violence in all its forms."

U.S. Reps. Matt Gaetz and Jared Moskowitz filed HR 1360 to honor Comperatore, who "died a hero to his family and hero to his country for his service," the resolution says.

“Corey Comperatore should not have lost his life exercising his First Amendment right by going to a political rally. There is no place for political violence in America!” Gaetz said in a prepared statement.

“Corey’s selfless and courageous actions exemplify the highest standards of bravery and devotion to both his family and his country," Gaetz said. "This resolution seeks to commemorate his extraordinary bravery and unwavering commitment to public service after he heroically sacrificed his life while shielding his family from gunfire intended for President Trump.”

“Corey Comperatore led his life keeping his community safe and spent the last moments of his life shielding his family from danger. No matter what side of the aisle you’re on, those are the brave qualities we should all salute. He deserved the ability to go to a political rally and return home. I hope that my colleagues will join us in honoring his sacrifice,” Moskowitz said.

Who is Corey Comperatore?

Comperatore, 50, of Sarver, Pennsylvania, was the former fire chief for the Buffalo Township Volunteer Fire Company.

"Corey Comperatore was a girl dad. Corey was a firefighter. Corey went to church every Sunday. Corey loved his community, and most especially Corey loves his family," Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said Sunday at a news conference.

“Corey died a hero,” Shapiro continued. “Corey dove on his family to protect them last night at this rally. Corey was the very best of us. May his memory be a blessing.”

According to Comperatore's wife, Helen, he died shielding her and their two daughters from the gunfire that also wounded Trump and two other attendees. His last words were "Get down!" she told the New York Post.

GoFundMe for rally shooting victims raises $5 million

A GoFundMe set up by Trump finance head Meredith O'Rourke of Tallahassee to benefit victims of the July 13 shooting and their families easily passed its target of $1 million by Monday morning. As of Tuesday afternoon, it's approaching $5 million, from more than 63,000 donors.

Some of the biggest donors include Elon Musk. Sen. Rick and Ann Scott, hedge fund manager Kenneth C. Griffin, and musician Kid Rock.

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Florida congressmen to honor man killed in Trump rally shooting