Republican Speaker Recounts Treating Fatally Shot Attendee at Attempted Trump Assassination

Beaver County Republican Committee vice chairman Rico Elmore, who was seated near Trump during the harrowing event, shares his eyewitness account of the shooting and his subsequent efforts to help the victim.

At President Trump's Pennsylvania rally, where a deadly assassination attempt unfolded, speaker Rico Elmore emerged as a firsthand witness to the tragic incident. Elmore, a hydraulic mechanic with the Pennsylvania Air National Guard, was seated in the VIP area when shots rang out, shattering the tranquility of the event.

"Immediately, myself, Sean Parnell, and J.D. Longo, we're both, because of our military background, we're like, 'Something's going on,'" Elmore recounted. With their instincts sharpened by their training, they swiftly assessed the situation and responded accordingly.

Republican Speaker Recounts Treating Fatally Shot Attendee at Attempted Trump Assassination

As chaos erupted around them, Elmore noticed a rallygoer desperately calling for a medic. Acting without hesitation, he rushed over, crossed a barricade, and found himself face-to-face with Corey Comperatore, a victim who had sustained a fatal gunshot wound to the head.

Elmore's medical knowledge from his military service came into play as he provided aid to the fallen attendee. While those around him hailed him as a hero, Elmore humbly deferred the title to the doctor who performed CPR on Comperatore.

Republican Speaker Recounts Treating Fatally Shot Attendee at Attempted Trump Assassination

"People perceived that I was somebody of importance. I'm just an average Joe who wanted to be there, went to the event, and who spoke at it, but people perceive otherwise," Elmore said, reflecting on the aftermath of the tragedy.

In the face of such adversity, Elmore emphasized the importance of unity and cooperation. "I believe that it's going to bring a sense of togetherness across all lines, Democrat, Republican, and any other political party affiliation, because now it's to the realization that this can happen," he said.

Republican Speaker Recounts Treating Fatally Shot Attendee at Attempted Trump Assassination

He went on to highlight the role of law enforcement in ensuring the safety of the rallygoers, despite being outnumbered by the crowd. "The police on that day did a phenomenal job of protecting and getting the people out. So, my hat goes off to them," he said.

In the aftermath of the assassination attempt, Beaver County, which borders Butler County where the rally was held, has come together in prayer and support for the victims and their families. Elmore emphasized the need to address the divisive tendencies that may have contributed to such a heinous act.

Republican Speaker Recounts Treating Fatally Shot Attendee at Attempted Trump Assassination

"I would say that I can only hope that we can come together for the people, for the community, in this horrific experience, in this horrific time; the divisiveness, the infighting, that has to stop," Elmore said. "Because if we don't, more lives will be taken for no reason. And that has to stop."

Elmore's firsthand account of the tragic events at the Trump rally underscores the importance of vigilance, unity, and the selfless acts of individuals who rise to the occasion in times of crisis.