Donald Trump's tribute to the victim at his Pennsylvania rally has been a hot talking point online - but not just because of how touching it was.
Yesterday (July 18), the former President of the United States took to the stage at the Republican National Convention at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to deliver his first speech since his near-death experience.
Trump was involved in an attempted assassination plot last week during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, leaving him bleeding from the ear after a bullet grazed past his head.
One person was left dead while two others were injured at the hands of 20-year-old Thomas
Security personnel ushered the 78-year-old back to his car where he was taken to a nearby medical facility where he was assessed and said to be doing "just fine."
Almost a week after the incident, the business tycoon gave his first speech and in it, he paid tribute to Corey Comperatore, the man who took a bullet to save his family's lives.
"I stand before you this evening with a message of confidence, strength, and hope,” he started. "Together, we will launch a new era of safety, prosperity, and freedom for citizens of every race, religion, color, and creed.
“The discord and division in our society must be healed," he continued. "As Americans, we are bound together by a single fate and a shared destiny. We rise together. Or we fall apart."
Trump then addressed the incident directly, insinuating that it's a miracle he's still alive.
"The amazing thing is that prior to the shot, if I had not moved my head at that very last instant, the assassin’s bullet would have perfectly hit its mark, and I would not be here tonight," he said. "None of us knows God’s plan, or where life’s adventure will take us. But if the events of last Saturday make anything clear, it is that every single moment we have on earth is a gift from God. We have to make the most of every day for the people and country we love."
He then went on to pay tribute to Comperatore, a 50-year-old firefighter from Sarver.
“He was incredible,” Trump said, before kissing his uniform, which was wheeled out on the stage. “He was a highly respected former fire chief, respected by everybody. Was accompanied by his wife Helen, incredible woman I spoke to today. Devastated. Two precious daughters.
"He lost his life selflessly acting as a human shield, trying to protect them from flying bullets right over the top of them. He was hit. What a fine man he was," he added.
"There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for others," he said, referring to the fact that Comperatore was shielding his loved ones when he was shot.
"This is the spirit that forged America in her darkest hours, and this is the love that will lead America back to the summit of human achievement and greatness."
Trump then called for a moment's silence before the crows started chanting "Corey."
Have a look at the moment below:However, many wondered why the victim's name was spelled incorrectly on the jacket of his uniform, questioning whether the Trump campaign accidentally made a blunder.
But this has now been debunked.
A post from July 14 from WTAE reporter Yazmin Rodriguez shows the jacket hanging outside of the Buffalo Township Volunteer Fire Department with the same spelling "Compertore" rather than "Comperatore."
A report by CBS News delved further into the issue, stating that the Buffalo Township Volunteer Fire Department said the “A” had been left out intentionally because there was not enough space on the jacket for another letter.
Elsewhere in his speech, Trump vowed to end Russia’s war on Ukraine, end inflation, and tackle the "illegal immigration crisis."
He then called out for the support of the nation, promising to "bring back the American Dream."
"With great humility, I am asking you to be excited about the future of our country," Trump stated.
"We are Americans. Ambition is our heritage. Greatness is our birthright," he said, calling for "unity" once again. "But as long as our energies are spent fighting each other, our destiny will remain out of reach. We must instead take that energy and use it to realize our country’s true potential - and write our own thrilling chapter of the American Story.
"Tonight, I ask for your partnership, for your support, and I am humbly asking for your vote. Every day, I will strive to honor the trust you have placed in me, and I will never let you down," he concluded.
Our thoughts are with all the victims of last weekend's shooting. No matter what your political position is, the loss of innocent lives should never be tolerated.
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