Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission

PHRC releases statement following attempted assassination of former President Trump

One person was killed and three injured during the shooting

Harrisburg, PA- The Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission (PHRC) extends its condolences to the family and friends of Corey Comperatore. Comperatore was a father and husband killed while protecting his family at former President Donald Trump’s campaign rally on Saturday in Butler County. The PHRC also sends well wishes for a quick recovery to former President Donald Trump, and David Dutch and James Copenhaver, who attended the rally, both are listed in stable condition.

“Political violence is always unacceptable, hate has no place in this Commonwealth or this nation,” said PHRC Executive Director Chad Dion Lassiter, MSW. “My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Corey Comperatore, former President Trump, his family, those injured, and all those who have been impacted by this violence.

“Martin Luther King, Jr. once famously stated, ‘Hate begets hate; violence begets violence; toughness begets toughness. We must meet the forces of hate with the power of love.’ At the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission, we use King’s Beloved Community framework to promote a community where all members are passionately committed to the work of nonviolence and peace-making,” continues Lassiter. “Now, more than ever, the Beloved Community is desperately needed throughout our democracy. We can all come from different backgrounds, and still want the same goal: to live, work, and learn in a world free from hate. My hope is in the coming days we can focus more on what unites us rather than what divides us.” 

PHRC recognizes that all those in attendance at the campaign rally may endure long-lasting impacts of the trauma they experienced. The Keystone Crisis Intervention Team (KCIT) supports communities throughout Pennsylvania in their recovery from traumatic crimes and events. They can be contacted 24 hours a day at 855-SOS-KCIT.

About the PHRC: The PHRC enforces state laws that prohibit illegal discrimination. To file a complaint, call 717-787-4410. Information and resources are also available at www.pa.gov/en/agencies/phrc. Follow the PHRC on X, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube, and subscribe to our monthly newsletter.

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PHRC Media Contact Details

Amanda Brothman

Communications Director 771-856-5971
Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission Media