'It didn't have to happen': Wife of man killed at Trump rally struggles with loss

Helen Comperatore is heartbroken after the tragic loss of her husband, Corey, who was killed during a shooting at a Donald Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Corey, a former volunteer fire chief, died while trying to shield his family from danger when a gunman opened fire. Helen expressed her deep sorrow, saying, 'I see it every time I close my eyes,' indicating that the memories of that fateful day haunt her. She is filled with anger over the security lapses that allowed such a horrific event to occur, stating, 'I'm angry because there were a lot of mistakes made that day, and it didn't have to happen. ' Helen shared her feelings with the BBC just days before Trump was scheduled to return to Butler, the site of the shooting. The couple lived in Sarver, which is less than 20 miles from the rally location, and they could hear the sirens from the fire station where Corey dedicated many years of service. At the upcoming rally, several members of the Comperatore family, including Helen, will be guests of Trump. Corey was 50 years old when he was killed, and two other individuals, David Dutch and James Copenhaver, suffered serious injuries during the attack. An internal review by the Secret Service revealed numerous security failures that day, including inadequate planning and poor communication. Helen recalled how excited Corey was about attending the rally, as he admired Trump for his straightforwardness and ability to get things done. 'He just liked how [Trump] got things done, and that he wasn't a politician,' she said. The couple believed that Trump understood the struggles of people like them living in working-class communities like Butler. They ended up sitting in the bleachers right between Trump and the shooter, a twist of fate that they could not have anticipated. They had missed their chance to get a good seat but were fortunate when someone offered them a spot. Just six minutes into Trump's speech, the shooter fired eight shots from a rooftop, hitting Trump and tragically killing Corey as he attempted to protect his family. In the months leading up to the shooting, Helen and Corey cherished their weekends spent on their boat, where they would talk about their dreams and future plans. Helen reflected on their long history together, having known each other since kindergarten. She described Corey as a serious man on the outside, but one with a kind heart. 'As soon as he smiled, you knew he was a good, good man,' she said. He was devoted to his family and community, and his two daughters, Allyson and Kaylee, who are both nurses, are struggling to cope with their father's death while trying to return to work. Helen often finds herself asking, 'What would he want me to do? What would Corey do? ' as she navigates her grief. 'It's definitely a struggle. I just miss him,' she admitted. At the Republican National Convention in July, Corey was honored posthumously, with his helmet and coat displayed on stage while Trump spoke. Helen shared that Corey had hoped Trump might call him up on stage, and when they watched the tribute on television, she was overcome with emotion, saying, 'I just cried because I said he got his moment on stage with Trump. ' It was a bittersweet moment, filled with pride and sadness.