Butler County first responders to march in Trump's inauguration parade
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — First responders from Butler County, the site of the first assassination attempt on President-elect Donald Trump, will march in the inaugural parade next week.
The people who responded to the assassination attempt at the Butler Farm Show grounds on July 13 will be among the first group to march during the Inaugural Day parade on Jan. 20 after Trump and Sen. JD Vance are sworn in.
The Trump Vance Inaugural Committee on Monday announced the initial list of groups that have accepted invitations to participate. The parade will have about 7,500 participants representing a variety of groups like veterans, first responders, marching bands and equestrians.
"Being asked to be in the inaugural parade just is a great thank you," said Amy Marree, an emergency management specialist with the Butler County Department of Emergency Services.
"It was just something that you don't ever imagine would happen in your neck of the woods and when it does, you can't help but feel a sense of pride for the people that you work with," Marree added.
As the responders from Butler County march, they'll hold the helmet and gear of Corey Comperatore, the Buffalo Township volunteer firefighter who was shot and killed at the rally.
"Our first responders did an amazing job and this is just a great chance to highlight what they do," said 911 coordinator Robert McLafferty. "We're excited to have an opportunity to honor them and again honor Corey's life."
On July 13, at a Trump rally at the Butler Farm Show grounds, authorities said gunman Thomas Matthew Crooks climbed on top of the roof of the AGR building and opened fire, hitting Trump, killing Comperatore and injuring two other men.
