James “Jim” Copenhaver, a man critically wounded at Donald Trump’s campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, has died two years after the incident. He was 76 years old. A statement from his family’s attorney announced his passing on Wednesday, expressing that Copenhaver died surrounded by loved ones. The statement did not specify the cause of death.
The statement highlighted his service as a veteran and his unwavering love for his country. It described him as a true American patriot dedicated to the ideals on which the nation was founded. His family also shared their gratitude for the support he received after the shooting in Butler.
On July 13, 2024, Copenhaver had attended Trump’s rally at the Butler Farm Show when gunman Thomas Matthew Crooks fired from a rooftop. Trump sustained an ear injury, Corey Comperatore was killed, and Copenhaver and David Dutch were seriously injured. Crooks was killed by a Secret Service countersniper.
Following Copenhaver’s death, Trump expressed his condolences on Truth Social, calling Copenhaver a true American Patriot. Trump reflected on Copenhaver’s bravery after being wounded while protecting his family, praising his enduring positive spirit. He conveyed his prayers to Copenhaver’s family, particularly his wife Marianne.
Newsweek has reached out to the White House for comment.
Victims of the Butler Shooting
The Butler shooting resulted in the death of Corey Comperatore, a volunteer firefighter and former fire chief, while he was shielding his family. David Dutch was critically wounded, suffering liver injuries and spending 11 days in the hospital before his release. James Copenhaver was shot in his arm and abdomen, spending 15 days hospitalized and months recovering.
Copenhaver later shared his recollections of the shooting experience a year afterward. He recounted being hit by gunfire while watching the Jumbotron and describing the second bullet as a jolt. He was immediately rushed to the hospital where he spoke with Trump by phone.
Suffering from severe injuries, Copenhaver underwent multiple surgeries and continued to experience physical challenges. He expressed a desire for clarity regarding unanswered questions from the shooting investigation. He filed a lawsuit seeking $150,000 against the U.S. government, alleging negligence and security failures at the rally.
Response From Trump
Trump spoke publicly about the shooting victims in the days following the event. At the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, he remarked on his conversations with Copenhaver and Dutch. He paid tribute to Comperatore and acknowledged the loss experienced by his family.
During a rally in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Trump expressed ongoing prayers for Dutch and Copenhaver’s recoveries, indicating support through fundraising efforts. He stated that millions had been raised for the affected families.
The White House issued a message on the first anniversary of the shooting, honoring the individuals who endured the trauma and acted heroically during the chaos.
Legacy of Jim Copenhaver
Copenhaver’s family described his commitment to serving his country as a defining aspect of his life. They appreciated the support received since the Butler shooting.
House Republicans honored Copenhaver in a statement, commending his perseverance despite unimaginable hardships. They conveyed condolences to his family during this challenging period. His passing adds to the losses connected to the Butler shooting, an event that remains a focal point in political-security discussions.
Ongoing Security Concerns
The Butler shooting prompted intense scrutiny of rally security operations, questioning how the gunman accessed the rooftop. Crooks fired eight shots toward the rally before his neutralization by a Secret Service countersniper. Investigations neither identified a clear motive nor definitive answers regarding the security breach.
Then-Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle identified the shooting as a major operational failure, leading to her resignation amid congressional criticism. Copenhaver and Dutch challenged aspects of the rally’s security and pursued potential legal actions.
A congressional task force was established to investigate the assassination attempt, reviewing security planning and execution to issue recommendations for future event safety.
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