Two men shot at a Pennsylvania rally where an attempt was made to assassinate Donald Trump are pursuing legal action against the federal government. James Copenhaver and David Dutch filed lawsuits in the Western District of Pennsylvania, claiming gross negligence by the U.S. Secret Service and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in securing the event premises in Butler, Pennsylvania.
The lawsuits specifically target the United States government, with the plaintiffs joined by their wives. The focus of the lawsuits is the AGR Complex roof, used by shooter Thomas Crooks during the incident. The legal documents assert that congressional investigations highlighted failures by the Secret Service, contributing to the shooting. Senate findings described these as a “cascade of preventable failures.”
David Dutch suffered abdominal gunshots, requiring multiple surgeries, while James Copenhaver was shot in the abdomen and arm. Fragments remain in his body after the incident.
Critical security lapses by Secret Service exposed in new report on Trump assassination attempt,states the lawsuit, marking the severity of the failures.
The shooting occurred on July 13, 2024, during a campaign rally at Butler Farm Show grounds. Crooks grazed Trump’s ear with a bullet. A Secret Service sniper killed Crooks moments after he fired from a nearby rooftop. Corey Comperatore, a former volunteer fire chief, died shielding his family at the event.
The lawsuits emphasize the Secret Service’s security failures. They point to the lack of securing the rooftop despite known vulnerabilities. Furthermore, Dutch and Copenhaver argue that the Secret Service fostered a fragmented command environment, impeding the sharing of critical information.
The lawsuits also highlight the use of inadequate communication methods by agents. Cell phones were used instead of centralized radio channels, which hampered safety information dissemination. Law enforcement noted Crooks’ erratic behavior, which included using a range finder, prior to the shooting.
The Secret Service acknowledged several failures, including communication breakdowns and technological issues, as contributing factors to the incident. The agency admitted its conduct resulted in operational failure, impacting its mission. The Secret Service disciplined several agents accordingly.
Both lawsuits aim to secure $150,000 in damages, interest, and attorney fees. The Secret Service and DHS have not yet commented on these developments.