James “Jim” Copenhaver, one of two individuals critically injured in a shooting at Donald Trump’s campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, has passed away at the age of 76. The incident occurred roughly two years ago when a gunman opened fire. A statement from his family’s attorney revealed that Copenhaver died on a Wednesday surrounded by loved ones. The cause of death was not disclosed.
The statement praised Copenhaver as a veteran who served his country with pride. He was described as an American patriot committed to the values and ideals upon which the nation was founded. His family expressed gratitude for the support received following the Butler incident, mentioning his roles as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.
Details of the Butler Shooting
Copenhaver attended Trump’s rally at the Butler Farm Show on July 13, 2024, when Thomas Matthew Crooks opened fire from a rooftop. Trump was injured in the ear, rallygoer Corey Comperatore was killed, and Copenhaver and David Dutch suffered severe injuries. A Secret Service counter-sniper killed Crooks in response.
Trump expressed his condolences on Truth Social, calling Copenhaver a true American patriot and mourning his loss. He highlighted Copenhaver’s bravery and positive spirit in the face of hardship. Trump also extended thoughts and prayers to Copenhaver’s family, particularly his wife, Marianne.
Victims and Aftermath
The shooting resulted in multiple casualties. Corey Comperatore, 50, of Sarver, Pennsylvania, died while protecting his family during the chaos. Comperatore was a volunteer firefighter and former fire chief. David Dutch of New Kensington, Pennsylvania, was critically injured but survived after spending 11 days in the hospital. Copenhaver suffered from severe injuries, including gunshot wounds to the arm and abdomen, requiring a hospital stay of 15 days and months of recovery.
Trump was also injured during the incident. According to the FBI, his ear was grazed by a bullet or fragment, but he was not seriously harmed.
Copenhaver’s Recollections and Legal Actions
More than a year after the shooting, Copenhaver shared his experience in an interview. Initially unaware he had been shot, he described noticing his sleeve being pulled and hearing a noise before realizing the severity of his injuries. He underwent multiple surgeries for his wounds, which included damage to his triceps and colon, as well as nerve damage.
Copenhaver voiced skepticism about the official investigation, mentioning undisclosed devices and information. Frustrated over the perceived lack of accountability, he filed a lawsuit against the U.S. government seeking $150,000 for security failures at the rally, highlighting negligence and carelessness by the Secret Service. The case remains pending.
Trump’s Public Acknowledgments
In the aftermath of the shooting, Trump publicly recognized those affected, stating that prayers and love were with them. At the Republican National Convention and subsequent rallies, he paid tribute to the victims, especially honoring Comperatore’s bravery and acknowledging the contributions of the survivors. Fundraising efforts were organized, and substantial amounts were raised to support the families.
Questions Surrounding Rally Security
The Butler shooting spurred extensive scrutiny of the event’s security measures. Crooks fired eight shots from a rooftop before being neutralized. Investigations into his background did not reveal a clear motive. The Secret Service, led by Director Kimberly Cheatle at the time, faced criticism for operational failures, leading to her resignation.
Both Copenhaver and Dutch expressed dissatisfaction with the security arrangements and considered legal action. A congressional task force was later established to examine the incident, assessing security planning, communication, and resources. Recommendations were provided to prevent similar incidents in the future.