Man Wounded in Trump Assassination Attempt Dies 2 Years Later

James Copenhaver, who was wounded during a Pennsylvania gunman’s 2024 attempt to kill President Donald Trump, has passed away, according to a statement from House Republicans.

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Jim Copenhaver, who was gravely wounded in the horrific shooting in Butler, Pennsylvania,” the group wrote on their X account Sept. 24. “Jim endured unimaginable hardship with strength and perseverance. We join his family and loved ones in mourning his loss and praying for them during this difficult time. May he rest in peace.”

Copenhaver was among four people who were shot on July 13, 2024, when a gunman opened fire at a Trump rally at the Butler Farm Show grounds. Attendee Corey Comperatore, 50, was killed. Copenhaver and fellow rallygoer David Dutch suffered serious injuries and ongoing complications. Trump narrowly escaped death when a bullet grazed his right ear.

The alleged shooter, identified as Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, died after the Secret Service returned fire.

Copenhaver, 76, died Sept. 23 at Allegheny Health Network’s West Penn Hospital in Pittsburgh, the Beaver County Times reported, quoting the Allegheny County Medical Examiner. 

In June, both Copenhaver and Dutch filed lawsuits alleging that federal agencies negligently failed to protect rallygoers. Copenhaver underwent “severe, serious, and painful surgeries” for his wounds, including transection of his colon, his lawsuit says. Further, he suffered kidney injury, fractures, and bullet fragments that remained in his body and required  “continued monitoring,” according to his lawsuit.

Attorney Joseph Feldman issued a statement on behalf of the Copenhaver family, but the statement did not clarify whether Copenhaver’s injuries from the shooting contributed to his death.

The statement described Copenhaver as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and said: “James’s dedication to this great country was a defining part of his life.

“As a veteran, he proudly served our nation in the armed forces, and his love of country never wavered. James was a true American patriot who believed deeply in the freedoms and ideals upon which this nation was founded, and he embodied the very best traits of our great nation.” 

Trump called Copenhaver “a true American Patriot” and lamented his death as “a tremendous loss.”

“More than two years ago in Butler, Pennsylvania, a crazed gunman attempted to stifle our America First Movement. Instead, Jim and so many other wonderful Patriots who love our Country, stood united in defense of our shared values of Freedom, Liberty, and Justice,” the president wrote in a Truth Social post.

“After being wounded while protecting his family, Jim showed tremendous bravery, courageously continuing to FIGHT, FIGHT, FIGHT, and maintaining a positive spirit despite unimaginable hardships,” Trump wrote. “His indelible legacy of love and devotion will forever endure. Our hearts and prayers are with the Copenhaver family, especially his incredible wife Marianne. God bless you all!”