Jim Copenhaver, one of the rallygoers wounded when a gunman opened fire on then-candidate Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, has died. He was in his mid 70s.
Copenhaver, of Coraopolis, Pennsylvania, was struck during the July 13, 2024, shooting when Thomas Matthew Crooks fired a rifle from a rooftop while Trump addressed the crowd from the stage. Copenhaver was seated behind Trump and took wounds from the barrage of shots Crooks sprayed into the rally grounds. Trump himself was hit in the ear.
Copenhaver died Wednesday from complications tied to those injuries, according to his family, who said he passed “surrounded by his loved ones.” His attorney confirmed on the family’s behalf that the “devoted” husband, father and grandfather died two years after being “gravely wounded” at the rally.
Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday said Copenhaver died “from complications stemming from those wounds,” according to CBS.
One bullet struck Copenhaver in the triceps and another lodged in his body after tearing through part of his colon, leaving him with nerve damage, CBS reported. Journalist Ken Silva, who wrote a book on the assassination attempt, reported that a person close to the family confirmed Copenhaver had been living with permanent injuries, including bullet fragments still lodged in his body.
Trump paid tribute to Copenhaver on Truth Social, calling him “a true American Patriot.”
Jim Copenhaver, a true American Patriot, has passed away — 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.
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. 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!
Copenhaver was one of two rallygoers wounded in the attack. David Dutch of New Kensington was also injured that day. Firefighter Corey Comperatore was killed shielding his family, and Crooks was killed by government snipers after opening fire. Copenhaver’s death brings the total number of lives lost from the Butler shooting to three.
