Trump rally shooting survivor James Copenhaver dies at age 76 - USA Today
James Copenhaver, one of three attendees shot during then-presidential candidate Donald Trump's 2024 campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, has died at age 76.
The House Republican Conference announced Copenhaver's death on Sept. 24 on X, saying he had been "gravely wounded" in the shooting and had endured significant hardship following the attack.
"We are deeply saddened by the passing of Jim Copenhaver, who was gravely wounded in the horrific shooting in Butler, Pennsylvania," the House GOP account said. "Jim endured unimaginable hardship with strength and perseverance."
Copenhaver was one of three rallygoers shot when gunman Thomas Matthew Crooks opened fire on July 13, 2024, at the Butler Farm Show grounds. Corey Comperatore, a 50-year-old Pennsylvania firefighter, was killed in the shooting, while David Dutch was struck in the chest and liver. Trump was also injured, being wounded in his upper rightΒ ear, as a result of the attempted assassination. Crooks, who fired from the roof of a nearby building, was killed by law enforcement after shooting toward the rally crowd.
Copenhaver was shot twice during the attack. One bullet struck him in the triceps, while another entered his body after damaging his colon and kidney, leaving him with nerve damage, according to CBS Pittsburgh.
He was released from the hospital about a week after the shooting, the outlet reported.
Nearly a year after the attack, Copenhaver and Dutch spoke with KDKA-TV about what they remembered from the rally.
"I was standing up looking at the Jumbotron behind me, and next thing I know my sleeve has been yanked," Copenhaver said.
He also recalled hearing what sounded like a gunshot but initially did not realize he had been hit. After turning around, he was struck again, he said.
Copenhaver continued to deal with permanent injuries after the shooting, according to Fox News, which reported that bullet fragments remained lodged in his body. A lawsuit Copenhaver filed against the United States earlier this year also said he underwent multiple surgeries following the shooting.
Copenhaver and his wife, Marianne Copenhaver, filed a federal lawsuit against the United States in Pittsburgh earlier this year.
The lawsuit alleges negligence, recklessness and carelessness by the U.S. Secret Service, including failures in security planning, communication and securing the building from which Crooks opened fire. The complaint alleges those failures led to Copenhaver's "significant, grievous and permanent" injuries.
The lawsuit sought more than $150,000 in damages. As of Sept. 24, the case remains pending in the Western District of Pennsylvania in Pittsburgh.
USA TODAY has reached out to the Department of Justice for comment.
Reporter Anthony Thompson can be reached at ajthompson@usatodayco.com or on X @athompsonUSAT
