Trump Rally Shooting Survivor James Copenhaver Dies at 76

James Copenhaver, one of three people wounded during the attempted assassination of then-presidential candidate Donald Trump at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, has died at age 76.

The House Republican Conference announced Copenhaver’s death on Sept. 24, describing him as having been gravely wounded in the July 13, 2024, shooting and noting that he endured significant hardships in the aftermath of the attack.

Copenhaver was among the rally attendees struck by gunfire when gunman Thomas Matthew Crooks opened fire from the roof of a nearby building. The attack killed Corey Comperatore, a Pennsylvania firefighter, and seriously wounded Copenhaver and David Dutch. Trump suffered a wound to his upper right ear. Crooks was later shot and killed by law enforcement officers.

According to reports, Copenhaver suffered severe injuries after being shot twice. One bullet struck his arm, while another caused extensive internal injuries, damaging his colon and kidney and leaving him with nerve damage. He was hospitalized for about a week following the shooting but continued to experience lasting health complications.

Nearly a year after the attack, Copenhaver recalled that he initially believed someone had tugged on his sleeve before realizing he had been shot. He said he was struck a second time after turning around.

Reports indicated that bullet fragments remained lodged in his body, and he underwent multiple surgeries related to his injuries. He continued to suffer permanent effects from the shooting.

Earlier this year, Copenhaver and his wife filed a federal lawsuit against the United States, alleging negligence by the U.S. Secret Service. The lawsuit claimed failures in security planning, communication, and protection of the building used by the gunman contributed to the attack and resulted in Copenhaver’s severe and lasting injuries.

The lawsuit seeks damages exceeding $150,000 and remains pending in federal court in western Pennsylvania.