James Copenhaver, one of three attendees shot during the July 13, 2024, assassination attempt on then-candidate Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, has died. He was 76 years old.
Copenhaver was struck twice during the attack at the Butler Farm Show grounds. One bullet hit his left triceps, and another struck his abdomen, leaving him with permanent nerve damage and lingering health complications. He underwent multiple surgeries and required the use of a cane to walk in the years following the shooting.
Two other rallygoers were also shot that day. Retired volunteer fire chief Corey Comperatore, 50, was killed while shielding his family. David Dutch, another attendee, survived serious injuries. The alleged shooter, Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, was fatally shot by Secret Service countersnipers after opening fire.
Copenhaver’s death was confirmed in a statement from his family on September 25, 2024. His lawyer, Joseph A. Feldman, said he died "surrounded by his loved ones" at Allegheny Health Network’s West Penn Hospital in Pittsburgh. The cause of death has not been publicly disclosed.
Family and supporters reflect on Copenhaver’s life
Copenhaver, a U.S. military veteran, was described by his family as a "true American patriot" who took pride in his service. In a statement released through his attorney, they said his love for the country "never wavered" despite the lasting impact of his injuries.
"As a veteran, he proudly served our nation in the armed forces, and his love of country never wavered," the statement read. "James was a true American patriot who believed deeply in the freedoms and ideals upon which this nation was founded."
Copenhaver’s family also expressed gratitude for the public’s support following the shooting, calling the attack a "horrible, senseless, and unnecessary act of violence."
Long-term health struggles detailed
In interviews after the shooting, Copenhaver described the physical toll the injuries took on his body. He told NBC News in 2025 that he lost 30 pounds and required part of his colon to be removed due to the abdominal wound. He recalled realizing he had been shot only after seeing his sleeve torn and feeling the impact.
"I mean I heard it distinctly," Copenhaver said. "I turn around to my friend and I said, ‘I think I was shot.’ And that’s when I got the second one."
His lawyer confirmed that Copenhaver had been dealing with permanent injuries, including bullet fragments that remained lodged in his body. In June 2024, Copenhaver filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Secret Service, alleging "negligence, recklessness, and/or carelessness" in their security preparations prior to the attack.
Political and public response
House Republicans issued a statement mourning Copenhaver’s death, calling him a man who "endured unimaginable hardship with strength and perseverance." The statement did not address the lawsuit or broader security concerns.
Journalist Ken Silva, who authored a book on Trump assassination plots, confirmed Copenhaver’s death on social media and noted his long-term struggles with injuries. Silva had previously interviewed Copenhaver for his work.
Background on the 2024 Butler shooting
The assassination attempt occurred as Trump took the stage at the Butler rally. Crooks, armed with a rifle, fired shots from a rooftop near the venue. Trump was grazed by a bullet that nicked his right ear. The Secret Service responded by killing Crooks at the scene.
The attack prompted widespread scrutiny of Secret Service protocols and security measures at political events. Investigations into the agency’s handling of the incident were later launched by Congress and the Department of Homeland Security.
Copenhaver’s death marks the latest in a series of long-term consequences stemming from the 2024 shooting, including ongoing legal and policy reviews related to political violence and security failures.