James Copenhaver, one of the two civilians injured in the assassination attempt on President Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, has died at 76 years old at a hospital, his family confirmed through their attorney on Wednesday.
The Allegheny County Medical Examiner's Office confirmed his death, though the cause was not publicly disclosed. CNN reported that Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday indicated Copenhaver succumbed to complications from the injuries he sustained over two years ago, on July 13, 2024.
On that day, Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, opened fire from a rooftop near the stage where Trump was addressing a crowd of thousands. Trump was injured in the right ear and was evacuated with blood on his face. Crooks was shot and killed on the scene by Secret Service agents.
During the attack, Corey Comperatore, a 50-year-old former firefighter, lost his life while shielding his wife and daughter. Copenhaver and another civilian, 57-year-old David Dutch, were seriously injured. With Copenhaver's death, the Butler shooting now counts two civilian fatalities.
Copenhaver, a resident of Moon Township and a military veteran, was 74 when he was rushed to Allegheny General Hospital in critical condition. He was discharged about two weeks after the attack. Nearly a year later, he told KDKA-TV that one bullet had torn his triceps and another remained lodged in his body, causing nerve damage.
His attorney, Joseph Feldman, described him as "a devoted husband, father, and grandfather," highlighting his life’s work: "As a veteran, he proudly served our nation in the armed forces, and his love for the country never wavered. James was a true American patriot who deeply believed in the freedoms and ideals upon which this nation was founded."
Feldman also emphasized Copenhaver's resilience during his recovery: "Throughout that challenging period, James faced each obstacle with the same strength and determination that defined his life."
Political Violence Condemned
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro expressed his condolences and took the opportunity to condemn political violence: "The political violence that occurred in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, 2024, is never acceptable. We all have a responsibility to lower the temperature, move beyond hateful rhetoric, and seek a brighter future for this nation."
Republicans in the House of Representatives also mourned his passing in posts on X: "Jim endured unimaginable hardships with strength and perseverance."
The FBI concluded its extensive investigation, which spanned over a year and had a global scope, determining that Crooks acted alone and no clear motive or connections to organizations, individuals, or foreign governments could be established.
Trump honored Copenhaver on his social platform, Truth Social, calling him "a true American patriot" and praising his bravery, while the family expressed gratitude for "the outpouring of love, prayers, and support received over the past two years" since the shooting.
Key Information on the 2024 Butler Shooting
What was the cause of James Copenhaver's death?
James Copenhaver died from complications related to the injuries he sustained during the shooting in Butler, Pennsylvania, in 2024.
Who was responsible for the attack on Donald Trump?
Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, was responsible for the shooting. He acted alone according to the FBI's investigation.
How did Corey Comperatore die during the attack?
Corey Comperatore died while protecting his wife and daughter during the attack on July 13, 2024.
What were the outcomes of the FBI's investigation into the shooting?
The FBI's investigation concluded that Crooks acted independently and did not reveal any connections to organizations, individuals, or foreign governments.