James Copenhaver, wounded in 2024 Butler Trump rally shooting, dies at 76

Casualties of the 2024 Butler Rally Shooting

James Copenhaver, a 76-year-old military veteran and Pennsylvania resident, died on Wednesday from complications stemming from injuries sustained during the July 13, 2024, assassination attempt on then-presidential candidate Donald Trump at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Copenhaver was one of three attendees shot during the incident, which also resulted in the death of Corey Comperatore, a retired firefighter who shielded his family from gunfire. David Dutch, the third victim, survived but required extensive medical treatment.

The shooter, 20-year-old Thomas Crooks, opened fire from a nearby rooftop, grazing Trump’s right ear with a bullet. Crooks was killed by Secret Service agents after firing eight shots. Copenhaver was struck in the arm and abdomen, sustaining injuries that required multiple surgeries, including a transection of his colon. His family’s lawsuit against the federal government alleged that the Secret Service and Department of Homeland Security had “utterly failed” to provide adequate security, leading to his “debilitating, grievous, permanent and life-altering” wounds.

Legal and Political Reactions

Copenhaver’s family filed a lawsuit in June 2026, accusing the Secret Service of negligence, recklessness, and carelessness in securing the rally. The complaint highlighted that Crooks had been observed acting erratically before the attack and was the subject of an intensive search. The lawsuit argued that these failures allowed the shooter to access a rooftop and open fire. The Secret Service faced scrutiny after the incident, with then-Director Kimberly Cheatle resigning 10 days later following testimony before the House Oversight Committee.

Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday stated that Copenhaver “died from complications stemming from those wounds,” though the family’s statement did not explicitly link his death to the injuries. The case remains pending, with attorneys for Copenhaver’s estate not responding to requests for comment. Meanwhile, Trump paid tribute to Copenhaver on his Truth Social account, calling him a “true American patriot” who “showed tremendous bravery” despite his “unimaginable hardships.”

Legacy and Ongoing Debates

Copenhaver’s life was marked by military service and a commitment to public values. His family described him as a “devoted husband, father and grandfather” who “instilled the values of hard work, integrity and the service to others.” The Copenhaver name has also been invoked in discussions about political violence and security protocols. The incident underscored tensions over the balance between free speech and safety at large-scale political events, with critics pointing to the Secret Service’s response as a critical failure.

Despite his death, questions surrounding the 2024 rally persist. The exact cause of Copenhaver’s demise remains tied to his long-term injuries, while the legal battle against the federal government continues. The case has become a focal point for debates over accountability in high-profile security lapses, with advocates arguing that the government must be held responsible for protecting citizens at public events.

The death of James Copenhaver marks the end of a two-year struggle with the aftermath of the Butler rally shooting. As the legal and political debates continue, his story remains a poignant reminder of the human cost of political violence and the ongoing challenges of ensuring safety in public spaces. The broader conversation about security protocols will likely shape the legacy of this tragic event.