Two men wounded in an assassination attempt on Donald Trump during a Pennsylvania rally have filed lawsuits against the federal government. James Copenhaver and David Dutch claim the U.S. Secret Service and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) failed to secure the event site adequately in Butler, Pennsylvania. Their lawsuits, submitted in the Western District of Pennsylvania, fault the government for negligence.
The lawsuits cite the AGR Complex roof as the shooter’s position, Thomas Crooks. The plaintiffs, joined by their wives, name the United States as the defendant. Congressional investigations examined the Secret Service’s failures during the assassination attempt. The Senate found that these failures led to the shooting.
Dutch suffered a gunshot wound to the abdomen, necessitating several surgeries. Copenhaver was struck by bullets in the abdomen and arm, with fragmentation remaining in his body. On July 13, 2024, during a campaign rally at Butler Farm Show grounds, Crooks opened fire from a rooftop. He grazed Trump’s ear before a Secret Service sniper killed him. Corey Comperatore, a volunteer fire chief, died protecting his family.
The lawsuits describe a series of security lapses by the Secret Service. They specifically point out the failure to secure the roof, identified as a vulnerability. Additional claims involve fragmented command centers and inadequate communication methods, such as using cellphones instead of centralized radios.
Authorities observed Crooks’ suspicious behavior prior to the shooting. The Secret Service has acknowledged its errors, listing communication breakdowns, technological issues, and human failures. Several agents faced suspension or reassignment due to their roles in the failure.
The lawsuits seek $150,000 in damages per victim, plus interest and attorney fees. Media inquiries have been made to the White House, Secret Service, and DHS for comments.
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