James “Jim” Copenhaver, a victim critically injured during a gunman’s attack at Donald Trump’s campaign event in Butler, Pennsylvania, has passed away at the age of 76. According to a statement from his family’s attorney, Copenhaver died surrounded by family without a publicly disclosed cause of death.
Copenhaver, a military veteran, was praised by his family as a patriot dedicated to his country’s founding ideals. They expressed gratitude for the support extended to him after the shooting that also gravely affected his life. He was attending Trump’s rally at the Butler Farm Show on July 13, 2024, when gunfire erupted.
During the attack, Thomas Matthew Crooks opened fire from a nearby rooftop. Trump suffered a minor ear injury, while rally participant Corey Comperatore was killed, and both Copenhaver and David Dutch were injured. Secret Service agents later neutralized the gunman.
Responding to Copenhaver’s death, Trump stated on Truth Social that it was a substantial loss. He characterized Copenhaver as a brave individual who continued fighting despite the injuries. Trump noted the support for those affected, emphasizing their defense of the values of freedom and justice.
Newsweek contacted the White House for comments regarding the incident.
Victims of the Butler Shooting
The attack resulted in one death and caused critical injuries to two others. Corey Comperatore, aged 50, was killed while protecting his family and was remembered as a committed firefighter.
David Dutch, wounded in the abdomen, faced liver injuries and underwent a short hospital stay. Meanwhile, Copenhaver sustained serious injuries to his arm and abdomen, requiring lengthy hospitalization and recovery.
Trump, although hit, faced only minor injuries. Following the attack and Copenhaver’s eventual passing, the list of fatalities from the incident now includes him and Comperatore. Dutch continues to recover from his wounds.
Copenhaver on the Shooting
Copenhaver, interviewed over a year after the shooting, remembered the initial confusion and pain upon realizing he had been shot. Despite extensive surgeries, he struggled with ongoing physical effects, including nerve damage.
He criticized what he perceived as insufficient accountability in the rally’s security procedures. Copenhaver’s lawsuit against the U.S. government accused the Secret Service of negligence, seeking damages for his severe injuries.
Reactions and Remembrances
Trump publicly acknowledged the victims in the days following the shooting, expressing condolences and vowing remembrance. He spoke about the incident at the Republican National Convention and subsequent rallies, emphasizing support for the victims’ recovery.
In July 2025, for the shooting’s anniversary, a presidential message acknowledged the heroism of those present, including Comperatore. It highlighted their actions during the crisis as exemplary of national values.
House Republicans mourned Copenhaver’s passing, recognizing his resilience and courage despite enduring severe hardship.
Security Procedures Under Scrutiny
The attack sparked significant scrutiny of the rally’s security measures. Crooks managed to discharge his weapon multiple times into the crowd before being taken down. Despite thorough investigations, a clear motive remains elusive.
The Secret Service faced criticism following the incident. Then-Director Kimberly Cheatle resigned amid congressional pressure, citing the attack as a severe operational failure.
Copenhaver and Dutch challenged the security setup, seeking legal recourse. A congressional task force evaluated security flaws, recommending changes to prevent similar occurrences in future events.
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