2024 Trump rally shooting survivor Jim Copenhaver has died
PITTSBURGH —
A man who was severely injured during the 2024 assassination attempt against President Donald Trump in Butler County has died.
James Copenhaver, 76, died Wednesday at West Penn Hospital in Pittsburgh, according to a report from the Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office. No cause of death was listed in the report.
VIDEO ABOVE: Lawsuit filed by victims of 2024 Trump Rally shooting
Copenhaver, of Moon Township, and David Dutch were both hospitalized with major injuries after Thomas Crooks opened fire at the Butler Farm Show grounds minutes after Trump took the stage on July 13, 2024.
Father and local firefighter Corey Comperatore was killed protecting his family during the rally.
Image provided by family
James Copenhaver
Copenhaver’s lawyer, Joseph Feldman, said in a statement issued on behalf of the family that he died surrounded by loved ones. The statement did not specify if his death was directly related to the injuries he suffered at the rally.
The family’s statement Thursday called Copenhaver above all else a devoted husband, father and grandfather who instilled the values of hard work, integrity and the service to others in his children.
“James’s dedication to this great country was a defining part of his life,” it said. “As a veteran, he proudly served our nation in the armed forces, and his love of country never wavered. James was a true American patriot who believed deeply in the freedoms and ideals upon which this nation was founded, and he embodied the very best traits of our great nation.”
In a statement posted to social media, Trump on Thursday called Copenhaver “a true American Patriot.”
“Jim showed tremendous bravery, courageously continuing to FIGHT, FIGHT, FIGHT, and maintaining a positive spirit despite unimaginable hardships,” Trump wrote.
Statement from House Republicans
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Jim Copenhaver, who was gravely wounded in the horrific shooting in Butler, Pennsylvania. Jim endured unimaginable hardship with strength and perseverance. We join his family and loved ones in mourning his loss and praying for them during this difficult time. May he rest in peace,” House Republicans posted on X.
This content is imported from x. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Jim Copenhaver, who was gravely wounded in the horrific shooting in Butler, Pennsylvania.
Jim endured unimaginable hardship with strength and perseverance.
We join his family and loved ones in mourning his loss and praying for them… pic.twitter.com/wmAMjp2lAz
— House Republicans (@HouseGOP) September 24, 2026
Statement from Allegheny County Republican Committee
“On behalf of the Republican Committee of Allegheny County (RCAC), I want to offer our condolences and deepest sympathy to Mr. James Copenhaver’s family, who has asked for privacy during this difficult time. Mr. Copenhaver passed away September 23, 2026. He was a dedicated, elected Republican Committeeman from Moon Township, who was shot during President Trump’s Rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, July 13, 2024. Mr. Copenhaver’s loss will be felt immensely. We are grateful for the work that he has done for the Republican Party. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. Chairman, Brian Weismantle”
Statement from Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro
“Lori and I extend our prayers to James Copenhaver’s loved ones — who now, as Corey Comperatore’s family has faced for over two years — will have an empty seat at their dinner table. The political violence that occurred in Butler, Pennsylvania on July 13, 2024 is never okay. I said it at the time in Butler and I say it again today: we all have a responsibility to take down the temperature, rise above hateful rhetoric, and search for a brighter future for this nation,” Shapiro posted on X.
This content is imported from x. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.
Lori and I extend our prayers to James Copenhaver’s loved ones — who now, as Corey Comperatore’s family has faced for over two years — will have an empty seat at their dinner table.
The political violence that occurred in Butler, Pennsylvania on July 13, 2024 is never okay. I…
— Governor Josh Shapiro (@GovernorShapiro) September 24, 2026