Full Breakdown
Survivor of 2024 Trump Rally Shooting Dies After Years of Complications
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Death of Jim Copenhaver
Jim Copenhaver, a 76-year-old resident of Moon Township, Pennsylvania, died in September 2026 after enduring permanent injuries from the July 13, 2024 shooting at a Donald Trump campaign rally in Butler County. The Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed his death at Allegheny Health Network’s West Penn Hospital but did not disclose a specific cause.
Background: July 13, 2024 Butler Rally Shooting
During the rally, 20-year-old Thomas Crooks opened fire from the roof of a nearby building, discharging eight rounds toward the stage. Secret Service agents returned fire, killing Crooks with a sniper shot. The gunfire struck former President Trump’s right ear, killed volunteer firefighter Corey Comperatore, critically injured David Dutch of Plum, and wounded Copenhaver and Dutch.
Data & Statistics
- Age at shooting: 76 (reported as 74 in some early accounts).
- Bullets received: Two; one lodged in the left triceps, the other shredded part of the colon and caused lasting nerve damage.
- Additional injuries: Damage to kidneys and a bullet fragment remaining near the spine, leading to diminished use of the left leg.
- Shooter: Thomas Crooks, 20, of Bethel Park; eight shots fired, killed by a countersniper.
- Other victims: Corey Comperatore (killed), David Dutch (survived after multiple surgeries).
Official Statements & Responses
The Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office announced Copenhaver’s death without providing further details. Earlier in the year, Copenhaver and Dutch filed a lawsuit against the United States alleging Secret Service failures that contributed to their injuries. House Republicans posted a condolence message on X, expressing sorrow for Copenhaver’s passing and praising his perseverance.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Media outlets differ on the precise cause of death. No official medical cause has been released, leaving the exact circumstances of his death unclear.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Jim Copenhaver, who was gravely wounded in the horrific shooting in Butler, Pennsylvania,” — U.S. House Republicans
- “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
- “I started to wonder: How will I will be remembered?” — X. Jim Copenhaver, rally shooting survivor
- “Seemingly out of nowhere, I was shot in my left triceps. I turned to Randy and said, ‘I think I have been shot,’ when I was then hit a second time in my left abdomen.” — X. Jim Copenhaver, rally shooting survivor
- “With a bullet lodged next to my spine, I’m going to have a diminished usage of my left leg for the rest of my life. It’s numb from just beneath the kneecap to the hip area. It just doesn’t feel like my leg,” — X. Jim Copenhaver, rally shooting survivor
