Full Breakdown
Death of James Copenhaver, Survivor of the 2024 Butler Rally Shooting
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Core Event
James Copenhaver, a 76-year-old veteran wounded while protecting his family at Donald Trump’s July 13, 2024 rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, died on September 23, 2026 at Allegheny Health Network’s West Penn Hospital. Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday said Copenhaver’s death resulted from complications of the injuries he sustained during the shooting. The Allegheny County Medical Examiner confirmed the death but did not disclose a cause or manner.
Background & Context
On July 13, 2024, a 20-year-old gunman, Thomas Crooks, opened fire from a rooftop at the Butler Farm Show grounds while Trump addressed a crowd. The gunfire struck Trump’s right ear, killed firefighter Corey Comperatore, and wounded Copenhaver and David Dutch. Copenhaver was hit twice—once in the left triceps and once in the abdomen—suffering a transection of his colon, kidney damage and nerve injury that left him with lasting numbness in his left leg. He required multiple surgeries and walked with a cane thereafter.
Data & Statistics
- Injuries to Copenhaver: bullet to left triceps; second bullet damaging colon, kidney, nerves.
- Lawsuit amount sought: more than $150,000 in damages plus costs and attorney fees (filed June 2026).
- Other victims: Corey Comperatore (killed), David Dutch (survived with extensive injuries), Donald Trump (grazed ear).
Official Statements & Responses
- Donald Trump posted on Truth Social, calling Copenhaver a “true American patriot.”
- Attorney General Dave Sunday affirmed that Copenhaver died from complications of his 2024 injuries.
- Governor Josh Shapiro extended prayers to Copenhaver’s loved ones and condemned the political violence in Butler.
On-the-Ground Report
Copenhaver recounted the moment of the shooting in a 2025 interview with KDKA-TV: he was looking at the Jumbotron when his sleeve was yanked, heard a “pew,” and was struck a second time after turning around.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- The medical examiner’s office did not specify a cause of death, while Attorney General Sunday linked the death to shooting complications.
- Some outlets reported the cause as “not disclosed,” highlighting a lack of definitive medical confirmation.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I was standing up looking at the Jumbotron behind me, and next thing I know my sleeve has been yanked,” — Jim Copenhaver.
- “More than two years ago in Butler, Pennsylvania, a crazed gunman attempted to stifle our America First Movement. Instead, Jim and so many other wonderful Patriots who love our Country, stood united in defense of our shared values of Freedom, Liberty, and Justice,” — Donald Trump.
- “Throughout that difficult time, James faced every challenge with the same strength and resolve that defined his life, and the kindness shown by so many brought great comfort to him and to those who love him,” — Joseph Feldman, family lawyer.
Why It Matters
Copenhaver’s death marks the third fatality linked to the Butler rally attack and renews scrutiny of Secret Service security failures that prompted the resignation of Director Kimberly Cheatle and a bipartisan congressional task force investigation. The pending lawsuit against the United States underscores ongoing legal and policy debates over federal responsibility for protecting political events.