Jim Copenhaver, 76, died Wednesday at a Pittsburgh hospital after more than two years of treatment for gunshot wounds sustained at a July 2024 Trump campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. He was hit twice — once in the bicep and once by a bullet that lodged near his spine, causing nerve damage and requiring multiple surgeries. The shooter was killed by the Secret Service; firefighter Corey Comperatore was also killed. Former President Trump and House Republicans issued statements mourning Copenhaver; the cause of death remains under investigation.
Butler Rally Victim Jim Copenhaver Dies After More Than Two-Year Battle With Shooting Injuries
Pennsylvania man dies two years after he was wounded in Butler shooting
Jim Copenhaver, 76, who was wounded when a gunman opened fire at a President Donald Trump campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, in July 2024, has died after more than two years of medical treatment, the Allegheny County medical examiner's office said. He died Wednesday at a Pittsburgh hospital; the cause of death is under investigation.
Copenhaver was struck twice in the attack that also killed firefighter Corey Comperatore and wounded another spectator and President Trump. The shooter, 20-year-old Thomas Crooks, was shot and killed by the Secret Service at the scene.
At the rally, one bullet hit Copenhaver’s bicep while another lodged near his spine, causing nerve damage. He underwent multiple surgeries and, according to a lawsuit he filed in June against the federal government, still required additional operations as of several months ago. Following the shooting he walked with a cane, underwent physical therapy and continued to experience numbness in his left leg.
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Former President Trump called Copenhaver's death a "tremendous loss" in a Truth Social post, praising his bravery and perseverance:
"After being wounded while protecting his family, Jim showed tremendous bravery, courageously continuing to FIGHT, FIGHT, FIGHT, and maintaining a positive spirit despite unimaginable hardships. His indelible legacy of love and devotion will forever endure."
House Republicans said the caucus was "deeply saddened," adding that Copenhaver endured "unimaginable hardship with strength and perseverance" and offering condolences to his family. In past interviews, Copenhaver described recovery as a daily struggle and said the pain and numbness remained part of his life.
The investigation into Copenhaver's cause of death is ongoing. His family’s lawsuit and the public statements from political leaders underscore the prolonged physical, legal and emotional aftermath faced by victims of political violence.
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