James Copenhaver, 76, of Moon Township died Wednesday after being gravely wounded in the July 13, 2024 shooting at a Donald Trump campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, his family's attorney said. Copenhaver was one of three attendees struck; firefighter Corey Comperatore later died shielding his family and former Marine David Dutch was critically wounded. Authorities say 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks fired up to eight shots from a rooftop before a Secret Service sharpshooter killed him; the medical examiner is still determining the cause and manner of Copenhaver's death.
James Copenhaver, 76, Dies After Being Shot at 2024 Trump Rally in Butler, Pennsylvania
Courtesy Copenhaver Family - PHOTO: James Copenhaver is one of the men injured at the Trump rally in Butler, Pa, July 13, 2024.
James Copenhaver, 76, of Moon Township, has died after being gravely wounded in the July 13, 2024 shooting at a campaign rally for then-presidential candidate Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, his family's attorney and local officials said Thursday.
Details of Copenhaver's Death and Family Statement
Copenhaver passed away Wednesday at a Pittsburgh hospital "surrounded by his loved ones," attorney Joseph Feldman said in a statement on behalf of the family. Feldman described Copenhaver as having faced his injuries with "strength and resolve," and said the family has been "deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support they have received over the past two years."
"He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, and a veteran whose dedication to this country was a defining part of his life," Feldman said.
Other Victims and The Attack
Pennsylvania State Police identified Copenhaver as one of three people struck when a gunman opened fire at the Butler rally. Firefighter Corey Comperatore, 50, later died after shielding his family, officials said. Former Marine David Dutch was seriously wounded — shot in the chest and liver — and was initially placed in a medically induced coma, according to the Marine Corps League of Pennsylvania.
Former President Donald Trump was grazed in the ear by a bullet but survived the attack. Authorities said the shooter, identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, fired up to eight shots from the roof of a nearby building before being fatally shot by a Secret Service sharpshooter.
Official Response And Next Steps
The Allegheny County Office of the Medical Examiner confirmed Copenhaver died in a Pittsburgh hospital and said the cause and manner of death are pending. Political leaders offered condolences: Trump called Copenhaver a "true American Patriot," House Republicans issued a statement mourning his loss, and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro condemned political violence and urged a reduction in heated rhetoric.
This incident prompted renewed discussion about security at political events and the dangers of political violence. Investigations into the shooting, including the medical examiner's review, are ongoing.
Help us improve.
