Two men who were critically injured during an attempted assassination of President-elect Donald Trump by Thomas Matthew Crooks at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, last July will attend the 47th president’s inauguration on January 20. Trump has previously mentioned maintaining contact with the victims and their families, as well as with the family of retired firefighter Corey Comperatore, who lost his life while protecting his family from gunfire.
Jim Copenhaver, 74, from Moon Township, Pennsylvania, and David Dutch, 57, from New Kensington, both sustained severe injuries when Crooks opened fire from a nearby rooftop. Crooks was compelled to rush his shot at then-candidate Trump after a local police officer approached the rooftop to investigate. During the initial attack, the gunman first directed his weapon at the officer before firing the first rounds at Trump. In the subsequent volley, Comperatore was killed while shielding his daughters, and Trump was hit in the ear after briefly turning his head. Crooks fired a total of eight shots before being killed by a counter-sniper team.
Copenhaver suffered “life-altering” injuries from the shooting but is recovering well after multiple surgeries, according to a statement from his family in July. “The Copenhaver family would like to thank everyone for the outpouring of support for James ‘Jim’ as he recovers from the injuries that he tragically sustained during President Trump’s rally in Butler, Pennsylvania on July 13, 2024,” his family said in a statement at the time. “Jim would like to especially thank the first responders, medics, and hospital staff who have provided him with initial and continuing care. Additionally, Jim would like to express his thoughts and prayers for the other victims, their families, and President Trump. He prays for a safe and speedy recovery for them all.”
Dutch, 57, underwent multiple surgeries after being hit twice—once in the chest and once in the liver—during Thomas Matthew Crooks’ shooting. The Marine veteran was rushed to a local hospital, placed in a medically induced coma, and operated on several times, according to the Marine Corps League’s Department of Pennsylvania. Dutch was ultimately discharged from Allegheny General Hospital 11 days after the shooting. In a statement at the time, he expressed gratitude to the first responders and medical professionals, crediting them with saving his life. “The brave men and women that saved his life, including, but not limited to, the police officers, the medics, the life flight crew, and the medical professionals of Allegheny General Hospital, as well as those who continue to care for him as he navigates the road to recovery,” he said.
“James and David are very appreciative of President Trump and his team for inviting them to attend the Inauguration weekend,” the two men said in a statement through their attorney, Joseph Feldman. “They are honored to take part in the festivities alongside the incoming administration and other guests. Feldman added that Trump “and his team have been nothing short of spectacular in maintaining an open line of communication with the families and have expressed great interest in James and David’s long road to recovery.” The statement added that Trump “and his team have been nothing short of spectacular in maintaining an open line of communication with the families and have expressed great interest in James and David’s long road to recovery.”
Both Copenhaver and Dutch had the opportunity to shake hands with the president-elect after his historic comeback victory in November, Feldman said, adding that they will “forever be connected due to the horrible events that transpired on July 13, 2024 in Butler, Pennsylvania.” Trump has also remained in close contact with Corey Comperatore’s widow, Helen, and his two daughters.
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