Jim Copenhaver, a rallygoer who was shot during the July 2024 assassination attempt on Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, has died from complications related to his wounds. Copenhaver, of Coraopolis, Pennsylvania, was in his mid-70s at the time of his death.
Copenhaver died Wednesday, surrounded by his loved ones, according to a statement from his family. His lawyer confirmed he was a devoted husband, father and grandfather who had been gravely wounded more than two years ago during the shooting.
Trump’s Tribute to a ‘True American Patriot’
President Trump honored Copenhaver in a post on Truth Social, writing, “Jim Copenhaver, a true American Patriot, has passed away, a tremendous loss! 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.”
Trump continued, “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. Our hearts and prayers are with the Copenhaver family, especially his incredible wife Marianne. God bless you all!”
For more details, see Jim Copenhaver Butler shooting death reported by news outlets following the family’s statement.
The Wounds Copenhaver Carried for Over Two Years
On July 13, 2024, would-be assassin Thomas Matthew Crooks fired a rifle at Trump from a rooftop on the grounds of the Butler event. Trump was struck in the ear. Copenhaver, seated behind the stage, was hit by multiple shots, one of which struck him in the triceps and another that lodged in his body after it took chunks of his colon, leaving him with permanent nerve damage and bullet fragments still embedded in his body.
Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday confirmed that Copenhaver died “from complications stemming from those wounds.” Journalist Ken Silva, who wrote a book about the assassination attempt, also reported that a person close to the family confirmed the extent of Copenhaver’s lasting injuries.
What Comes Next for the Butler Case
Copenhaver was one of two rallygoers injured in the shooting. David Dutch of New Kensington was also wounded during the attack. Two others died that day, firefighter Corey Comperatore and Crooks himself, who was shot and killed by government snipers after he opened fire.
Copenhaver’s death may renew public attention on the lasting human toll of the Butler attack, more than two years after the rifle shots rang out. His family has not yet announced funeral arrangements publicly.
