James Copenhaver, spectator wounded in 2024 Trump rally shooting, dies at 76

Passing of Butler rally survivor

James Copenhaver, a 76-year-old military veteran from Moon Township, Pennsylvania, died on Wednesday, 23 September 2026, at West Penn Hospital in Pittsburgh. Copenhaver was one of two spectators critically wounded during the 13 July 2024 assassination attempt on Donald Trump at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The Allegheny County medical examiner's office confirmed his death, with the official cause pending investigation. Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday stated that Copenhaver died from complications tied to his gunshot wounds. Family attorney Joseph Feldman announced that Copenhaver died surrounded by his family.

James was dedicated to this great country, and that was a defining part of his life. As a veteran, he proudly served his country in the armed forces, and his love for his country never wavered.

Injuries and medical recovery

Gunfire erupted during the Butler event when 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks discharged multiple rounds from a nearby rooftop. Copenhaver sat in the bleachers to the left of the stage and recalled in a television interview that he did not realize he was hit until turning around, when a second bullet struck him. One round pierced his arm, while another lodged near his spine, resulting in extensive nerve damage. First responders transported the then 74-year-old attendee to Allegheny General Hospital in critical condition. He required multiple surgical procedures, sustained permanent kidney damage, and used a colostomy bag for at least a year during his rehabilitation.

Legal action against federal agencies

In June 2026, Copenhaver and his wife Marianne filed a federal lawsuit against the US Secret Service and the Department of Homeland Security, citing lapses in site security at the rally. The court filing characterized Copenhaver's injuries as permanent and life-altering, noting ongoing physical therapy and numbness in his left leg. Attorney Douglas Latto declined to comment on whether the gunshot wounds directly caused Copenhaver's death, citing the pending lawsuit. Former Moon Township supervisor Albert Quaye, who befriended Copenhaver in 2021 after a municipal planning meeting, noted that Copenhaver had transitioned from a walker to a cane before managing to stand unaided.

Political reactions and community remembrance

The 2024 Butler attack killed 50-year-old Corey Comperatore, a former volunteer fire chief who shielded his family, critically injured Marine Corps veteran David Dutch, and grazed Trump's right ear before Secret Service agents killed Crooks. Following news of Copenhaver's death, Trump posted a tribute on Truth Social, describing him as a patriot and sending prayers to his wife Marianne.

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.

House Republicans also released a statement offering condolences and praising Copenhaver's perseverance through his medical challenges. In his hometown of Moon Township, friends remembered Copenhaver as an active participant in a local military banner committee and a member of a musical band.