Shooting at Butler rally

James Copenhaver, 76, was shot during a Trump campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania on July 13, 2024, when a 20-year-old gunman opened fire from a nearby rooftop.

Copenhaver's injuries

Copenhaver was struck in the arm and abdomen while in the bleachers. The wounds left him with lingering injuries and he walked with a cane for the rest of his life.

Other victims of the shooting

Two other attendees were shot. David Dutch survived his injuries. Corey Comperatore was killed after shielding his family from gunfire during the assassination attempt.

Copenhaver's medical aftermath

Copenhaver's injuries required multiple surgeries, including a transection of his colon. He suffered lingering kidney damage and loss of feeling in his leg, described as debilitating and life altering.

Lawsuit against federal government

In June, Copenhaver and his wife Marianne sued the federal government, alleging the Secret Service and Department of Homeland Security had utterly failed to provide appropriate security at the rally.

“utterly failed”

Copenhaver dies in Pittsburgh

Copenhaver died Wednesday at Allegheny Health Network's West Penn Hospital in Pittsburgh. His lawyer said he died surrounded by loved ones. The statement did not specify if his death was directly related to his rally injuries.