Trump Assassination Attempt Victim Passes Away After Suffering Injuries

James “Jim” Copenhaver, one of the men critically wounded during the 2024 assassination attempt against President Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, has died at 76.

Copenhaver survived being shot twice at Trump’s July 13, 2024, campaign rally but continued dealing with serious, lasting injuries in the years that followed.

His death was first reported Thursday by journalist Ken Silva, who said a source close to Copenhaver’s family confirmed the news.

“I’ve got very sad news: Jim Copenhaver, who was shot at the Butler Trump rally on July 13, 2024, has died,” Silva wrote.

“I don’t have many details at this point, but it’s no secret that Jim was dealing with permanent injuries from Butler—including having bullet fragments still inside of him. RIP Jim.”

Copenhaver was 74 when gunman Thomas Matthew Crooks opened fire from a rooftop overlooking the Butler Farm Show grounds.

Trump was wounded in the ear during the assassination attempt, while 50-year-old Corey Comperatore was killed. Copenhaver and fellow rally attendee David Dutch were critically wounded.

Copenhaver was struck twice, with one bullet hitting his left triceps and another striking his abdomen.

I’ve got very sad news: Jim Copenhaver, who was shot at the Butler Trump rally on July 13, 2024, has died.

I don’t have many details at this point, but it’s no secret that Jim was dealing with permanent injuries from Butler—including having bullet fragments still inside of him.… pic.twitter.com/37nRhQfcla

— Ken Silva (@JD_Cashless) September 24, 2026

He later underwent multiple surgeries for the extensive injuries he suffered during the attack, and bullet fragments reportedly remained inside his body.

Copenhaver was rushed to Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh after the shooting and eventually recovered enough to return home and speak publicly about what happened.

He later recalled the moment he realized he had been hit after seeing part of his sleeve disappear amid the gunfire.

“I think I was shot.”

In the months and years after the attack, Copenhaver became one of the most prominent surviving voices from Butler and repeatedly raised questions about the security failures surrounding the rally.

RELATED: Federal Files Reveal Disturbing New Details About Would-Be Trump Assassin Thomas Crooks

He and Dutch later pursued legal action against the federal government, alleging that failures by the U.S. Secret Service and other officials contributed to the conditions that allowed the gunman to open fire.

Copenhaver’s lawsuit detailed significant abdominal injuries and numerous medical procedures stemming from the shooting.

Before the attack, Copenhaver was retired from the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board and had become active in local issues in Moon Township.

His family previously thanked the first responders, medical personnel and hospital staff who treated him following the shooting and said he was praying for Donald Trump and the other victims.

Copenhaver also spoke publicly about wanting to get back to a normal life, including eventually riding his Harley-Davidson again with his longtime friend Randy.

His death comes more than two years after the Butler shooting and leaves Dutch as the other surviving attendee who was critically wounded that day.

Comperatore, a former volunteer fire chief, was killed while shielding his family from the gunfire.

Copenhaver is survived by members of his family, including his wife, son and grandchildren.

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