James Copenhaver Obituary, BUTLER, Pa. — James Copenhaver, a 76-year-old man who was critically injured during the July 13, 2024, assassination attempt against then-presidential candidate Donald Trump at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, has died. His death was announced Thursday, September 24, 2026, by his family through attorney Joseph A. Feldman.
Copenhaver died Wednesday at Allegheny Health Network’s West Penn Hospital in Pittsburgh, according to the Allegheny County Office of the Medical Examiner. His family said he was surrounded by loved ones when he died. A cause of death has not been released, and available reports do not establish whether his death was directly connected to the injuries he suffered at the 2024 rally.
Copenhaver was attending the Butler rally when 20-year-old Thomas Crooks opened fire from a nearby rooftop. Copenhaver was struck twice, including once in the arm and once in the abdomen. His injuries required extensive medical treatment and left him with lasting physical effects, including nerve damage and difficulty walking.
Following the shooting, Copenhaver spent time recovering from injuries that his family described as life-altering. He later spoke publicly about the attack, recalling that he initially did not realize he had been shot before recognizing what had happened. Months after the shooting, he said he had lost significant weight and was using a cane while continuing to deal with the consequences of his injuries.
Copenhaver’s family remembered him as a veteran whose service to the country was a defining part of his life. In a statement released through his attorney, the family said his love of country remained unwavering and described him as someone who deeply valued the freedoms and ideals upon which the nation was founded. The family also expressed gratitude for the support Copenhaver received following the 2024 shooting.
The Butler rally shooting killed Corey Comperatore, a former fire chief, and injured Copenhaver and David Dutch. Trump was also wounded when a bullet or fragment struck his ear. Crooks was killed by a Secret Service counter-sniper at the scene. Investigators later continued examining the attack, while no motive for Crooks’ actions was established.
News of Copenhaver’s death prompted condolences from political and community figures. House Republicans said he endured severe hardship with strength and perseverance and expressed sympathy to his family and loved ones. His death also marks the passing of one of the civilians who survived the gunfire at the Butler rally but lived with lasting consequences from the attack.
James Copenhaver is remembered by his family as a veteran and devoted family man whose life was marked by service and dedication to his country. As his loved ones mourn his passing, his family’s statements have emphasized his perseverance through the difficult years following the Butler shooting. Condolences remain with Copenhaver’s family, friends and loved ones as they remember his life and legacy.
