Pittsburgh – EXCLUSIVE – Former President Trump on Thursday called the family of James Copenhaver, one of the victims who was shot and critically injured at Trump’s rally in Butler on Saturday.
Copenhaver, 74, of Moon Township, was asleep when the call came through, but Trump planned to call back later and speak to her directly, according to a spokesman for the Copenhaver family, attorney Joseph Feldman of the law firm Max C. Feldman LLP.
“They were struck by his humility,” Feldman said of Copenhaver’s relatives.
Feldman said Copenhaver’s family found the former president “very personable” and “polite” over the phone.
Video shows Trump supporters helping an assassination attempt victim wounded by gunfire
Former President Trump called the family of James Copenhaver on Thursday afternoon. (Handout/Rebecca Droke/AFP)
The 74-year-old man’s condition was upgraded from critical to serious on Wednesday and he has been able to talk for the past few days as he continues to recover in hospital.
Copenhaver said in a statement to Fox News that he and his family “continue to extend our deepest condolences to the family of Corey Comperatore, who was killed in the shooting.”
Trump rally shooting victim Jim Copenhaver, 74, fighting for life: ‘Tough guy’
“We continue to pray for a full and speedy recovery for David Duch and President Donald Trump,” Copenhaver said. “I am grateful for the incredible caregivers who saved my life and helped me on the road to recovery. My recovery is slow but steady, and I hope to one day hop on my Harley Davidson and take a ride with my best friend Randy, who attended the rally with me that day and was the first to care for me after I was shot.”
Thomas Crooks was shot dead after shooting former US President Donald Trump, killing one spectator and wounding two others. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
“Jim would like to especially thank the emergency responders, doctors and hospital staff who provided his initial and ongoing medical care,” the family said. “In addition, Jim would like to offer his thoughts and prayers to the other victims and their families, as well as President Trump. We wish them all a safe and speedy recovery.”
Marine David Duch escaped Trump assassination attempt despite being shot, friends say
Pennsylvania State Police have identified the other victim who was injured at the rally. David Duch, 57, of New KensingtonDuch, 44, of Pennsylvania, was in stable condition as of Tuesday. Friends told Fox News Digital that Duch was wounded by two gunshots at the rally.
David Duch walks home from a Trump rally despite being shot and injured. (Facebook/Beaver County Republican Committee)
State Police Police also identified the victim who was shot and killed Saturday while trying to protect his wife and daughters from gunfire as Corey Comperatore, 50, a volunteer firefighter from Buffalo Township.
Memorial services for Mr Comperatore began on Thursday.
Trump calls widow of firefighter killed while trying to protect family: ‘He was a very kind person’
“Corey Comperatore was our beloved father and husband, and a friend to many in the Butler area. He was a local leader, military veteran, former fire chief, and a committed Christian who found peace and joy through our church. He loved and cared for our family,” his family said in a statement Thursday. “Our family has found comfort and peace in the heartfelt messages of encouragement from people around the world, the support of our church and community, and above all, the power of God. Thank you to the countless people who have prayed for us this past week. We are deeply grateful for your kindness.”
Volunteer firefighter Corey Comperatore (center), who was shot and killed at a rally for Republican presidential candidate and former U.S. President Donald Trump, is seen in an undated photo with Buffalo Township Fire Company 27. (Buffalo Township Fire Department/Distributed via Reuters)
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Federal authorities are still investigating the motive behind the shooter, Thomas Crooks, attempting to assassinate President Trump.
Federal authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to submit a tip to FBI.gov/butler or call 1-800-CALL-FBI.
