Tribute to Jim Copenhaver

This week, President Donald Trump expressed his condolences following the death of Jim Copenhaver, a rally attendee who was shot during the 2024 event in Butler, Pennsylvania, where there was an assassination attempt on Trump, who was then a presidential candidate.

Copenhaver, from Coraopolis, Pennsylvania, suffered severe injuries in July 2024 when Thomas Matthew Crooks, the would-be assassin, fired a rifle at Trump while he was speaking on stage.

The mid-70s Copenhaver passed away due to complications from his injuries, as reported by various news sources.

Trump, who also sustained a gunshot wound to his ear during the incident, was positioned in front of Copenhaver, who was critically hurt by one of Crooks’ shots that was aimed from a rooftop at the venue.

Copenhaver died on Wednesday, with his family stating that he was “surrounded by his loved ones.”

On Truth Social, Trump honored Copenhaver, referring to him as a “true American Patriot” and lamenting the loss. He recounted the tragic shooting and praised Copenhaver and others for standing firm in defense of shared values like freedom and justice, despite the attack. Trump mentioned Copenhaver’s bravery and spirit, acknowledging the hardships he faced after being injured while trying to protect his family. His family and his wife Marianne were particularly in Trump’s thoughts.

In a statement from Copenhaver’s family, his lawyer confirmed that he had passed away on Wednesday, two years subsequent to suffering severe injuries during the Trump rally shooting.

According to additional reports, Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday noted that Copenhaver died “from complications stemming from those wounds.” A journalist who researched the assassination attempt mentioned that Copenhaver had been dealing with permanent injuries, including bullet fragments still in his body.

As detailed in reports, one bullet struck Copenhaver’s triceps, while another caused significant internal damage, leaving him with nerve damage.

Copenhaver was among the two individuals injured during the shooting on July 13, 2024. Another victim was David Dutch from New Kensington.

During the assassination attempt, two individuals lost their lives: firefighter Corey Comperatore and Crooks, who was shot by government snipers after firing at Trump.