Trump Mourns Jim Copenhaver, Shot at 2024 Butler Rally, Dead at 76

Trump pays tribute to Jim Copenhaver, a military veteran shot at the July 2024 Butler, Pennsylvania rally who died Wednesday after suffering permanent injuries from the attack.

First Published: September 24, 2026, 7:18 PM ET

WASHINGTON D.C. — Donald J. Trump mourned the death of Jim Copenhaver, a 76-year-old military veteran shot during the July 2024 assassination attempt at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, who died Wednesday after more than two years of debilitating injuries.

Here is the full post on truthsocial: “ Jim Copenhaver, a true American Patriot, has passed away — A tremendous loss! More than two years ago in Butler, Pennsylvania, a crazed gunman attempted to stifle our America First Movement. Instead, Jim and so many other wonderful Patriots who love our Country, stood united in defense of our shared values of Freedom, Liberty, and Justice. After being wounded while protecting his family, Jim showed tremendous bravery, courageously continuing to FIGHT, FIGHT, FIGHT, and maintaining a positive spirit despite unimaginable hardships. His indelible legacy of love and devotion will forever endure. Our hearts and prayers are with the Copenhaver family, especially his incredible wife Marianne. God bless you all! Trump” on September 24, 2026 at 7:09 PM ET.

This is Trump’s 25th message released today, and the last post was 2 hours ago, and it is not part of a thread. On average, Trump produces 17 posts per day since his inauguration on January 20, 2025. The move fits a broader pattern in Trump’s recent messaging, with 5 of his 68 posts over the last 30 days classified as Personal Praise, Greetings & Tributes posts.

Copenhaver sat in the bleachers at the Butler Farm Show grounds on July 13, 2024, when a 20-year-old gunman opened fire from a nearby rooftop, grazing Trump’s right ear. One bullet struck Copenhaver in the triceps; a second lodged in his body after tearing through his colon, leaving him with nerve damage, according to cbsnews. His injuries required multiple surgeries, including a transection of his colon, and he suffered lingering kidney damage and a loss of feeling in his leg, according to theguardian.

Two other attendees were shot at the rally. Corey Comperatore, who shielded his family from gunfire, died at the scene. David Dutch of New Kensington survived. With Copenhaver’s death, Dutch is the lone surviving shooting victim from that day, according to fox13news.

President Donald J. Trump posed at WASHINGTON D.C.

Copenhaver’s lawyer confirmed in a family statement that he died surrounded by loved ones at Allegheny Health Network’s West Penn hospital in Pittsburgh. The statement did not specify whether his death was directly related to the rally injuries. “James’s dedication to this great country was a defining part of his life,” the statement said. “As a veteran, he proudly served our nation in the armed forces, and his love of country never wavered,” according to cbsnews.

Copenhaver and his wife, Marianne Copenhaver, sued the federal government in June 2026, alleging the Secret Service and the Department of Homeland Security had “utterly failed” to provide appropriate security at the rally. The lawsuit described his wounds as “debilitating, grievous, permanent and life altering,” according to theguardian. The White House did not immediately comment on his death.

Nearly a year after the shooting, Copenhaver recalled the moment he was hit in an interview with KDKA-TV. “I was standing up looking at the Jumbotron behind me, and next thing I know my sleeve has been yanked,” he said. “I could see a portion of it going by pretty fast, and I heard “pew.” I heard it, and I didn’t realize at the time that I had gotten shot. But I turned around, and that’s when I got the second shot,” according to cbsnews.