PITTSBURGH — James Copenhaver died on Wednesday at Allegheny Health Network's West Penn Hospital in Pittsburgh. He was 76 years old at the time of his death.

Copenhaver was injured during the July 13, 2024, assassination attempt on Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania. During the shooting, he was struck by bullets in the arm and abdomen. The incident also critically injured two other individuals besides Copenhaver and Corey Comperatore.

Joseph Feldman, Copenhaver's lawyer, stated that Copenhaver died surrounded by loved ones. The statement from Feldman did not specify if Copenhaver's death was directly related to the injuries he suffered at the rally.

Copenhaver underwent multiple surgeries, including a transection of his colon, as a result of his injuries. He suffered lingering injuries, including nerve damage, kidney damage, and loss of feeling in his leg. Due to these injuries, he walked with a cane.

Copenhaver described the moment he was hit in an interview. He said he could see a portion of it going by pretty fast and heard a sound like pew, adding that he heard it and did not realize at the time that he had been shot. Copenhaver was a veteran who served in the armed forces.

In June, Copenhaver and his wife, Marianne Copenhaver, sued the federal government. They alleged that the Secret Service and Department of Homeland Security failed to provide appropriate security at the rally. Donald Trump posted a statement on social media calling Copenhaver a true American Patriot. Trump wrote that Jim showed tremendous bravery, courageously continuing to fight and maintaining a positive spirit despite unimaginable hardships. House Republicans posted a statement on social media expressing sadness over Copenhaver's death.

They said they were deeply saddened by the passing of Jim Copenhaver, who was gravely wounded in the shooting in Butler, Pennsylvania. They said "Jim endured unimaginable hardship with strength and perseverance." They said they joined his family and loved ones in mourning his loss and praying for them during this difficult time.

Timeline

On July 13, 2024, Copenhaver was struck by bullets in the arm and abdomen during the shooting. Two other individuals besides Copenhaver and Corey Comperatore were critically injured during the July 13, 2024 shooting.

Why It Matters

The death of Copenhaver marks another development following the July 13, 2024, assassination attempt on Donald Trump. Copenhaver was one of several victims critically injured during the event in Butler, Pennsylvania. His passing comes after months of recovery from severe injuries, including a transected colon and nerve damage, which required multiple surgeries and left him walking with a cane.

The circumstances surrounding the security failure at the rally remain a subject of legal action. In June, Copenhaver and his wife sued the federal government, alleging that the Secret Service and Department of Homeland Security failed to provide appropriate security. Responses from political figures, including Donald Trump and House Republicans, noted the impact of the shooting on those present. Trump described Copenhaver as a patriot who maintained a positive spirit, while House Republicans expressed sadness and joined his family in mourning.