President Donald Trump was injured, a bullet nick his ear, in an assassination attempt at a rally in Butler, Pa., in July 2024. Firefighter Corey Comperatore was hit by a bullet and died on the scene.
Jim Copenhaver also was hit by two shots, but survived that day.
Now he has passed away because of his injuries.
He previously had explained he stood up to look at the jumbotron behind him as Trump spoke and felt the shots.
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Jim Copenhaver, who was gravely wounded in the horrific shooting in Butler, Pennsylvania.
Jim endured unimaginable hardship with strength and perseverance.
We join his family and loved ones in mourning his loss and praying for them… pic.twitter.com/wmAMjp2lAz
— House Republicans (@HouseGOP) September 24, 2026
Trump Butler rally shooting victim James Copenhaver is dead at 76 https://t.co/RxuhUWZwqI
— Daily Mail (@DailyMail) September 24, 2026
🚨🚨HEART-BREAKING. 💔 A second shooting victim of the 2024 Butler assassination attempt against President Trump has sadly passed away.
This was an entirely preventable tragedy. RIP James “Jim” Copenhaver of Moon Township, Pa.
Copenhover was shot twice — once in the left arm… https://t.co/88FoV4ddLr
— Susan Crabtree (@susancrabtree) September 24, 2026
A report at Fox News said Copenhaver, of Coraopolis, Pa., was honored by the House Republican Conference, which posted an obituary on social media.
“Jim endured unimaginable hardship with strength and perseverance. We join his family and loved ones in mourning his loss and praying for them during this difficult time. May he rest in peace,” the caucus said.
President Trump posted a tribute to Copenhaver Thursday, saying, “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! President DONALD J. TRUMP”
Fox reported Copenhaver had been dealing with permanent injuries including bullet fragments inside his body.
Copenhaver’s own description of that day included: “Next thing I know, my sleeve has been yanked. 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. … It was like a jolt. It didn’t knock me over, but I didn’t want to stand anymore.”
He went to court seeking damages for the injuries he suffered.
Thomas Crooks, accused of firing the shots, died at the hands of law enforcement.
