Jim Copenhaver, 2024 Butler shooting victim, dies at 76

Key points

• Jim Copenhaver, 76, died on September 23, 2026, two years after being shot at a Donald Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
• Copenhaver was wounded in the triceps and abdomen by Thomas Crooks on July 13, 2024, sustaining nerve damage and requiring colon surgery.
• The family statement confirmed his death but did not specify the cause; Fox News reports he died from complications of his injuries.
• Copenhaver had filed a lawsuit against the U.S. government earlier in 2026 regarding his medical treatment and surgeries.
• The Butler shooting also killed Corey Comperatore and wounded David Dutch, leading to a Secret Service investigation and leadership changes.
• The House Republican Conference posted condolences, describing Copenhaver as a veteran who endured 'unimaginable hardship'.

Background

The July 13, 2024, shooting in Butler, Pennsylvania, was a pivotal event in the 2024 U.S. presidential election, resulting in a failed assassination attempt on Donald Trump. The attack led to the death of Corey Comperatore and injuries to Jim Copenhaver and David Dutch. In the aftermath, a bipartisan House task force concluded the attack was preventable due to Secret Service failures, leading to the resignation of Director Kimberly Cheatle and suspensions for six agents. Recent FBI files revealed that shooter Thomas Crooks had trained for long-range shots the day before the attack. Copenhaver's death two years later underscores the long-term physical toll on survivors of the incident.

How outlets are covering it

NBC News and CNN reported the death based on a family statement, noting the 'life-altering' injuries but not specifying the cause of death. Fox News provided more detail, stating Copenhaver died from complications of his injuries, including bullet fragments still lodged in his body, and highlighted his lawsuit against the U.S. government. All outlets emphasized his status as a veteran and the outpouring of support he received. The House Republican Conference's statement focused on his perseverance and patriotism, while local officials like Slippery Rock Mayor Jondavid Longo highlighted the ongoing pain and lack of full recovery for Copenhaver.

Why it matters

Copenhaver's death two years after the Butler shooting underscores the long-term physical and emotional toll on victims of political violence. It also highlights the ongoing scrutiny of Secret Service security protocols, which were found to be inadequate in the aftermath of the 2024 attack. The incident continues to resonate in U.S. politics, with the Butler shooting serving as a defining moment in Donald Trump's successful 2024 presidential campaign.

What to watch

The Copenhaver family has requested privacy as they mourn his loss. No further legal actions or public statements are expected at this time. The Secret Service investigation into the Butler shooting has concluded, with findings that led to leadership changes and suspensions. The long-term impact on survivors of the attack, including Copenhaver's widow Marianne, will likely remain a focus for advocacy groups and political figures.