James Copenhaver, one of the two civilians injured during the attack against President Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, passed away on Wednesday in a hospital at the age of 76, as confirmed by his family through a lawyer.
The Allegheny County Medical Examiner's Office has certified the death, although the cause has not been officially revealed. According to a report from CNN, Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday stated that Copenhaver died from complications arising from the injuries he sustained over two years ago, on July 13, 2024.
That day, Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, opened fire from the roof of a nearby building while Trump was speaking to thousands of people. Trump was injured in the right ear and was evacuated with blood on his face. Crooks was shot dead at the scene by Secret Service agents.
In that attack, Corey Comperatore, a 50-year-old former firefighter, lost his life while shielding his wife and daughter with his body. Copenhaver and a third civilian, David Dutch, 57 years old, were seriously injured. With Copenhaver's death, the Butler shooting now counts two civilian fatalities.
Resident of Moon Township and military veteran, Copenhaver was 74 years old when he was transferred to Allegheny General Hospital in critical condition. He was discharged about two weeks after the attack. Nearly a year later, he told KDKA-TV that a bullet had torn his triceps and that another remained lodged in his body, causing nerve damage.
His attorney, Joseph Feldman, described the deceased as "a devoted husband, father, and grandfather" and highlighted his achievements: "As a veteran, he served our nation proudly in the armed forces, and his love for the country never wavered. James was a true American patriot who deeply believed in the freedoms and ideals upon which this nation was founded."
Feldman also emphasized the courage with which Copenhaver faced his recovery: "Throughout that difficult period, James confronted each challenge with the same strength and determination that defined his life."
The Governor of Pennsylvania, Josh Shapiro, expressed his condolences and took the opportunity to reiterate his rejection of political violence: "The political violence that occurred in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, 2024, is never acceptable. We all have a responsibility to lower the tension, move beyond hate rhetoric, and seek a brighter future for this nation."
The Republicans in the House of Representatives also lamented the passing in posts on X: "Jim endured unimaginable adversities with strength and perseverance."
The FBI's investigation concluded, after more than a year of extensive global inquiries, that Crooks acted alone and that it was not possible to establish a clear motive or links to organizations, individuals, or foreign governments.
Trump honored Copenhaver on his social media platform Truth Social, calling him "a true American patriot" and highlighting his bravery, while the family expressed gratitude for "the outpouring of love, prayers, and support received over the past two years" since the shooting.
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