James “Jim” Copenhaver, 76, died Wednesday more than two years after he was shot twice during the July 13, 2024 assassination attempt against President Trump. His cause of death has not been disclosed, though his family described him as someone who endured the aftermath of the attack with strength that defined his life.
Copenhaver suffered “life-altering” injuries at the Butler Farm Show grounds in Pennsylvania when a gunman opened fire. He was struck in the tricep and abdomen, with one bullet lodging near his spine. The incident also killed volunteer fire chief Corey Comperatore, who died shielding his family, and seriously wounded Marine veteran David Dutch.
According to the Allegheny County medical examiner, Copenhaver died at West Penn Hospital in Pittsburgh. Family attorney Joseph Feldman stated he was surrounded by loved ones during his final moments. ABC News reported that his relatives remembered him as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and armed-forces veteran whose dedication to America shaped his life.
A bipartisan House task force concluded the Butler attack was preventable due to failures in advance planning and execution of security. The report identified gaps in perimeter protection at the American Glass Research complex, which had a clear line of sight to the stage but remained unsecured. Misunderstandings between Secret Service and local law enforcement also contributed to critical communication breakdowns that left President Trump’s protection vulnerable.
President Trump honored Copenhaver’s passing with a tribute calling him an “American Patriot and Warrior.” Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro described the profound loss faced by families like Copenhaver’s, noting the painful reality of an empty seat at dinner tables long after the event.
Copenhaver’s family expressed gratitude for prayers and support during the past two years. They emphasized his resilience: despite grave wounds, he continued fighting to survive. His legacy as a veteran, husband, father, grandfather, and patriot remains central to the remembrance of those who stood with President Trump that day in Butler.
