Man Shot at Trump Rally Dies; Trump Calls Him 'True American Patriot'

Jim Copenhaver, a man who was shot twice during a 2024 Donald Trump campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, has died. The shooting incident, which occurred more than two years ago, also resulted in the death of another attendee and a bullet grazing Trump's ear.

Donald Trump described Copenhaver as a "true American patriot" on his social media platform, Truth Social. He stated that Copenhaver and others "stood united in defense of our shared values of Freedom, Liberty, and Justice" following the attack. Trump extended his condolences to Copenhaver's family, "especially his incredible wife Marianne."

An attorney representing Copenhaver's family said his devotion to the United States was a "defining part of his life." The statement noted that Copenhaver "proudly served our nation in the armed forces" as a veteran and that his "love of country never wavered."

In an interview with CBS News a year after the rally, Copenhaver recounted the physical toll of his injuries. He and David Dutch, the third individual shot at the event, spoke of undergoing infections and surgeries. Copenhaver was shot in the arm and abdomen, and a year later, a bullet remained lodged near his spine, causing him to use a cane.

Both Copenhaver and Dutch filed a lawsuit against the federal government in June, alleging that the Secret Service failed to ensure their safety and should be held liable for their injuries. Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives also issued tributes to Copenhaver, acknowledging his "strength and perseverance" in enduring his hardship.