Jim Copenhaver, one of two bystanders wounded during the July 2024 assassination attempt on Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, died Wednesday at age 76. His family’s lawyer confirmed the death, and Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday said Copenhaver died from complications stemming from the gunshot wounds, CBS Pittsburgh reported.
Copenhaver was seated in bleachers behind Trump when Thomas Matthew Crooks opened fire at the July 13, 2024, campaign rally. Corey Comperatore was killed, while Copenhaver and David Dutch were seriously wounded. Trump was struck in the ear, and a Secret Service counter-sniper killed Crooks.
In a 2025 interview with CBS Pittsburgh, Copenhaver said one bullet struck his triceps and another remained lodged next to his spine, causing nerve damage. The bullet also damaged his colon, and he underwent multiple surgeries to repair his lower abdomen. He walked with a cane and continued physical therapy after leaving the hospital 15 days after the shooting.
Copenhaver’s family described him as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, veteran and patriot. Trump offered condolences in a Truth Social post, and House Republicans said they were mourning his death and praying for his family.
