US President Donald Trump has honored James Copenhaver as a “true American patriot” after the 76-year-old’s lawyers announced his death.
Copenhaver was shot in July 2024 at a Trump campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, during the failed assassination attempt against the president.
“A tremendous loss,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social account.
He said Copenhaver showed “tremendous bravery” after being wounded while protecting his family, continuing to fight through “unimaginable hardships” with courage and a positive spirit.
“His indelible legacy of love and devotion will forever endure,” Trump wrote, adding: “Our hearts and prayers are with the Copenhaver family, especially his incredible wife, Marianne.”
Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday said Thursday that Copenhaver had been “gravely wounded” in the shooting and died from complications stemming from his injuries.
On July 13, 2024, Trump was speaking at the Butler rally when 20-year-old Thomas Crooks fired from a nearby rooftop, grazing the president’s right ear.
Copenhaver, David Dutch and Corey Comperatore were also shot. Dutch survived, while Comperatore died while attempting to shield his family.
Crooks was killed by a Secret Service counter-sniper.
