PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania — James “Jim” Copenhaver, the military veteran who survived being shot during the 2024 assassination attempt at a Donald Trump campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, has died at the age of 76.
Copenhaver, of Moon Township, died on September 23, 2026, at a Pittsburgh hospital, according to his family attorney and the Allegheny County Office of the Medical Examiner.
His family said he was surrounded by loved ones when he died.
While Copenhaver lived with serious and lasting injuries from the Butler shooting, the medical examiner said his official cause and manner of death remained pending as of September 24.
James Copenhaver Remembered as Husband, Father and Veteran
Beyond the national attention that followed the Butler shooting, Copenhaver’s family remembered him for the roles that mattered most in his personal life.
He was described as a devoted husband, father and grandfather whose family remained at the center of his life.
Copenhaver was also a military veteran.
His family said his service to the United States and commitment to the country were defining parts of his life.
In announcing his death, family attorney Joseph Feldman said Copenhaver and his loved ones remained grateful for the prayers, compassion and support they received during the two years following the shooting.
Seriously Wounded at 2024 Butler Rally
Copenhaver was attending a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, 2024, when a gunman opened fire from the roof of a nearby building during an assassination attempt on then-presidential candidate Donald Trump.
Copenhaver was sitting in the bleachers when he was struck by gunfire.
He suffered wounds to his arm and abdomen and was hospitalized in critical condition following the attack.
Another attendee, David Dutch, was also seriously wounded. Former fire chief Corey Comperatore, 50, was killed while protecting his family.
Trump suffered an injury to his ear.
Shooting Left Copenhaver With Lasting Injuries
Although Copenhaver survived the initial attack and eventually left the hospital, his recovery continued long afterward.
The shooting left him with nerve damage and other significant injuries. He later required a cane to walk.
In interviews following the attack, Copenhaver spoke publicly about both the shooting itself and the physical consequences he continued to experience.
His family’s attorney described the injuries as grave and said Copenhaver faced the challenges that followed with strength and determination.
What Was James Copenhaver’s Cause of Death?
Copenhaver’s official medical cause of death had not been finalized in the latest authoritative information available.
The Allegheny County Office of the Medical Examiner confirmed that he died at a Pittsburgh hospital and said both his cause and manner of death were pending.
Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday separately said Copenhaver died from complications stemming from the injuries he suffered in the Butler shooting.
However, until the medical examiner completes its determination, that attribution should be distinguished from the official medical finding.
James Copenhaver: Key Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | James “Jim” Copenhaver |
| Age | 76 |
| Residence | Moon Township, Pennsylvania |
| Date of death | September 23, 2026 |
| Place of death | Pittsburgh hospital |
| Family roles | Husband, father and grandfather |
| Military service | U.S. armed forces veteran |
| Known for publicly | Survivor of the 2024 Butler rally shooting |
| Date of shooting | July 13, 2024 |
| Injuries in shooting | Gunshot wounds to arm and abdomen |
| Long-term effects | Included nerve damage and mobility difficulties |
| Official cause of death | Pending medical examiner determination |
| Funeral arrangements | Not established in the latest information reviewed |
Family and Public Officials Mourn Copenhaver
News of Copenhaver’s death prompted condolences from public officials and others familiar with his experience following the Butler attack.
His family emphasized his devotion to his loved ones, military service and country while remembering the perseverance he demonstrated following his injuries.
Copenhaver spent more than two years living with the consequences of the shooting that unexpectedly placed him at the center of a nationally significant event.
For those closest to him, however, his legacy extends beyond what happened in Butler.
He is remembered foremost as a husband, father, grandfather and veteran whose family remained central throughout his life.
Funeral Information
Funeral and memorial arrangements for James Copenhaver were not established in the latest reliable information reviewed.
Any service information should be confirmed through his family, an authorized representative or a funeral provider before publication.
Information Disclaimer
James Copenhaver’s death on September 23, 2026, at age 76 has been confirmed. He suffered severe and lasting injuries after being shot during the July 13, 2024 rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. However, the Allegheny County Office of the Medical Examiner reported that his official cause and manner of death remained pending. Statements connecting his death directly to complications from those wounds should therefore be distinguished from the medical examiner’s final determination.