James “Jim” Copenhaver, who survived the 2024 shooting at Donald Trump’s campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, has died at the age of 76.
Copenhaver died on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at Allegheny Health Network’s West Penn Hospital in Pittsburgh, according to reports citing the Allegheny County Office of the Medical Examiner. His family said he died surrounded by loved ones.
His death comes more than two years after he was seriously wounded during the July 13, 2024, shooting at the Butler Farm Show grounds.
James Copenhaver Cause of Death
The circumstances surrounding Copenhaver’s death require some clarification.
The Allegheny County Office of the Medical Examiner initially told ABC News that his formal cause and manner of death were pending.
However, Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday said Copenhaver died from complications stemming from the wounds he suffered in the 2024 shooting. CBS Pittsburgh reported the attorney general’s statement while noting Copenhaver had continued to deal with serious effects of his injuries.
Copenhaver’s injuries were severe. He was struck twice during the Butler shooting, including wounds to his arm and abdomen. One of the bullets caused extensive damage to his colon and left him with lasting nerve damage. He also experienced other ongoing health problems and required multiple surgeries.
Because the medical examiner’s formal determination was still pending in the latest reports, the cause of death is best described as reported complications from his previous shooting injuries, rather than as a finalized medical finding.
James Copenhaver Obituary and Personal Life
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | James “Jim” Copenhaver |
| Age | 76 |
| Residence | Moon Township, Pennsylvania |
| Date of death | September 23, 2026 |
| Place of death | West Penn Hospital, Pittsburgh |
| Known for | Survivor of the 2024 Butler rally shooting |
| Family | Wife, children and grandchildren |
| Military service | U.S. armed forces veteran |
| Cause reported | Complications associated with 2024 shooting wounds |
| Formal medical determination | Pending in latest reports |
Copenhaver’s family remembered him as a devoted husband, father and grandfather.
In a statement released through his attorney, the family also highlighted his military service and described his dedication to the United States as an important part of his life. The family asked for privacy while mourning his death.
What Happened to James Copenhaver at the Trump Rally?
Copenhaver was among the spectators attending Trump’s campaign rally in Butler County on July 13, 2024.
During the event, a gunman opened fire from the roof of a nearby building. Trump was wounded in the ear, while Copenhaver and fellow spectator David Dutch were seriously injured. Corey Comperatore, a former fire chief, was killed.
Copenhaver was shot twice.
One bullet struck his arm while another struck his abdomen, causing major internal injuries. He was hospitalized following the attack and was discharged roughly a week later, but the consequences of the shooting continued long after he left the hospital.
Years of Recovery After the Shooting
Copenhaver spoke publicly about his experience after surviving the attack.
In an interview with KDKA-TV, he recalled standing and looking toward a large screen behind him when he suddenly realized that he had been shot. He was struck a second time after turning around.
The injuries changed his daily life. Reports said he dealt with nerve damage and other lasting complications and later walked with a cane. His injuries were also described in a lawsuit as permanent and life-altering.
The prolonged effects of those injuries became part of the story of his life after Butler.
Copenhaver and the Federal Lawsuit
Copenhaver and his wife, Marianne, filed a lawsuit against the federal government in June 2026.
The lawsuit alleged that security failures involving the U.S. Secret Service and Department of Homeland Security contributed to the circumstances that allowed the shooter to fire at the rally.
The lawsuit also detailed the extensive medical consequences Copenhaver experienced after being shot, including multiple surgeries and continuing physical problems. Those allegations are part of ongoing legal proceedings and should not be treated as judicial findings.
A Life Remembered Beyond the Shooting
Although Copenhaver became publicly known because of the Butler rally, his family emphasized that his identity extended far beyond that traumatic event.
He was a veteran, husband, father and grandfather. His family said he placed great importance on his loved ones and continued to receive support and prayers from people who followed his recovery after the shooting.
His death has prompted statements of condolence from public officials and others who remembered the victims of the Butler attack.
James Copenhaver Dies at 76
James Copenhaver died September 23, 2026, at age 76, more than two years after surviving the shooting at the Butler, Pennsylvania, campaign rally.
While the Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s formal determination was still pending in the latest reporting, Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday said Copenhaver died from complications stemming from the wounds he suffered during the 2024 attack.
His family remembered him as a devoted husband, father and grandfather and asked for privacy as they mourn his loss.
Copenhaver’s death adds another chapter to the legacy of the July 2024 Butler shooting, an event that left several people wounded and claimed the life of Corey Comperatore.
Disclaimer: This article is based on current reports from ABC News, CBS Pittsburgh, the Associated Press and other published sources. Reports concerning James Copenhaver’s cause of death should be distinguished from the formal medical examiner determination, which was reported as pending. Details may be updated if additional official information is released.