James Copenhaver, a 76-year-old man wounded during an attempted assassination of Donald Trump at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, has died two years after the attack. Copenhaver was shot on July 13, 2024, when 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks opened fire from a rooftop. The gunman’s attack left Copenhaver with two bullet wounds—one lodged in his body—and caused serious damage to his colon and kidneys, as well as partial loss of feeling in one leg.

Copenhaver was sitting near Trump at the time of the shooting. The then-presidential candidate’s ear was grazed by a bullet, but he was unharmed. Following the incident, Crooks was shot and killed by a Secret Service sniper. The FBI later stated that it found no definitive motive for the attack but noted that Crooks had made a sustained, detailed effort to target a large gathering.

Two other individuals were also shot during the incident. David Dutch, 57, survived his injuries, while Corey Comperatore, 50, was killed while attempting to protect his family. Video footage taken by Copenhaver before the shooting reportedly showed the suspect on the roof in plain sight shortly before he opened fire.

Copenhaver’s family lawyer, Joseph Feldman, said the veteran died in hospital surrounded by loved ones. While it was not conclusively confirmed that his death was directly caused by the injuries sustained in the shooting, a source close to the family indicated that complications from the wounds and the bullets remaining in his body contributed to his passing. Earlier this year, Copenhaver filed a lawsuit against the U.S. government, alleging negligence and recklessness by the Secret Service related to the attack.

In a statement, Copenhaver’s family emphasized his dedication to the country as a defining aspect of his life. Trump paid tribute to Copenhaver on social media, calling him “a true American patriot” who stood united in defending shared values of freedom, liberty, and justice. The former president praised Copenhaver’s bravery and resilience, noting that he continued to “fight” despite enduring severe hardships following the shooting.