In some terrible tragedy striking years after the attempt on President Trump’s life in Butler, PA, one of the men at the rally who was shot and wounded by would-be assassin Thomas Matthew Crooks, who aimed at Trump and missed, has passed away. That is Jim Copenhaver, who President Trump referred to as a “true American Patriot” in a post on X.
For reference, Mr. Copenhaver was a resident of the town of Coraopolis, Pennsylvania. He was in his mid-70s, and a supporter of President Trump. While attending the Trump rally at the Butler Farm Show complex outside of the Pennsylvania town of Butler, Mr. Copenhaver was wounded by one of Crooks’s stray bullets. He fought the complications of the grisly wound for about two years, but sadly passed away from them on Wednesday, September 23 in news made public late on Thursday, September 24.
It was President Trump who did so in a post on his Truth Social platform in which he praised Mr. Copenhaver’s patriotism and described the courage that the now-passed away patriot displayed incident in which he was wounded. Beginning the post, President Trump said, “Jim Copenhaver, a true American Patriot, has passed away — A tremendous loss!”
Continuing, the president wrote, “More than two years ago in Butler, Pennsylvania, a crazed gunman attempted to stifle our America First Movement. Instead, Jim and so many other wonderful Patriots who love our Country, stood united in defense of our shared values of Freedom, Liberty, and Justice.”
Concluding, he wrote, “After being wounded while protecting his family, Jim showed tremendous bravery, courageously continuing to FIGHT, FIGHT, FIGHT, and maintaining a positive spirit despite unimaginable hardships. His indelible legacy of love and devotion will forever endure. Our hearts and prayers are with the Copenhaver family, especially his incredible wife Marianne. God bless you all! President DONALD J. TRUMP”
Mr. Copenhaver’s family, for its part, released a statement in which it said, “It is with profound sadness that the Copenhaver family confirms that James Copenhaver passed away on September 23, 2026, surrounded by his loved ones.”
Continuing, his family described his many good qualities, saying, “Above all else, James was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. James shared a lifetime of commitment to his wife, instilled the values of hard work, integrity, and the service of others in his children, and found some of his greatest joy in life in his grandchildren. His family was the center of his world, and he was the center of theirs.”
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Then, describing his patriotism, the family said: “James’s dedication to this great country was a defining part of his life. As a veteran, he proudly served our nation in the armed forces, and his love of country never wavered. James was a true American patriot who believed deeply in the freedoms and ideals upon which this nation was founded, and he embodied the very best traits of our great nation.”
And, describing the support he received after being wounded, the family noted, “James and the Copenhaver family have been deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support they have received over the past two years, since James was gravely wounded while in attendance at President Trump’s rally on July 13, 2024, in Butler, Pennsylvania. Throughout that difficult time, James faced every challenge with the same strength and resolve that defined his life, and the kindness shown by so many brought great comfort to him and to those who love him.”
It concluded, “As the Copenhaver family begins the difficult journey forward without James by their side, they welcome your continued thoughts, prayers, and support. The family respectfully asks that their privacy be honored as they mourn his loss and celebrate his life. James will be deeply missed, and his memory will live on in all who knew and loved him.”