Trump Supporters Critically Injured in Assassination Attempt to Attend Inauguration
Two men who were critically injured during the attempted assassination of President-elect Donald J. Trump at his July 2024 rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, will attend the 47th President’s inauguration on January 20. The men, Jim Copenhaver and David Dutch, will join Trump in a historic moment that highlights their resilience and his continued support for victims and their families.
Trump, who narrowly escaped injury during the shooting, has remained in close contact with the victims and their families, including the family of retired firefighter Corey Comperatore, who tragically lost his life shielding his daughters from gunfire.
A Day of Tragedy and Heroism
The incident unfolded when Thomas Matthew Crooks, the would-be assassin, opened fire from a rooftop near the rally. His first volley of shots critically injured both Copenhaver, 74, of Moon Township, Pennsylvania, and Dutch, 57, of New Kensington. Crooks was forced to rush his shots at Trump after a local police officer climbed onto the rooftop to investigate suspicious activity. Crooks then turned his weapon toward the officer before firing his initial shots.
Retired firefighter Corey Comperatore was killed during the second volley of gunfire. Comperatore heroically shielded his daughters, sacrificing his life in the process. Trump himself narrowly escaped serious injury, sustaining a graze to his ear after turning his head at the last moment. Crooks was ultimately neutralized by a counter-sniper team, but not before firing eight rounds in total.
Recovery and Resilience
Jim Copenhaver sustained life-altering injuries in the attack. According to his family, he has undergone multiple surgeries and continues to recover. In a statement released shortly after the incident, the Copenhaver family expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support they’ve received.
“Jim would like to especially thank the first responders, medics, and hospital staff who have provided him with initial and continuing care,” the family said. “Additionally, Jim would like to express his thoughts and prayers for the other victims, their families, and President Trump. He prays for a safe and speedy recovery for them all.”
David Dutch, a Marine Corps veteran, was struck twice—once in the chest and once in the liver. He was placed in a medically induced coma and underwent multiple surgeries at Allegheny General Hospital. Dutch was discharged 11 days later and credited the first responders and medical professionals with saving his life.
“The brave men and women that saved my life—the police officers, medics, life flight crew, and medical professionals—are true heroes,” Dutch said in a statement released through the Marine Corps League of Pennsylvania.
Attending the Inauguration
Both Copenhaver and Dutch have been invited to attend the inauguration by Trump himself. The two men released a joint statement through their attorney, Joseph Feldman, expressing their appreciation for the invitation.
“James and David are very appreciative of President Trump and his team for inviting them to attend the inauguration weekend,” the statement read. “They are honored to take part in the festivities alongside the incoming administration and other guests.” Feldman added that Trump and his team have maintained “an open line of communication” with the victims’ families throughout their recovery.
Both men also had the opportunity to meet with Trump following his November election victory, creating a bond that Feldman described as enduring. “They will forever be connected due to the horrible events that transpired on July 13, 2024, in Butler, Pennsylvania,” he said.
Honoring a Fallen Hero
The late Corey Comperatore, whose heroism saved the lives of his daughters during the attack, has been honored on multiple occasions by Trump. At the Republican National Convention, Comperatore’s firefighting gear was displayed onstage, and a seat was symbolically reserved for him when Trump returned to Butler in October.
Trump also met privately with Comperatore’s widow, Helen, and their daughters, Allyson and Kaylee, ahead of the October rally. During his speech, Trump publicly honored the family’s sacrifice, calling Comperatore “a true American hero.”
“He definitely was a hero,” Helen Comperatore said in an interview with WTAE. “He saved his wife, he saved his child, and he was just the best guy. He was just the best.”
Allyson, one of Corey’s daughters, recounted the moment her father shielded her from the gunfire. “As he was throwing me down, that was when he was shot and he ended up falling onto me,” Allyson recalled. “I don’t remember hearing any other shots. I was trying to take care of him.”
The Comperatore family has since hired a private attorney to investigate the circumstances leading up to the rally. “I want justice for my husband, and I’m going to get it,” Helen said.
A Symbol of Resilience and Unity
The attendance of Copenhaver and Dutch at the inauguration underscores their resilience and highlights Trump’s ongoing commitment to honoring those affected by the attack. As the nation looks forward to January 20, their presence will serve as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made and the unity forged in the face of tragedy.