Trump mourns death of man shot at Butler rally: ‘Tremendous loss’

President Trump mourned the loss of Jim Copenhaver, the man who was shot and injured during the attempted assassination of Trump in Butler, Pa., in 2024.

Copenhaver died earlier this week. He was 76. He was one of the two attendees who were shot at the rally where a bullet grazed Trump’s ear. Copenhaver was struck by two bullets in his arm and abdomen, leaving him with nerve damage.

“God bless American Patriot and Warrior, James Copenhaver, and his incredible family. May he rest in peace!!!” Trump wrote Friday on Truth Social.

He called Copenhaver a “true American patriot” in a post Thursday, saying his death is a “tremendous loss.”

“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,” Trump 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,” he continued. “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!”

His death was first announced by the House Republican Conference on Thursday.

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Jim Copenhaver, who was gravely wounded in the horrific shooting in Butler, Pennsylvania,” the conference posted on social media.

Several Republican lawmakers also responded to the news of Copenhaver’s death.

“My prayers are with the family members of Jim Copenhaver, as they grieve his loss,” Arizona Rep. Andy Biggs (R) wrote in a post . “His passing should serve as continued motivation to provide sufficient answers and closure for the investigation into the attempted assassination of President Trump in Butler, where two innocent lives have now been lost.”