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James Copenhaver, the last of the two surviving victims shot while attending President Donald Trump’s campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, has been released from the hospital.
Copenhaver’s family confirmed Sunday that the 74-year-old grandfather from Moon Township was discharged from Allegheny General Hospital after suffering from life-altering injuries, according to a report from the New York Post.
In a statement reported by KDKA in Butler, Copenhaver’s family thanked those who cared for him during his recovery and offered their prayers and thoughts to the other victims.
“The Copenhaver family would like to thank everyone for the outpouring of support for James “Jim” as he recovers from the injuries that he tragically sustained during President Trump’s rally in Butler, Pennsylvania on July 13, 2024. Jim would like to especially thank the first responders, medics, and hospital staff who have provided him with initial and continuing care,” the statement read.
It continued, “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.”
According to a report from Fox News, President Trump called Copenhaver’s family five days after the shooting to pay his respects, although specific details of the conversation remain private.
However, the family’s spokesperson described the family as being “shocked by just how humble [President Trump] was” and described the president as “very pleasant” and “respectful” over the phone, the Fox News report explained.
Copenhaver was one of the four victims, including President Trump, to be shot by 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, who fired from a nearby rooftop.
The other surviving rallygoer, David Dutch, was also released from Allegheny Hospital last week.
Tragically, a Buffalo Township former volunteer firefighter, Corey Comperatore, was fatally shot while shielding his family from the ensuing gunfire.
President Trump paid tribute to Comperatore during his speech to accept the Republican presidential nomination earlier this month. He honored the firefighter as an American hero for sacrificing his life while protecting his wife and daughter during the horrific shooting.
“What a fine man he was,” said President Trump, who then walked over to Comperatore’s fireman uniform, which stood on stage, and kissed the helmet.
A procession and funeral service was held for Comperatore on July 19.