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James Copenhaver Dies

James Copenhaver, wounded in the 2024 Trump rally shooting in Butler, has died.

from 17 sourcesUpdated Sep 24, 9:06pm ET

What happened

James Copenhaver, one of the people wounded in the 2024 Trump rally shooting in Butler, Pennsylvania, died at age 76. His family lawyer said he died Wednesday in a Pittsburgh hospital surrounded by loved ones, and the cause and manner were not disclosed. The shooting was an attempted assassination of Donald Trump that grazed his ear, killed Corey Comperatore, and seriously wounded David Dutch and Copenhaver. Copenhaver and his wife sued the federal government in June, alleging failed rally security. House Republicans praised his strength, and Trump called him a “true American Patriot.” It remains unclear whether his death was directly tied to his wounds.

From the left

Coverage framed Copenhaver’s death as part of the continuing human toll of the Butler assassination attempt, tying him to the rally shooting and lasting wounds. CNN also presented the death through tributes, quoting Trump calling him “a true American Patriot” in a moment of political mourning. The Guardian emphasized legal blame and accountability, noting that Copenhaver and his wife alleged the Secret Service and Department of Homeland Security had “utterly failed” on security.

From the right

Right-leaning accounts leaned harder into Copenhaver’s patriotism, presenting his endurance as central to the story. Fox News highlighted the family’s view that his devotion to the country defined his life. The Daily Wire framed the death as another consequence of the assassination attempt. The Washington Examiner tied the aftermath to his lawsuit over alleged government failure.

Headlines

how each side wrote it
CNNMan wounded in the 2024 Trump assassination attempt dies | CNN

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