NEW: Trump Supporters Who Were Critically Injured During Assassination Attempt Will Attend Inauguration
The two men who were critically injured when would-be Trump assassin Thomas Matthew Crooks opened fire at the president-elect’s Butler, Pennsylvania rally back in July will be attending 47th president’s inauguration on January 20. Trump has previously stated that he has remained in contact with the victims and their families, as well as the family of retired firefighter Corey Comperatore, who was killed while shielding his family from gunfire.
Jim Copenhaver, 74 of Moon Township, Pennsylvania and David Dutch, 57, of New Kensington both suffered critical injuries when Crooks first opened fire from a nearby rooftop. Crooks was forced to rush his shot at then-candidate Trump when a local police officer climbed onto the rooftop to investigate, at which point the gunman aimed his weapon at the officer before firing off the initial volley. The second volley killed Comperatore after he dove on his daughters, while Trump was struck in the ear after turning his head at the last second. Crooks squeezed off a total of eight shots before he was killed by a counter-sniper team.
Copenhaver sustained “life-altering” injuries as a result of the shooting, though he is recovering well after multiple surgeries, his family said in a statement back in July. “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,” his family said in a statement at the time. “Jim would like to especially thank the first responders, medics, and hospital staff who have provided him with initial and continuing care. 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.”
Dutch, 57, underwent multiple surgeries after he was struck twice, once in the chest and once in the liver, when Crooks opened fire. The Marine veteran was rushed to a local hospital and was put into a medically induced coma while he underwent multiple surgeries, according to the Marine Corps League’s (MCL) Department of Pennsylvania. Dutch was ultimately discharged from Allegheny General Hospital 11 days after the shooting. In a statement released at the time, Dutch thanked the first responders and medical professionals, whom he credited for saving his life. “The brave men and women that saved his life, including, but not limited to, the police officers, the medics, the life flight crew, and the medical professionals of Allegheny General Hospital, as well as those who continue to care for him as he navigates the road to recovery,” he said.
Jim Copenhaver (left) and David Dutch (right) recently discussed their ordeal with NBC News. Photo: NBC News
According to a report from Fox News, both Dutch and Copenhaver have been invited to attend President-elect Trump’s inauguration next week. “James and David are very appreciative of President Trump and his team for inviting them to attend the Inauguration weekend,” the two men said in a statement through their attorney, Joseph Feldman. “They are honored to take part in the festivities alongside the incoming administration and other guests. Feldman added that Trump “and his team have been nothing short of spectacular in maintaining an open line of communication with the families and have expressed great interest in James and David’s long road to recovery.” The statement added that Trump “and his team have been nothing short of spectacular in maintaining an open line of communication with the families and have expressed great interest in James and David’s long road to recovery.”
Both Copenhaver and Dutch had the opportunity to shake hands with the president-elect after his historic comeback victory in November, Feldman said, adding that they will “forever be connected due to the horrible events that transpired on July 13, 2024 in Butler, Pennsylvania.”
Trump has also maintained close contact with Corey Comperatore’s widow, Helen, as well as his two daughters. Comperatore was killed after being struck in the head while attempting to shield his daughters from gunfire after the first valley. Jim Sweetland, an emergency room doctor who was sitting a few rows ahead of Comperatore, immediately jumped into action and attempted to provide life-saving care to Comperatore. Efforts to save Comperatore were sadly unsuccessful.
Trump has honored Comperatore on numerous occasions, including his Republican National Convention speech, during which Comperatore’s firefighting gear was displayed onstage. A seat was also symbolically reserved for the murdered Trump supporter when he returned to Butler back in October. Ahead of the rally, Trump met with Helen Comperatore and his two daughters before honoring the family again during his speech.
“He definitely was a hero,” said Helen Comperatore in an interview with WTAE earlier this year. “He saved his wife, he saved his child and he was just the best guy. He was just the best.” Helen and Corey Comperatore were married for 29 years and had two daughters, Allyson and Kaylee, both of whom were present at the July 13 rally. “I was the one that my dad threw down. 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 don’t remember feeling any other shots. In that moment, I was trying to take care of him.”
The Comperatore family has hired a private attorney in order to assist with their own inquiry into the lead-up to the July 13 rally. “I want justice for my husband and I’m going to get it,” Helen said.
Corey Comperatore with his daughter, Allyson