EXCLUSIVE: PITTSBURGH — James Copenhaver, one of the two individuals seriously injured in an assassination attempt on former President Trump on July 13, expressed feeling “sad” regarding the “political division” in the U.S., as stated by his attorney in an exclusive Fox News Digital interview on Wednesday.
At 74 years old, Copenhaver described the shooting, which left him hospitalized for several weeks due to injuries on his arm and abdomen, as an “unnecessary” tragedy, according to attorney Joseph Feldman from the Law Offices of Max C. Feldman in Pittsburgh, who is representing Copenhaver during his recovery.
“Essentially, he wants people to see how unnecessary this was, and that the political divide in the U.S. has escalated to a point where individuals are ready to attend rallies—where people are exercising their First Amendment rights—and start shooting into crowds,” Feldman stated.
“At 74, he has lived through significant historical events in this country. This incident ranks among the most troubling experiences he’s faced as an American, and he hopes to convey that things do not have to be this way.”
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James Copenhaver is pictured with his wife. (James Copenhaver)
Copenhaver also expressed his appreciation for the medical and emergency personnel, as well as law enforcement, who assisted him following the shooting at the rally. According to Feldman, the 74-year-old has a “long road ahead” for recovery.
The retiree is also clear that he “is not afraid to express his support for Trump, and he won’t let those who disagree with him silence or prevent him from exercising his rights,” Feldman noted.
Copenhaver, from Moon Township, attended the rally approximately an hour from his home with his best friend. He was positioned on Trump’s left when gunfire erupted.
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Joseph Feldman spoke from a hotel in Pittsburgh on July 31, 2024, regarding his client, James Copenhaver, who was shot by would-be Trump assassin Thomas Crooks in Butler, Pa., on July 13. (DWS for Fox News Digital)
In a video recorded by Copenhaver during the rally at 6:08 p.m. on July 13, a figure is seen moving across the roof of the AGR building, from which gunman Thomas Crooks later fired, just minutes before gunfire erupted at 6:11 p.m.
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Copenhaver, Trump, and many attendees turned their heads at the moment shots were fired to observe immigration statistics displayed on a large screen to the left of the stage. It was during this time that Copenhaver noticed blood on his arm.
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“He heard something whiz past, which we assume was a bullet. He looked down at his arm and felt pain initially, but he was not aware at that moment that he had been shot a second time,” Feldman explained. “He mentioned being in shock during the chaos, with people screaming and uncertainty spreading rapidly.”
The 74-year-old survivor is still processing the gravity of the situation and reflects on the historical significance of the event he was “physically part of,” Feldman noted.
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James Copenhaver is in recovery after being shot during an assassination attempt at former President Trump’s rally in Butler, Pa., on July 13. (Allegheny Health Network)
Following the shooting, he had a phone call with Trump from his hospital bed.
“It was a very friendly conversation. He felt as if [Trump] was almost present in the room with him,” Feldman remarked. “Talking to him felt like conversing with a friend—someone who could easily maintain a dialogue. Overall, Copenhaver appreciated the call and hopes they can speak again or even meet in person.”
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Joseph Feldman stated that his client, James Copenhaver, “is unafraid to voice his support for Trump” after the 74-year-old was shot during a rally for the former president. (DWS for Fox News Digital)
For the time being, Copenhaver and his wife are concentrating on his recovery and are thankful for the support they’ve received from friends, family, medical personnel, and even strangers nationwide who have sent letters. They celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary while he remained in the hospital, Feldman remarked.
David Dutch, 57, was also critically injured in the assassination attempt and was discharged from Allegheny General last week, according to a press statement. Corey Comperatore, a 50-year-old husband, father, and former fire chief of the Buffalo Township Volunteer Fire Department, tragically lost his life while shielding his family from gunfire.
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David Dutch walks from the Trump rally with gunshot wounds. (Facebook/Republican Committee of Beaver County)
Corey Comperatore was killed in an assassination attempt on former President Trump in Butler, Pa., on July 13. (Facebook)
The FBI continues to investigate the motive behind shooter Thomas Crooks. On Monday, the agency revealed that Crooks, aged 20, accessed the roof by climbing HVAC systems and piping on the AGR building. At the time, he possessed an AR-15-style rifle with a collapsible stock and a rangefinder.
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Text messages disclosed by Republican Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley indicate that law enforcement was aware of a suspicious person near the rally location about 90 minutes before the shooting occurred.
