The quiet town of Butler, Pennsylvania, became a stage for chaos and fear when a peaceful political rally transformed into a scene of violence. Two survivors, David Dutch and Jim Copenhaver, relive the day their lives were forever altered, revealing the enduring physical and emotional wounds inflicted by an assassination attempt on then-President Donald Trump.
Echoes of Gunfire: A Day Forever Etched in Memory
“I saw part of my sleeve go away,” Jim Copenhaver recounts, the memory still vivid. Standing at an imposing 7’4″, Copenhaver now relies on a cane, a constant reminder of the bullet that tore through his tricep and the one still lodged in his abdomen, causing a burning pain he describes as “somebody taking a cigarette and burning right in the middle of my leg.”
Attorneys representing both Dutch and Copenhaver have released video footage they say depicts the harrowing moment the two men were shot. Positioned behind the then-President, Copenhaver, clad in a white long-sleeve shirt, and Dutch, further to the right in a patriotic American flag t-shirt, became unintended targets.
“It was like getting hit with a sledgehammer right in the chest,” Dutch describes, recalling the searing pain and the chaos that ensued. “There were chunks of bleacher and sharp metal flying all around.”
A Security Breach with Devastating Consequences: The Aftermath and Investigation
The attempted assassination, which tragically claimed the life of firefighter Cory Compor as he shielded his family, exposed critical failures within the Secret Service’s security protocol. An investigation launched by Congress and the Secret Service aimed to unravel how the would-be assassin managed to breach security, ascend to a rooftop with an AR-15, and fire upon the crowd, coming within a mere 400 feet of the President before being neutralized by a counter-sniper.
Image
Seeking Accountability: Survivors Pursue Legal Action
Dutch and Copenhaver, along with their legal representatives, contend that the Secret Service’s negligence played a direct role in the events that unfolded that fateful day. They are pursuing legal action against the federal government and other entities, seeking accountability for the security failures that had devastating consequences. “It’s pretty evident that there have been some failures, possibly catastrophic failures on the part of the Secret Service as an organization,” their attorneys argue.
When asked directly if they believed the Secret Service failed former President Trump and themselves, their response was unequivocal: “Oh yes, big, big time. The whole security setup was poor; it was put together too quickly, and procedures weren’t followed.”
Facing Fear with Courage: A Return to Butler and the Outpouring of Support
In a powerful display of resilience, Dutch and Copenhaver recently returned to the site of the traumatic event – another rally held by former President Trump in Butler. Explaining his motivation, Copenhaver stated, “I don’t want to be hiding from what happened. I’m just trying to get on with going through my daily life again.”
Amidst the pain and the ongoing struggle for recovery, both men have found solace in the overwhelming outpouring of support they have received from strangers across the nation. “They don’t know me,” Dutch remarks, “I mean, it’s just amazing. I don’t even know how to reach out and thank them for all the prayers, well wishes, and everything.” The outpouring of support has been a source of strength and comfort, a reminder that even in the face of tragedy, compassion and empathy can prevail.
A President’s Concern and the Enduring Legacy of a Fallen Hero
According to Dutch and Copenhaver, former President Trump personally reached out to them, expressing his concern for their well-being. They shared that the former president sounded genuinely worried and wanted to ensure they were receiving the support they needed.
The memory of firefighter Cory Compor, who made the ultimate sacrifice protecting his family, weighs heavily on the minds of Dutch and Copenhaver. They acknowledge the fragility of life and the debt of gratitude they owe to Compor’s heroism. His selfless act serves as a constant reminder of the preciousness of life and the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of danger.
The events in Butler serve as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of even the most heavily guarded events and the far-reaching consequences of violence. For survivors like Dutch and Copenhaver, the physical and emotional scars are a testament to the enduring impact of that day, a day forever etched in their memories.
FAQ
Q: What happened at the Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania?
A: An assassination attempt was made on then-President Donald Trump during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. A gunman opened fire on the crowd, injuring several people, including two attendees named David Dutch and Jim Copenhaver. Firefighter Cory Compor was tragically killed while protecting his family.
Q: What security measures were in place at the rally?
A: While specific details about the security arrangements at the rally are part of ongoing investigations, it has been acknowledged that there were failures in the security protocol that allowed the gunman to get close to the President.
Q: What legal actions are being taken by the survivors?
A: David Dutch and Jim Copenhaver are pursuing legal action against the federal government and other entities, alleging negligence on the part of the Secret Service contributed to the security breach and the subsequent events.
Q: How are David Dutch and Jim Copenhaver coping with the aftermath of the shooting?
A: Both men have spoken about the physical and emotional challenges they continue to face. They have drawn strength from the outpouring of support from people across the country and are focused on their recovery.
Q: What is being done to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future?
A: The Secret Service and Congress launched investigations into the security failures at the Butler rally. The findings of these investigations are expected to lead to recommendations and potential changes in security protocols for future events involving high-profile individuals.
