James Copenhaver is recovering from “life-altering injuries” after being shot at the Trump rally in Butler County, his family said in a statement Tuesday.
Copenhaver is one of two Southwestern Pennsylvania residents being treated at Pittsburgh’s Allegheny General Hospital following the shooting. Marine veteran David Dutch, 57, of Plum also suffered gunshot wounds in the Saturday incident at the Butler Farm Show grounds.
“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,” his family’s statement said.
As of Tuesday, Copenhaver, 74, of Moon and Dutch remain in “critical but stable condition,” hospital officials said.
“Jim would like to especially thank the first responders, medics and hospital staff who have provided him with initial and continuing care,” the statement said. “Additionally, Jim would like to express his thoughts and prayers for the other victims, their families and (former) President Trump. He prays for a safe and speedy recovery for them all.”
For the time being, the Copenhaver family asked for all friends, members of the public and members of the media to respect their privacy during his recovery “from the life-altering injuries that he sustained.”
“The Copenhaver family would like to thank you for your continued thoughts, prayers and support as Jim and his family recover from this horrible, senseless and unnecessary act of violence,” the statement said.
The FBI has identified Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, as the shooter at the rally. He was killed by the Secret Service just after he fired shots during the rally.
Rally attendee Corey Comperatore, 50, of Buffalo Township was killed in the shooting.
