Staff Reports
The dramatic aftermath of the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump continues to unfold, with James Copenhaver, 74, being the latest survivor to make headlines. Having spent several harrowing days at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, Copenhaver was discharged on Friday, much to the relief of his family and supporters. News of Copenhaver’s recovery is a stark reminder of the shocking events that occurred at Trump’s campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, when a deranged gunman decided to turn a political event into a scene straight out of a horror movie.
Copenhaver’s family described his injuries as “life-altering,” but no amount of medical jargon can fully encapsulate the absurdity of a situation where anyone would think firing at a former president is a good idea. In their statement, the family expressed gratitude for the community’s support and prayers. They acknowledged the efforts of first responders and healing personnel who treated Copenhaver, a sentiment any reasonable person can appreciate—unless one subscribes to the belief that the chaos is merely a political performance art.
BREAKING- Show him some love: Second Trump rally shooting survivor, James Copenhaver, released from hospital, faces long recovery, family says pic.twitter.com/OLwD4qYNo2
— Simon Ateba (@simonateba) July 28, 2024
Also in the mix is David Dutch, another unfortunate rally attendee who sustained gunshot wounds to his chest and liver and fortunately received his discharge the week prior. The collective pain of the two victims sharply contrasts the senseless agenda that likely motivated the shooter, 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, whose poor judgment is now etched in the annals of political history. In a spectacularly ironic twist, even a bullet managed to find its way to Trump, grazing his ear. As it turns out, if you throw a tantrum with a gun, you might just hit the wrong target—both literally and figuratively.
In the fallout of this violent episode, the House took swift action, voting unanimously to establish a bipartisan task force to investigate the circumstances surrounding the assassination attempt. This solidly bipartisan approach serves as a reminder that at least some issues can unite politicians, even if they refuse to agree on basic economic policies or border security. Perhaps the only thing these folks can all rally behind is the fact that nobody wants a bullet to the ear—unless, of course, it’s metaphorical.
The former president is set to return to Butler for a rally honoring the fallen firefighter Corey Comperatore along with Copenhaver and Dutch. It appears that Trump’s resilience, much like that of his supporters, refuses to be diminished by cowardice and chaos. One can only hope that the next rally will be filled with the usual fervor and patriotism, rather than the echoes of gunfire and tragedy. After all, who wouldn’t want to attend a gathering that celebrates survival and condemns violence—a concept that seems foreign to those who thrive on chaos?
