2nd area man injured at Trump rally released from hospital

Moon Township resident James Copenhaver, one of two area residents injured in the shooting at the July 13 Donald Trump rally in Butler County, has been released from the hospital.

A spokeswoman for Pittsburgh’s Allegheny General Hospital confirmed the 74-year-old man was released from the medical facility on Friday.

Marine veteran David Dutch, 57, of Plum, also injured at the rally, was discharged from the hospital on Wednesday.

Another rally attendee, Corey Comperatore, 50, of Buffalo Township, was killed in the shooting at the Butler Farm Show grounds. Mourners lined a funeral procession route on July 19 to bid farewell to the volunteer firefighter.

Trump suffered an ear wound.

Copenhaver suffered “life-altering injuries” in the shooting, according to a July 16 statement issued by his family.

“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.”

The family asked for friends, members of the public and members of the media to respect their privacy during Copenhaver’s recovery from “this horrible, senseless and unnecessary act of violence.”

Dutch’s family also released a recent statement: “As we focus on David’s recovery, we also offer our deepest condolences and prayers for the other victims of this tragic event and their families.”

The FBI has identified Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, of Bethel Park as the shooter at the rally. He was killed by the Secret Service after he fired shots, wounding Trump, killing Comperatore and seriously injuring Copenhaver and Dutch.

The former president, who is the Republican nominee for another term in the White House, has said through social media that he plans to return to Butler County for a rally to honor the life of Comperatore.