NEW: Trump Supporters Who Were Critically Injured During Assassination Attempt Will Attend Inauguration

Two individuals who sustained critical injuries during the shooting incident involving would-be assassin Thomas Matthew Crooks at the rally for president-elect Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, in July, are set to attend the inauguration of the 47th president on January 20. Trump has indicated that he has maintained communication with the victims and their families, as well as with the family of retired firefighter Corey Comperatore, who lost his life while protecting his family from the gunfire.

Jim Copenhaver, 74, from Moon Township, Pennsylvania, and David Dutch, 57, from New Kensington, both suffered severe injuries when Crooks opened fire from a nearby rooftop. The assailant was compelled to act quickly when a local police officer ascended to the rooftop to investigate, prompting Crooks to aim his weapon at the officer before discharging his firearm. The second round of shots resulted in the death of Comperatore, who had shielded his daughters, while Trump was grazed in the ear after turning his head at the last moment. In total, Crooks fired eight shots before being neutralized by a counter-sniper team.

Copenhaver has endured “life-altering” injuries due to the shooting; however, his family reported in July that he is making a good recovery following several surgeries. “The Copenhaver family wishes to express their gratitude for the overwhelming support for James ‘Jim’ as he recuperates from the injuries he sustained during President Trump’s rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, 2024,” the family stated at that time. “Jim would particularly like to thank the first responders, medics, and hospital staff who have provided him with both initial and ongoing care. Furthermore, Jim extends his thoughts and prayers to the other victims, their families, and President Trump, wishing for a safe and swift recovery for all.”

Dutch, aged 57, underwent several surgical procedures after being shot twice—once in the chest and once in the liver—when Crooks opened fire. Following the incident, the Marine veteran was swiftly transported to a nearby hospital, where he was placed in a medically induced coma to facilitate multiple surgeries, as reported by the Marine Corps League’s Department of Pennsylvania. Dutch was eventually released from Allegheny General Hospital 11 days post-shooting. In a statement issued at that time, he expressed gratitude towards the first responders and medical staff, whom he credited with saving his life. “The courageous individuals who saved his life, including but not limited to the police officers, medics, life flight crew, and the medical professionals at Allegheny General Hospital, as well as those who continue to support him on his recovery journey,” he remarked.

As reported by Fox News, both Dutch and Copenhaver have received invitations to attend President-elect Trump’s inauguration next week. “James and David are very grateful to President Trump and his team for the invitation to participate in the Inauguration weekend,” the two men stated through their attorney, Joseph Feldman. “They feel honored to join the festivities alongside the incoming administration and other attendees.” Feldman further noted that Trump “and his team have been exceptional in maintaining open communication with the families and have shown significant interest in James and David’s lengthy recovery process.” The statement reiterated that Trump “and his team have been exceptional in maintaining open communication with the families and have shown significant interest in James and David’s lengthy recovery process.”According to Feldman, both Copenhaver and Dutch had the chance to shake hands with the president-elect following his remarkable comeback victory in November, emphasizing that they will “forever be linked due to the tragic events that occurred on July 13, 2024, in Butler, Pennsylvania.”

Trump has consistently kept in touch with Helen Comperatore, the widow of Corey Comperatore, as well as his two daughters. Comperatore lost his life after being struck in the head while trying to protect his daughters from gunfire during the initial incident. Jim Sweetland, an emergency room physician seated a few rows ahead of Comperatore, promptly took action to administer life-saving assistance. Unfortunately, despite these efforts, Comperatore could not be saved.

Trump has paid tribute to Comperatore on several occasions, including during his speech at the Republican National Convention, where Comperatore’s firefighting equipment was prominently displayed on stage. Additionally, a seat was symbolically reserved for the slain Trump supporter when he returned to Butler in October. Prior to the rally, Trump met with Helen Comperatore and her daughters, honoring the family once more during his address.