Two men who were injured during the attempted assassination of Donald Trump at a rally in Pennsylvania this summer have broken their silence and criticised the Secret Service for failing in its duty. Jim Copenhaver, 74, and David Dutch, 57, were both wounded by gunfire when a gunman targeted the former president during the event in Butler on July 13. Another spectator lost their life, and Trump himself was injured in the attack, sparking scrutiny over the security measures in place.
Speaking out to NBC News, both Copenhaver and Dutch expressed their belief that the Secret Service had not adequately protected Trump and bystanders like themselves, leading to the tragic incident. They announced their intention to take legal action against the agency, highlighting what they perceived as negligence in ensuring safety at the rally. Dutch remarked, “I believe there was 100% negligence on the Secret Service – probably everybody involved in setting that security, down to inter-department communications. The negligence was vast. It was terrible.”
Copenhaver echoed these sentiments, stating, “I’m sure there was negligence. It wouldn’t have happened, had it been secure.” The aftermath of the assassination attempt revealed lapses in security, prompting questions about the Secret Service’s handling of the situation and the delay in the investigation process. The agency faced severe criticism for allowing the assailant, Thomas Matthew Crooks, to approach Trump and open fire during his speech.
Following the incident, Secret Service director Kimberly Cheatle resigned, and multiple agents were reportedly placed on leave pending an investigation into the security breach. A subsequent report by the Senate homeland security committee attributed the failure to a breakdown in communication and coordination between Secret Service personnel and local law enforcement.
Tragically, volunteer fire chief Corey Comperatore, 50, sacrificed his life to shield his family from the gunfire during the attack. Copenhaver sustained injuries to his arms and abdomen, while Dutch was shot in the liver, describing the sensation as “like getting hit with a sledgehammer.” Both men continue to grapple with the physical and emotional aftermath of the shooting, enduring ongoing health issues and struggles in their recovery.
Despite their challenges, Dutch reflected, “I never thought I’d be in this position. I was usually the other guy helping other people out. It’s a struggle every day.” The voices of these survivors shed light on the harrowing events in Pennsylvania and raise crucial questions about security protocols and the responsibilities of the authorities involved in protecting public figures and citizens alike.