Butler rally shooting: Trump assassination attempt sparks Secret Service blame
- Two men, James Copenhaver and David Dutch, were injured during an assassination attempt on former President Trump at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13.
- Both survivors criticized the Secret Service for their inadequate security measures, claiming the event was poorly organized and rushed.
- The survivors' statements raise concerns about the effectiveness of the Secret Service in protecting high-profile individuals during public events.
On July 13, 2024, an assassination attempt on former President Trump occurred during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, resulting in injuries to two attendees, James Copenhaver and David Dutch. The attack involved a lone gunman who opened fire from a nearby rooftop, striking both men. Copenhaver sustained two gunshot wounds, one of which remains lodged in his body, causing nerve damage. Dutch described his injury as akin to being hit by a sledgehammer, as a bullet split his liver. In the aftermath of the shooting, both survivors voiced their frustrations regarding the security measures in place at the event. They specifically pointed fingers at the Secret Service, suggesting that the security arrangements were hastily executed and lacked thoroughness. Dutch, a veteran, expressed his disbelief that he had survived combat without injury only to be shot at a political rally. The scrutiny surrounding the Secret Service intensified following this incident, especially after another assassination attempt on Trump was reported at his golf course in Florida. The survivors' comments highlight a growing concern about the effectiveness of protective measures for public figures, particularly in light of recent events. As the investigation continues, the Secret Service has yet to respond to the criticisms raised by Copenhaver and Dutch. Their experiences underscore the need for a reevaluation of security protocols at political events to ensure the safety of both candidates and attendees.