James Copenhaver Expresses Sorrow Over U.S. Political Divide After Surviving Rally Shooting

In a shocking turn of events, James Copenhaver, 74, was critically injured during an assassination attempt aimed at former President Trump.

The political strife in the U.S. has deeply saddened Copenhaver as he recuperates from the severe wounds incurred during the attack, as Fox News reports.

Attempted Assassination Shocks Rally Attendees

The assassination attempt occurred on July 13, during a rally. Thomas Matthew Crooks, a 20-year-old, fired shots from the rooftop of the nearby AGR building at 6:11 p.m., striking Copenhaver in his arm and abdomen.

Joseph Feldman, representing Copenhaver, stated that the incident has left a profound impact on his client, highlighting the extreme political divisions in the nation.

Just moments before the gunfire, at 6:08 p.m., Copenhaver captured a video that showed movement across the rooftop, unaware of the impending danger.

James Copenhaver: A Witness to Violence

During the rally, Copenhaver and others were engaged in viewing immigration statistics. Amidst this, the shots were fired, causing confusion and panic among the attendees. Feldman recounted the immediate aftermath, revealing that Copenhaver was in shock and did not initially realize the extent of his injuries.

The attorney expressed, "He had almost heard or even seen something kind of whizz past them... And he... looked down at his arm and... felt pain initially, but he didn't even realize that he had been shot a second time at that point."

Recovery and Reflection

While recovering, Copenhaver had a heartwarming conversation with Trump, who phoned him in the hospital. According to Feldman, it felt as if Trump was right there in the room.

This interaction was a comfort to Copenhaver, who celebrated his 51st wedding anniversary in the hospital with his wife. Further adding to the tragedy, Corey Comperatore, aged 50, died during the incident, remembered as a hero for protecting his family.

Broader Implications of the Tragic Event

David Dutch, 57, another victim of the attack, has been released from Allegheny General Hospital, indicating a gradual healing process for those affected.

The FBI has continued to investigate the motives behind the attack, uncovering that Crooks accessed the building's rooftop using HVAC equipment. Additional scrutiny is being given to a potential security lapse as text messages revealed by Sen. Chuck Grassley suggested that law enforcement was aware of a suspicious person near the rally site about 90 minutes before the shooting.

Legal and Social Repercussions

Feldman emphasized the broader societal implications of the incident, urging an awareness of the depth of the country's political divisions. "He just wants people to understand how unnecessary it was and that the political divide in this country has become so great [that] people are literally willing to attend rallies where people are exercising their First Amendment rights and start firing bullets into crowds," Feldman remarked.

The lawyer further highlighted Copenhaver's longstanding observation of national events, stating, "He's been around a long time... And this is definitely one of the worst things that he's experienced as an American."

Looking Ahead

In conclusion, this incident has not only affected the lives of those directly involved but has also echoed across the nation, stirring discussions on political divisiveness and safety at public events.

The resilience and reflections of individuals like James Copenhaver serve as a poignant reminder of the need for a more unified approach to addressing the nation's challenges. The community, law enforcement, and political leaders must now reflect on and address the circumstances that led to such a violent act to prevent future occurrences.