James Copenhaver, 74, and David Dutch, 57, survived an assassination attempt on former President Trump during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, and they are placing the blame on the Secret Service. During an interview with NBC News, Dutch expressed his anger over the incident, stating that he was more mad about it than anything else, especially considering his military service and lack of injuries. Copenhaver, who was injured during the shooting, realized something was wrong when he heard gunshots and saw part of his sleeve go away. Both men were injured, with Copenhaver being shot in the tricep and still having a bullet lodged in his body, while Dutch’s liver was split by the bullet.
The lone gunman opened fire on Trump from a nearby rooftop just minutes into the rally, killing one attendee, Corey Comperatore, who was shielding his family from bullets. The incident has raised questions about the Secret Service’s ability to detect threats and prevent such incidents. The scrutiny increased after another assassination attempt on Trump, where a gunman was spotted hiding in shrubbery near his Florida golf course. Dutch believed that the Secret Service failed them and the president in Butler, calling it a rush job that was put together too quickly.Copenhaver added that they skipped steps in ensuring security.
The Secret Service’s failure to prevent the assassination attempt has caused concern and speculation, especially after the second incident involving a man arrested on gun charges outside Trump’s rally in California. The man, Vem Miller, claimed the guns were reported to authorities and argued that they were legitimate. With no federal charges filed against Miller, questions remain about the security protocols in place at Trump’s events and whether the Secret Service is adequately protecting him and attendees. The interview with Copenhaver and Dutch sheds light on the emotional and physical toll of surviving such a traumatic event.
Both men expressed their frustration with the security lapses that allowed the assassination attempt to occur during Trump’s rally. Dutch, a former service member, was particularly upset by the incident, feeling that his military service should have protected him from such danger. Copenhaver, who suffered gunshot wounds during the attack, described the harrowing moment when he realized he had been shot and the ongoing impact it has had on his body. The failures of the Secret Service to detect the threat and prevent the shooting have called into question the effectiveness of security measures at Trump’s events and the ability of government agencies to protect public figures and their audiences.
The incidents in Butler, Pennsylvania, and California have highlighted the vulnerabilities that exist in protecting high-profile individuals like former President Trump. The emotional and physical toll on survivors like Copenhaver and Dutch underscores the importance of thorough security measures and protocols to prevent such tragedies. As questions continue to be raised about the Secret Service’s handling of the threats against Trump, it is crucial for authorities to reevaluate and strengthen security measures to ensure the safety of public figures and the public at large. The revelations from the interview with Copenhaver and Dutch serve as a reminder of the need for vigilance and preparedness in the face of potential security threats.