By Steve Neavling
Two men who were shot during an assassination attempt on former President Trump at a Pennsylvania rally have spoken out, accusing the Secret Service of negligence in their security response that day in July.
Jim Copenhaver, 74, and David Dutch, 57, shared their experience in an exclusive interview with NBC News on Monday.
They were thrilled to be attending the rally, seated in the bleachers behind Trump, when the gunfire erupted, and both were struck by bullets.
The men believe the Secret Service and law enforcement failed in their duty to protect not only the former president but also the civilians in attendance.
“I believe there was 100% negligence on the Secret Service, probably everybody involved in setting that security, down to inter-department communications,” Dutch said. “The negligence was vast. It was terrible.”
“I’m sure there was negligence. It wouldn’t have happened, had it been secure,” Copenhaver added.
When asked if he felt the Secret Service had failed both him and Trump, Dutch responded: “Big time. The whole security setup was poor.”
Attorneys for the men have announced plans to sue and are currently investigating who will be the focus of their legal action.
Copenhaver and Dutch were critically injured in the July 13 shooting at the Trump campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. Copenhaver was shot in the triceps and abdomen, while Dutch sustained a bullet wound to the liver.
“It was like getting hit with a sledgehammer right in the chest,” Dutch recalled, noting that he saw pieces of the bleacher and metal “flying all around” until the gunfire ceased. Copenhaver said he didn’t immediately realize what was happening until part of his sleeve was blown away.
“I turned around to my friend, and I said, ‘I think I was shot,’ and that’s when I got the second one and then I went down,” Copenhaver said, describing how he collapsed onto the bleachers and was unable to stand.
The shooting has left both men with lasting health issues. Copenhaver said he has lost 30 pounds and now relies on a cane to walk, with occasional abdominal pain. Dutch has also lost 25 pounds and continues to need assistance tending to his bullet wound. He is unable to drive or lift more than 10 pounds.
“I never thought I’d be in this position,” Dutch said. “I was usually the other guy helping other people out.”
“It’s a struggle every day,” Dutch added.
