Two Trump Rally Survivors Sue U.S. Government Over Secret Service Negligence in Pennsylvania Assassination Attempt

Two men who were wounded during the July 13, 2024, attempted assassination of Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, have filed lawsuits against the federal government. James Copenhaver and David Dutch filed separate but similar legal actions on June 2, 2026, in the Western District of Pennsylvania.

The lawsuits name the United States government as the defendant and allege that the Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Secret Service were grossly negligent. The plaintiffs, who are joined in the legal action by their wives, claim the agencies failed to properly secure the event premises at the Butler Farm Show grounds.

Security Failures at the AGR Complex

A central point of the legal complaints is the failure to secure the roof of the AGR Complex, which was used by the shooter, Thomas Crooks. The lawsuits argue that the assassination attempt was entirely preventable and resulted from failures by the Secret Service in the days and hours leading up to the event.

The filings reference Senate findings which concluded that the conduct of the Secret Service consisted of a cascade of preventable failures that directly led to the shooting.

The defendant United States of America, by and through the [Secret Service], committed egregious failures and failed to abide by and adhere to various protocols, policies and procedures which directly and proximately caused the shooting and/or allowed it to occur. Lawsuits filed by Copenhaver and Dutch

The shooting resulted in the death of Corey Comperatore, a former volunteer fire chief who was killed while shielding his family. Thomas Crooks was killed by a Secret Service sniper seconds after opening fire, having grazed the ear of Donald Trump.

Operational and Communication Breakdowns

The legal documents detail significant operational lapses, claiming the Secret Service established fragmented, separate command centers rather than a single unified post. This structure allegedly created an environment where critical information could not be effectively shared.

the lawsuits state that agents relied on inadequate communication methods. Instead of using centralized radio channels, agents reportedly used cellphones to pass messages between trailers, a practice the plaintiffs claim severely impeded the transmission of safety information.

The filings also note that authorities had observed Thomas Crooks acting erratically and using a range finder in the hours before the shooting. The plaintiffs argue that the Secret Service has essentially admitted to these failures.

The [Secret Service] has itself acknowledged that its failures included ‘breakdowns in communication, technological issues, and human failure’ all of which contributed to the shooting, and that its conduct constituted ‘an operational failure that the Secret Service will carry as a reminder of the critical importance of its zero-fail mission and the need for continuous improvement.’ Lawsuits filed by Copenhaver and Dutch

According to the lawsuits, several agents were held accountable for their omissions, resulting in some being placed on restricted duty, moved to non-operational positions, or suspended without pay.

Injuries and Legal Demands

The lawsuits detail the severe physical toll on the plaintiffs. David Dutch was shot in the abdomen and required multiple surgeries. James Copenhaver was struck by two bullets in the abdomen and left arm, and his complaint notes that fragments remain lodged in his body.

Both lawsuits seek $150,000 in damages, along with attorney fees and interest.

Requests for comment have been sent to the Department of Homeland Security, the Secret Service, and the White House.