Marine Corps Vet Wounded at Trump Rally Released From Hospital
David Dutch, a 57-year-old Marine Corps veteran, was seriously injured during a shooting incident at a rally for former President Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13. He was shot twice—once in the chest and once in the liver—and was hospitalized in critical condition, requiring multiple surgeries and a medically induced coma. After eleven days, he was discharged from Allegheny General Hospital. Dutch’s sister emphasized that he was exercising his rights by attending the rally and condemned the act of violence.
The incident left another attendee, 74-year-old James Copenhaver, in serious condition, while a third victim, 50-year-old Corey Comperatore, died from his injuries after attempting to shield his family during the shooting. The suspected shooter, 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, fired at least eight shots before being taken down by a Secret Service counter-sniper. The motivation behind the shooting remains unclear, though Crooks displayed a concerning interest in assassinations, leading up to the rally.
The Marine Corps League, where Dutch serves as Commandant, expressed their support and concern following the shocking event, while community members and veteran organizations have been rallying for Dutch’s recovery. Former President Trump honored Comperatore at a recent Republican National Convention, acknowledging his bravery during the chaotic and tragic event.
Marine Corps veteran David Dutch, who was seriously injured during the July 13 assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, was released from a Pittsburgh hospital on Wednesday.
The New York Post reported that Allegheny General Hospital officials said Dutch, 57, was struck twice — once in the chest and once in the liver — at the outdoor rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
He was rushed to the hospital in critical condition and put in a medically induced coma, while undergoing multiple surgeries.
His sister, Jennifer Veri-Grazier, told The New York Times following the shooting, that he suffered both damage to his liver and broken ribs.
Veri-Grazier pointed out, “He was exercising his rights and went to the rally, and he didn’t deserve any of this.”
🚨 BREAKING: Marine veteran David Dutch, who was shot at Trump rally, released from hospital in good condition.
AMAZING NEWS! 👏 pic.twitter.com/PebHprMliW
— Proud Elephant 🇺🇸🦅 (@ProudElephantUS) July 25, 2024
CBS affiliate KDKA reported last week that Dutch — whose nickname is Jake — is a member of American Legion #868 in Lower Burrell, Pennsylvania, about 25 miles northeast of Pittsburgh.
“It was shocking, very shocking. It’s a little rough knowing that a member of our organization has been injured,” Anthony Grimes, a member of the American Legion, said.
The members of the post were “all praying for him,” Grimes added.
“You go to war and you don’t get hurt, and you come here and you get shot,” Dee Rakar said. “When he comes back, the first thing I’m going to do is give him a big hug.”
The Marine Corps League, an organization that supports Marine veterans, told KDKA that Dutch “serves as Commandant of the Westmoreland Detachment #1416, from within the Department of Pennsylvania.”
A second wounded rally-goer James Copenhaver, 74, remains at Allegheny General in serious, but stable condition, medical staff said, according to the Post.
A third shooting victim, 50-year-old, Corey Comperatore, died from the injuries he received at the Trump rally.
Trump, who was grazed on his right ear during the gunfire, honored the former Buffalo Township volunteer fire chief Corey Comperatore at the Republican National Convention last week.
Donald Trump delivers an incredible tribute to slain firefighter Corey Comperatore.
“What a fine man he was.” pic.twitter.com/HdOqc0w9XR
— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) July 19, 2024
“What a fine man he was,” an emotional Trump said before going over and kissing Comperatore fireman’s uniform that had been brought onstage with him as a tribute.
Comperatore reportedly dove in front of his wife and two kids when the gunfire started.
FBI Director Christopher Wray testified Wednesday before the House Judiciary Committee that the gunman, 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, got off at least eight shots, before a Secret Service countersniper took him out.
Crooks’ motive has not been established, but Wray said his online search history showed a strong interest in high profile political figures.
An analysis of the shooter’s laptop showed that he made an online search about the distance assassin Lee Harvey Oswald was from John Kennedy when he shot and killed the 35th president.
Crooks made the search on July 6, the same day that Trump’s July 13 campaign rally in Butler was announced.
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