Survivors of July Shooting at Trump Rally Claim Secret Service Negligence in Security Protocols

Two victims of an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump at a Pennsylvania rally are holding the U.S. Secret Service accountable for negligence in its security response, as reported in an exclusive interview with NBC News.

Negligence in Security Response

Jim Copenhaver, 74, and David Dutch, 57, expressed their disappointment at the security measures (or lack thereof) in place during the event. Copenhaver claimed, "The negligence was vast. It was terrible. I’m sure there was negligence. It wouldn’t have happened had it been secure." Dutch echoed these sentiments, stating, "I believe there was 100% negligence on the Secret Service, probably everybody involved in setting that security, down to inter-department communications."

The two men, who were seated in the bleachers behind the former president when gunshots were fired, sustained critical injuries during the attack. Copenhaver was shot in the tricep and abdomen, while Dutch sustained a liver injury. The dual assault left the victims reeling, prompting them to seek justice for the failures that put their safety at risk.

Copenhaver and Dutch are now turning their grief and anger into action. With the assistance of their legal representatives, they are in the early stages of preparing a lawsuit. Their primary focus will be on identifying the parties responsible for the security lapses that allowed the attack to occur. By holding those accountable who were tasked with ensuring the safety of the former president and the public, they hope to bring attention to the serious failures in security protocols.

The determination to seek justice through legal means reflects the victims' resolve to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. By shining a light on the alleged negligence of the U.S. Secret Service and other involved parties, Copenhaver and Dutch aim to initiate a critical dialogue about the importance of robust security measures at high-profile events.

The outcome of this lawsuit could have broader implications for how security is managed at political rallies and public events. As the victims pursue their case, it serves as a reminder of the importance of ensuring the safety of both political figures and the general public at such gatherings.

As Copenhaver and Dutch embark on their legal journey, they hope to find closure and accountability for the negligence they believe led to their injuries and endangered the former president's life. Their pursuit of justice reflects a commitment to promoting safety and security at public events, aiming to prevent future incidents that could result in harm to attendees.