David Dutch: Marine veteran fighting for his life after being shot at Trump's Pennsylvania rally
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HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA: One of the two spectators hurt by the gunman who fired and wounded former President Donald Trump during a Pennsylvania campaign event was recognized as a US Marine veteran.
According to the Department of Pennsylvania of the Marine Corps League (MCL), David Dutch of New Kensington was wounded twice on July 13, when Thomas Matthew Crooks opened fire on Trump and his supporters, stated the New York Post.
Marine veteran David Dutch injured during Donald Trump's Pennsylvania rally shooting
Pennsylvania State Police identified the two injured participants as Dutch and James Copenhaver, 74, according to MCL District 8 vice commandant Matt Popovich, who informed his fellow officers of the news on July 14.
Popovich wrote in a Facebook post on Sunday, "I’m sure everyone has seen the news and is appalled at how divided we have become. Well, it has finally hit home to the League."
He added, "It is with great sadness that I report that one of the civilians shot at the rally was one of our own. Commandant David Dutch of Westmorland County he is in critical condition shot in the liver and chest."
He further stated, "He has had one surgery and undergoing another this morning. He is currently in an induced coma."
According to local publication TribLIVE, Dutch was appointed commander of the Westmoreland County Marines Corps League Detachment No 1416 in 2023.
Colonel Christopher Paris of the Pennsylvania State Police informed reporters that the conditions of both Dutch and Copenhaver were described as stable. Paris said, "These victims and their families are certainly in our thoughts today."
William Pepper, one of Dutch's neighbors, described the former Marine as a "good guy." Pepper and his girlfriend recounted how Dutch helped them after their dog passed away a month ago.
Moreover, officials named the Trump supporter killed by Crooks as 50-year-old Corey Comperatore, along with the two injured spectators. According to his family, Comperatore, a father of two and the previous chief of the Buffalo Township Volunteer Fire Company, passed away while shielding his wife and daughter from the gunshots.
