Reagan assassination attempt

Reagan assassination attempt. The attempted assassination of Ronald Reagan, the 40th President of the United States, occurred on March 30, 1981, outside the Washington Hilton hotel in Washington, D.C. The assailant, John Hinckley Jr., fired six shots from a .22 Long Rifle revolver, wounding the president and three others. The event, which unfolded just 69 days into Reagan's presidency, triggered a major security and constitutional crisis but ultimately bolstered the president's popularity and led to significant changes in United States Secret Service protocols.

Background and context

The early months of the Reagan administration were marked by a focus on economic policy, including proposals for substantial tax cuts later known as Reaganomics. The president had delivered a speech to the AFL–CIO at the Washington Hilton on the day of the attack. His assailant, John Hinckley Jr., was a disturbed individual from a wealthy family in Colorado who had developed an obsession with actress Jodie Foster after viewing the film Taxi Driver. Hinckley's actions were part of a delusional plan to impress Foster, having previously stalked President Jimmy Carter during the 1980 presidential election. The political climate in Washington, D.C. was tense, with recent memories of the assassinations of John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr., and the shooting of George Wallace.

The assassination attempt

At approximately 2:27 p.m. EST, as President Reagan exited the hotel's T Street NW entrance, Hinckley fired six Devastator brand bullets from his Röhm RG-14 revolver in rapid succession. The first shot struck White House Press Secretary James Brady in the head. The second hit District of Columbia police officer Thomas Delahanty in the neck. The third bullet struck agent Timothy McCarthy in the abdomen as he shielded the president. The fourth bullet hit the armored limousine. The fifth ricocheted off the vehicle and struck Reagan under his left arm, lodging in his lung. The final shot missed entirely. United States Secret Service agent Jerry Parr quickly shoved Reagan into the presidential limousine, code-named "Stagecoach", which then sped toward the White House before diverting to George Washington University Hospital.

Aftermath and medical response

Upon arrival at George Washington University Hospital, President Reagan initially appeared unhurt but then coughed up blood, leading to the discovery of the gunshot wound. He was rushed into surgery, where chief surgeon Dr. Benjamin Aaron led a team to remove the bullet, which had come within an inch of his heart. During the procedure, Reagan famously quipped to the surgeons, "I hope you're all Republicans." Meanwhile, James Brady underwent life-saving surgery for his severe head wound, while Timothy McCarthy and Thomas Delahanty were also treated for their injuries. The administration, led by Secretary of State Alexander Haig and Vice President George H. W. Bush (who was returning from Texas), worked to assure the public and manage the government during the crisis, with Haig's "I am in control here" statement causing some constitutional confusion.

Investigation and legal proceedings

The Federal Bureau of Investigation quickly took charge of the investigation, identifying John Hinckley Jr. and discovering his motives linked to Jodie Foster and the film Taxi Driver. Hinckley was charged under the District of Columbia code with multiple counts of attempted murder and assault. His 1982 trial, held in Washington, D.C., became a national spectacle. The defense, led by attorney Vincent Fuller, successfully argued an insanity defense based on the M'Naghten rules, presenting extensive testimony from psychiatrists about Hinckley's narcissistic personality disorder and depression. The jury found Hinckley not guilty by reason of insanity, a verdict that sparked public outrage and led to widespread reforms of insanity defense laws in many states and the federal Insanity Defense Reform Act of 1984.

Impact and legacy

The attempt profoundly impacted American politics and security. President Reagan's courageous and humorous recovery, documented by the press including The Washington Post, greatly enhanced his image and solidified his bond with the public, providing momentum for his legislative agenda like the Economic Recovery Tax Act of 1981. The shooting led to the permanent disability of James Brady, who with his wife Sarah Brady became a leading advocate for gun control, culminating in the passage of the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act in 1993. The United States Secret Service overhauled its protective procedures, expanding security perimeters and implementing more rigorous advance work. The event also prompted a review of the Presidential Succession Act and procedures under the 25th Amendment. John Hinckley Jr. was committed to St. Elizabeths Hospital and, after years of conditional releases, was fully freed from court oversight in 2022.