Anniversary of Ronald Reagan's Attempted Assassination
On this date 35 years ago, President Reagan survived an assassination attempt.
— -- On this date 35 years ago, President Ronald Reagan survived an assassination attempt when a revolver-wielding gunman, later identified as John Hinckley Jr., waited for him on the sidewalk with reporters and photographers outside a Washington, D.C., hotel.
It was a routine day for the president, who had just delivered a speech, and he was walking to his limousine when the chaotic scene unfolded and shots were fired, injuring Reagan and three others.
The shooting was captured in now-iconic photographs and video.
Reagan underwent surgery for a chest wound and survived the assassination attempt. His press secretary James Brady was badly injured with a gunshot to the head, which left him in a wheelchair for the rest of his life. He died in 2014.
Reagan’s good spirits on that traumatic day are often remembered. He reportedly told his surgeons: "I hope you're all Republicans."
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