Ronald Reagan’s Assassination Attempt and the Aftermath that Followed
Hannah Givens
HIUS 445-B01: Reagan’s America
July 3, 2019
2
After winning the 1980 presidential election, Ronald Reagan was inaugurated on January
20, 1981. Starting in that afternoon, he and his administration started getting their goals and
objectives for the United States rolling. However, Reagan’s first term did not start off as he or his
administration had hoped. Less than three months, only 70 days into his presidency to be exact,
Ronald Reagan was shot in an assassination attempt while leaving the Washington Hilton Hotel.
Reagan and three others were wounded by John W. Hinckley, Jr, who was later founded not
guilty due to insanity.
The Events of March 30, 1981
Start of Reagan’s Day
On March 30, 1981, the day started out like any other day for President Reagan and his
administration. He attended meetings and received calls from his administration as well as
placing a call to his speechwriter, Kenneth L. Khachigian, before having lunch.
1
After lunch, he
and his Special Assistant, David C. Fischer, heading off to the Washing Hilton Hotel in his
motorcade.
2
“Since the President had been making similar trips to the Hilton approximately once
every other week, the White House staff and the Secret Service had developed a standard drill for
Hilton visit.”
3
While at the Washington Hilton Hotel, he gave a speech at the National
Conference of Building and Construction Trades Department, American Federation of Labor and
Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO).
4
His speech was in front of about 4,000
members of the union.
5
The Shooting
1 “1981 – March.”
Daily Diary
. Ronald Reagan Library & Museum.
2 Ibid.
3 Report. Folder “Assassination Report [1 of 4],” box CFOA 28, Edwin Meese Files, Ronald Reagan Library.
4 “1981 – March.”
5 Report. Folder “Assassination Report [1 of 4].”
3
After giving his speech, Reagan left the Washington Hilton Hotel to return to his
motorcade.
6
“When the Presidential party came through the VIP entrance, there were more than
200 people on hand. Most of these spectators were across “T” Street, blocked off by James
Brady, Deputy Chief of Staff Michael Deaver, Military Aide Jose Muratti, and advance Special
Agent [William] Green. Special Agent Tim McCarthy opened the right rear door of the
limousine. The President responded to calls of ‘Mr. President’ from the crowd, and waved first
with one hand, then the other.”
7
It was at this moment, that John W. Hinckley “is alleged to have stepped from the second
row of the crowd behind the rope barrier, held a .22 caliber handgun in front of him with both
hands, and fired six shots at the President in less than two seconds.”
8
At 2:25 p.m., President
Reagan “was shot in the left side” as he was leaving the hotel.
9
The bullet that struck the
president “had ricocheted off the limousine door and, because Reagan’s left arm was in the air to
wave to people across the street, the bullet had a clear path into his chest. If Reagan’s arm had
been by his side, it is likely the bullet would have only pierced his upper arm.”
