Who Shot Ronald Reagan
On March 30, 1981, John Hinckley Jr. shot President Ronald Reagan outside the Washington Hilton Hotel. Hinckley fired six shots from a revolver, striking Reagan and three others. The attack occurred shortly after Reagan left a speaking engagement.
What Happened After the Shooting
Reagan was rushed to George Washington University Hospital, where doctors performed emergency surgery for a punctured lung. Secret Service agents and police quickly apprehended Hinckley at the scene. All four victims survived, though White House press secretary James Brady suffered permanent disability.
Why the Shooting Occurred
Hinckley was motivated by a desire to impress actress Jodie Foster. He had become obsessed with the film Taxi Driver and its plot. In 1982, a jury found Hinckley not guilty by reason of insanity. He was confined to a psychiatric hospital and later released under strict conditions.
For more details on the case, see the FBI's case summary at fbi.gov/history/famous-cases/ronald-reagan-assassination-attempt.
