John Hinckley shoots President Reagan, March 30th, 1981
President Reagan follows his Secret Service escort out of the Washington Hilton. John Hinckley sees him clearly. Quickly he pulls the gun out. One shot hits Reagan’s press secretary, James Brady, just above his left eye. The next strikes DC police officer Thomas Delahanty in the neck, lodging against his spinal column. Another strikes Secret Service agent Tim McCarthy—the only agent ever to take a bullet for a president. Hinckley’s last shot ricochets off the presidential limousine, then pierces Reagan’s body under his left arm. The bullet enters his lung, coming to rest one inch from his heart.