On this day April 11, 1981, President Ronald Reagan was released from George Washington University Hospital and returned home to the White House, just 12 days after surviving an assassination attempt that shocked the nation. On March 30, Reagan had been shot in the chest by John Hinckley Jr. outside the Washington Hilton Hotel.
Hinckley fired six shots, hitting Reagan and three others. The president was rushed into surgery and made a remarkable recovery, becoming the first U.S. president to survive being shot while in office. His quick return and upbeat attitude boosted his public approval and became a defining moment of his presidency.
Hinckley’s motive was later revealed to be a disturbing obsession with actress Jodie Foster. He believed that shooting the president would somehow impress her, a claim that added to the surreal nature of the event.
Fun fact: Reagan joked with doctors before surgery, saying “I hope you’re all Republicans.” His humor during recovery played a big part in lifting national morale.
Trivia question: What actress was the target of John Hinckley Jr.’s obsession that led him to attempt to assassinate President Ronald Reagan?
Hinckley fired six shots, hitting Reagan and three others. The president was rushed into surgery and made a remarkable recovery, becoming the first U.S. president to survive being shot while in office. His quick return and upbeat attitude boosted his public approval and became a defining moment of his presidency.
Hinckley’s motive was later revealed to be a disturbing obsession with actress Jodie Foster. He believed that shooting the president would somehow impress her, a claim that added to the surreal nature of the event.
Fun fact: Reagan joked with doctors before surgery, saying “I hope you’re all Republicans.” His humor during recovery played a big part in lifting national morale.
Trivia question: What actress was the target of John Hinckley Jr.’s obsession that led him to attempt to assassinate President Ronald Reagan?
