On March 30, 1981, just 69 days into his presidency, Ronald Reagan was shot outside the Washington Hilton Hotel in a brazen assassination attempt that shocked the nation.
The gunman, John Hinckley Jr., fired six shots in a matter of seconds, striking Press Secretary James Brady, a police officer, a Secret Service agent, and ultimately the president himself. What followed was a blur of chaos, courage, and quick decision-making, both at the scene and in the White House.
This photo series captures the key moments before, during, and after the attack: the panic, the recovery, and the resilience of a president who refused to be taken down. Making it one of the most unforgettable days in modern American political history.
1
Before the chaos
President Reagan’s motorcade rolls through D.C.
2
Outside the Washington Hilton
Just seconds before shots rang out, President Reagan waves to a crowd.
3
Chaos erupts
John Hinckley Jr. fired six shots at President Reagan, striking three others and grazing the president.
4
Secret service agent Jerry Parr
Shovin Reagan into the limousine. Though seemingly fine at first, was bleeding internally from a bullet wound.
5
Secret service agent Robert Wanko
Agents pile on Hinckley and assess injuries. The scene was chaotic, dangerous, and surreal.
6
The immediate aftermath
Wounded men lie on the pavement. Reagan had already been whisked to the hospital.
7
John Hinckley Jr. mugshot
Taken the same day of the shooting. The 25-year-old fired six shots in an attempt to impress actress Jodie Foster.
8
Inside the Situation Room
Staff scramble to manage updates after the shooting, uncertain of Reagan’s condition.
9
Top White House officials
Including Alexander Haig and David Gergen, meet immediately following the attempt.
10
The weapon
And window from the armored limousine that was struck during the assassination attempt
11
Get Well Soon
A morale boost during his slow but steady recovery.
12
Reagan hospitalized
Just days after surgery, receiving updates from trusted advisors James Baker and Senator Paul Laxalt.
13
Reagan and Nancy
Four days after the shooting, they walk the hospital hallway hand-in-hand.
14
Return to the White House
After 12 days in the hospital, Reagan and Nancy return to the White House in a rainy day.
15
Reagan's return to the Oval Office
Chairing his first cabinet meeting since the attempt.
