On March 30, 1981, President Ronald Reagan was the target of an assassination attempt by John Hinckley Jr. outside the Washington Hilton Hotel in Washington, D.C. Reagan had just finished delivering a speech to the AFL-CIO and was leaving the hotel when Hinckley, positioned among the press, fired six shots in rapid succession. One bullet ricocheted off the presidential limousine and struck Reagan in the chest, puncturing a lung and causing serious internal bleeding. Three others were also wounded in the attack: Press Secretary James Brady, Secret Service agent Timothy McCarthy, and police officer Thomas Delahanty.

Reagan was rushed to George Washington University Hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery and recovered quickly, demonstrating remarkable resilience. Hinckley was subdued at the scene and later found not guilty by reason of insanity, leading to his commitment to a mental institution. The attempt on Reagan's life brought increased attention to issues of mental health and led to significant improvements in the security protocols for protecting the president. Reagan's quick recovery and return to duty boosted his popularity and solidified his image as a strong and resilient leader.

Sources:

1. Miller Center, University of Virginia. "Ronald Reagan: Assassination Attempt." Miller Center. https://millercenter.org/president/reagan/assassination-attempt
2. History.com Editors. "President Reagan shot." History.com. https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/president-reagan-shot