On March 30, 1981, then President Ronald Reagan was the target of an infamous assassination attempt outside the Washington Hilton Hotel. The man responsible for the attack was John Hinckley Jr., a mentally unstable individual who harbored an obsession with actress Jodie Foster.

As President Reagan exited the hotel after delivering a speech, Hinckley fired six shots at him from close range. One of the bullets ricocheted off the presidential limousine and struck Reagan in the chest, causing a punctured lung and serious internal bleeding. Three others, including Press Secretary James Brady, were also wounded in the attack.

Despite the severity of his injuries, President Reagan managed to walk into the hospital under his own power and ultimately made a full recovery. The quick actions of the Secret Service agents on the scene and the medical staff at the hospital played a crucial role in saving his life.

John Hinckley Jr. was apprehended at the scene and later found not guilty by reason of insanity. He was committed to a psychiatric hospital where he remained until his release in 2016. The assassination attempt had a lasting impact on both Reagan and his presidency, as well as the broader conversation around mental health and gun control in the United States.

The events of that day continue to be a point of interest for historians, political analysts, and the general public. If you would like to learn more about the assassination attempt on President Reagan and its aftermath, you can visit the following links:

• History.com - Reagan Assassination Attempt
• CNN - John Hinckley Jr. Released

These resources provide in-depth information and analysis of the events surrounding the assassination attempt on President Reagan, shedding light on the motivations of John Hinckley Jr. and the impact of his actions on American history.

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