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John W. Hinckley, Jr.

American assassin

Quick Summary

John W. Hinckley, Jr. is an American individual who attempted to assassinate U.S. President Ronald Reagan on March 30, 1981. The shooting occurred as Reagan was leaving the Hilton Hotel in Washington, D.C.. Hinckley fired six shots, hitting Reagan, White House press secretary James Brady, a police officer, and a Secret Service agent. Reagan was struck by a bullet that punctured his lung and lodged near his heart, requiring emergency surgery. Hinckley was found not guilty by reason of insanity and spent years in a psychiatric hospital before being granted an unconditional release in 2022. The assassination attempt led to increased advocacy for gun control, notably the Brady Law.12

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