Member-only story

Rawhide Down: The Near Assassination of Ronald Reagan

Owen Simmons

·7.1k Followers· Follow

Published in Del Quentin Wilber

4 min read · 3 weeks before

836 View Claps

62 Respond

Save

Listen

On March 30, 1981, President Ronald Reagan narrowly escaped death in an assassination attempt that sent shockwaves across the nation. The attack, carried out by a deranged gunman named John Hinckley Jr., left Reagan critically injured and raised serious concerns about the safety of the American presidency. In his gripping book "Rawhide Down," award-winning journalist Laurence Leamer delves into the chilling details of the assassination attempt, offering a comprehensive account of the events leading up to, during, and after the shooting.

Pre-Attack: A Troubled Mind and a Disturbing Pattern

Rawhide Down: The Near Assassination of Ronald Reagan

by Del Quentin Wilber

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3779 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	321 pages

John Hinckley Jr. was a troubled young man who harbored an unhealthy obsession with actress Jodie Foster. In the months leading up to the assassination attempt, he exhibited increasingly erratic behavior and had made several threats against the president. Despite these warning signs, authorities failed to take sufficient action to prevent the attack.

The Day of the Shooting:

On a sunny Monday morning in Washington, D.C., President Reagan and his entourage departed the Washington Hilton Hotel for a speaking engagement. As they approached their limousine, Hinckley fired six shots from a .22 caliber revolver. One bullet struck Reagan in the chest, critically wounding him.

The Critical Hours:

In the chaotic aftermath of the shooting, a team of Secret Service agents and medical professionals rushed to Reagan's aid. The president underwent emergency surgery at George Washington University Hospital, where doctors fought to stabilize his condition. Meanwhile, the nation held its breath, awaiting news of Reagan's fate.

Aftermath: A Nation in Shock

The assassination attempt on Ronald Reagan sent shockwaves through the country. It raised questions about the adequacy of presidential security and sparked a national debate on gun control. In the months that followed, Hinckley was arrested and charged with the attempted murder of the president.

The Trial and Verdict:

Hinckley's trial was a highly publicized affair that captivated the nation. The defense argued that Hinckley was mentally ill and not responsible for his actions, while the prosecution sought to prove that he was legally sane. In June 1982, the jury found Hinckley not guilty by reason of insanity.

Rawhide Down: A Riveting Narrative

Laurence Leamer's "Rawhide Down" is a meticulously researched and gripping account of the attempted assassination of Ronald Reagan. Through interviews with key eyewitnesses, medical professionals, and law enforcement officials, Leamer provides a comprehensive and unforgettable narrative that brings this historic event to life.

Key Insight and Analysis:

Beyond the gripping details of the assassination attempt, "Rawhide Down" offers valuable insights into the issues raised by the shooting. Leamer explores the complexities of mental illness, the challenges of presidential security, and the need for a balanced approach to gun control.

Legacy and Impact:

The assassination attempt on Ronald Reagan had a profound impact on American society. It led to significant changes in presidential security protocols and heightened awareness of the dangers posed by individuals with mental illness. "Rawhide Down" serves as a timely reminder of the importance of these issues and the need to address them effectively.

Recommendation:

"Rawhide Down" by Laurence Leamer is a must-read for anyone interested in American history, true crime, or the complexities of presidential security. Leamer's gripping narrative and incisive analysis make this book an essential addition to any collection.

Image Descriptions for Alt Attributes:

Image 1: A black-and-white photograph of John Hinckley Jr., the man who attempted to assassinate Ronald Reagan.
Image 2: A color photograph of President Ronald Reagan being wheeled into the emergency room at George Washington University Hospital after being shot.
Image 3: A courtroom sketch of John Hinckley Jr.'s trial, where he was found not guilty by reason of insanity.

Rawhide Down: The Near Assassination of Ronald Reagan

by Del Quentin Wilber

4.7 out of 5