REAGAN ASSASINATION ATTEMPT

Haig made a mistake when he said constitutionally. The
constitution mentions the secretary of state only in an actual
transfer of power and then it places him fourth in line.

Using a .22 caliber pistol John Hinckley had shot President
Reagan in the chest. The 25-year-old with a history of
psychological problems also shot the president's press
secretary, James Brady, in the incident. The president was
rushed to George Washington University hospital and quickly
recovered, although the gunman's bullet inflicts severe damage
on Brady, who still to this day suffers from the wounds.

John Hinckley presented evidence that he was suffering from
a mental disease and that his criminal actions were the result
of that disease. On June 21, 1982, the jury found Hinckley
not guilty by reason of insanity. The district court then
committed Hinckley to St. Elizabeth's Hospital, where he has
remained to this day.

Hinckley tried various forms of release from the U.S. District
Court. Requests were either denied or withdrawn. In 1987
and 1988, the Hospital asked the district court to release
Hinckley into the community under the supervision of Hospital
staff, but later withdrew those requests after a outcry from the
public and Secret Service.

An officer points to Hinckley's gun
on the ground.

AGENT McCARTHY IS LOADED INTO
AMBULANCE-- McCarthy survived the gunshot
wound and went on to be Nancy Reagan's agent,
before retiring and heading up a private security firm.

John Hinckley
2003

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