A Look at Gun Violence and the U.S. Presidency

The United States has a long and tragic history with gun violence. This violence has not stopped at the doorstep of the nation's highest office. While four presidents have been assassinated by gunfire, others have been wounded in attempts on their lives.

The four presidents assassinated by firearms are:

Abraham Lincoln (1865)

James A. Garfield (1881)

William McKinley (1901)

John F. Kennedy (1963)

These events cast a dark shadow over American history and serve as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of even the most powerful figures.

While less well-known, other presidents have also been injured in assassination attempts:

Theodore Roosevelt (1912): While campaigning for a third term, Roosevelt was shot in the chest by John Schrank. Thankfully, the bullet lodged in a metal cigarette case he carried, saving his life.

Ronald Reagan (1981): John Hinckley Jr. shot President Reagan as he exited a limousine. The bullet ricocheted off a car door and struck Reagan in the arm, but he survived the attack.

Donald J. Trump: July 14, 2024, shot during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania. The bullet grazed his ear. He went off stage escorted by Secret Service pumping his fist in victory. This was an assignation attempt on the former President. 

These incidents highlight the ever-present danger of gun violence, even towards those entrusted with leading the nation. The fact that the injured presidents were targeted with guns underscores the ongoing debate about gun control in the United States.

May our country heal from these awful events and learn to live in peace even when we do not all agree.