U.S. Presidential assassinations in history 1835-2024

Donald Trump was shot in his right ear at a campaign rally, shocking the world. 

The role of U.S. President is one of the most dangerous jobs globally, with frequent targeting and occasional victimization in assassination attempts. It is appropriate to review the history of U.S. presidential assassinations and attempts.

 Andrew Jackson

On January 30, 1835, an attempt was made to assassinate the 17th President, Andrew Jackson. Fortunately, both pistols misfired.

Abraham Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln was the first president to be assassinated, shot in the back of the head on April 14, 1865, while watching a performance of "Our American Cousin." He died the following morning. His support for Black rights has been cited as a motive behind his killing.

James Garfield

James Garfield was the second president to be assassinated. He was shot twice on July 2, 1881, surviving for several weeks before dying from complications caused by infection.

William McKinley 

William McKinley was shot on September 6, 1901, while attending the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo. Initially expected to recover, McKinley developed gangrene around the bullet wounds and passed away.

Franklin D. Roosevelt

On February 15, 1933, an assassin fired five shots at Franklin D. Roosevelt while he was delivering a speech in Miami. Roosevelt fortunately escaped unharmed.

Harry S. Truman 

On November 1, 1950, two assassins attempted to shoot Harry S. Truman at the Blair House during the White House renovation. Both were stopped before entering the house, and Truman was unharmed.

John F. Kennedy

John F. Kennedy was fatally shot twice by a hidden assassin armed with a high-powered rifle during his visit to Dallas in November 1963.

Gerald Ford 

Gerald Ford faced two separate assassination attempts within weeks in 1975 but was unharmed in both incidents.

Ronald Reagan

Ronald Reagan was wounded on March 30, 1981, by a gunman. Reagan resumed his presidential duties after emergency surgery and two weeks of recovery.

George W. Bush

On May 10, 2005, during a speech in Freedom Square, George W. Bush had a live hand grenade thrown toward the podium, which fortunately did not detonate.