He Took a Bullet to Save President Reagan
When John Hinckley Jr. attempted to assassinate President Reagan in 1981, Secret Service Agent Tim McCarthy saved his life by turning his body into a shield and taking a bullet in the chest.
McLean, VA (May 2, 2025) - In an ultimate act of heroism, Secret Service Agent Tim McCarthy stepped in front of a bullet aimed for President Reagan at the Washington Hilton on March 30, 1981. He suffered a serious chest wound, but both he and President Reagan survived. In Part 1 of this powerful “Heroes Behind the Badge” podcast interview, Agent McCarthy recounts that fateful encounter with would-be assassin John Hinckley Jr., and how security protocols changed after President Reagan was nearly killed just two months into his presidency.
You can view the video version of the podcast at:
An audio version of this podcast is available at HeroesBehindtheBadgePodcast.org or on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other major platforms. Just search for the “Heroes Behind the Badge” podcast.
KEY MOMENTS:
2:15 - The coin flip that put McCarthy on duty during the assassination attempt.
9:42 - McCarthy's detailed account of the shooting and his protective response.
14:25 - President Reagan's hospital room meeting with McCarthy: "What did this guy have against the Irish?"
21:58 - How security protocols changed after the assassination attempt.
27:36 - McCarthy's expert analysis of recent Trump assassination attempts.
About “Heroes Behind the Badge” Podcast
“Heroes Behind the Badge” is a podcast produced by Citizens Behind the Badge (BehindBadge.org), a national nonprofit organization supporting law enforcement. The podcast aims to bridge the gap between public perception and police reality, providing an up close and personal glimpse at the true heroes behind the badge. Video versions of the podcast can be found at: youtube.com/CitizensBehindTheBadge. Audio versions are available at HeroesBehindtheBadgePodcast.org or on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other major platforms.
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