From Reagan to Trump: Washington Hilton's history with presidential safety
What's the story
The Washington Hilton has witnessed two major security incidents involving US presidents. The hotel was dubbed "Hinckley Hilton" after an assassination attempt on President Ronald Reagan in 1981. Just 45 years later, the same venue made headlines again during the White House dinner shooting yesterday. On both occasions, the violence took place near the T Street NW exit of the hotel, which is ironically called "President's Walk."
Historical incident
Attempted assassination of Reagan
On March 30, 1981, President Reagan was shot at while leaving the Washington Hilton. The assailant, John Hinckley Jr., fired six shots from a .22-caliber revolver. One bullet hit Reagan in the chest after ricocheting off his limousine. Though he initially appeared unhurt, blood began to flow from his mouth inside the presidential car. Secret Service agent Jerry Parr's quick thinking saved Reagan's life by diverting the motorcade to George Washington University Hospital where surgeons removed the bullet successfully.
Aftermath
Aftermath of the attack
Along with Reagan, three others were injured in the 1981 attack. White House Press Secretary James Brady was shot in the head and became disabled. Secret Service agent Tim McCarthy was shot in the chest while trying to shield Reagan, and DC Police Officer Thomas Delahanty was hit by a bullet on his neck during the attack. Hinckley was found not guilty by reason of insanity and spent over 30 years in a psychiatric hospital before being released in 2016.
Recent incident
The Trump shooting incident
The Washington Hilton was again the scene of a major security breach when gunfire erupted near the magnetometers outside the main ballroom yesterday. President Donald Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, and Vice President JD Vance were all evacuated immediately. A law enforcement officer was shot but survived thanks to his bulletproof vest. The assailant, Cole Tomas Allen, a 31-year-old former tutor from Torrance, California, was arrested with multiple weapons including a shotgun and handgun.
Security concerns
Security at the venue during high-profile events
The Washington Hilton has hosted high-profile events for decades, but during such occasions, it remains open to regular guests. Security is mostly focused on the ballroom rather than the entire property. The hotel had been closed to the public from 2:00pm ahead of the 8:00pm dinner yesterday. Some 2,300 guests in attendance underwent multiple layers of checks - from ticket verification to screening through magnetometers operated by Secret Service and Transportation Security Administration (TSA).