Uploaded March 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Retired Special Agent in Charge Tim McCarthy stepped in front of a would-be assassin’s bullet to protect President Ronald Reagan March 30, 1981. In this exclusive interview, McCarthy reflects on the chaos of that day, the training that guided his actions and the unwavering duty of those who stood alongside him.
"Hinckley pushed himself forward a little bit to my left and reeled off six rounds in about 1.4 seconds. He hit four people," McCarthy said. "What I did that day was solely based upon training. Everyone reacted the way they should have."
Although this day of infamy happened more than 40 years ago, McCarthy’s story is as powerful today as it was then and is a testament to the courage and humility it takes to be in the Secret Service.
Read more about his powerful story at https://shorturl.at/5rIPi
#BehindTheShades
Do you think you have what it takes to be a member of our agency? Start your Secret Service career journey at secretservice.gov/careers
Retired Special Agent in Charge Tim McCarthy stepped in front of a would-be assassin’s bullet to protect President Ronald Reagan March 30, 1981. In this exclusive interview, McCarthy reflects on the chaos of that day, the training that guided his actions and the unwavering duty of those who stood alongside him.
"Hinckley pushed himself forward a little bit to my left and reeled off six rounds in about 1.4 seconds. He hit four people," McCarthy said. "What I did that day was solely based upon training. Everyone reacted the way they should have."
Although this day of infamy happened more than 40 years ago, McCarthy’s story is as powerful today as it was then and is a testament to the courage and humility it takes to be in the Secret Service.
Read more about his powerful story at https://shorturl.at/5rIPi
#BehindTheShades
Do you think you have what it takes to be a member of our agency? Start your Secret Service career journey at secretservice.gov/careers
