White House Correspondents' Dinner shooting again put Washington Hilton at center of presidential history

Key Points:

• The Washington Hilton has a significant presidential history, notably the 1981 assassination attempt on President Ronald Reagan as he left the hotel, which led to major security changes including the construction of a secure garage entrance.
• Reagan was seriously wounded by John Hinckley Jr., who fired six shots; the incident also injured White House press secretary James Brady, police officer Thomas Delahanty, and Secret Service agent Tim McCarthy.
• The hotel was designed to attract presidents, featuring a secret passageway, safe room, and a private entrance, and has hosted numerous presidential events including inaugural balls and the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner.
• Security was enhanced after the Reagan shooting with measures such as magnetometers and secure routes for presidents, but recent attempts on President Trump's life at the Hilton highlight ongoing threats.
• Hinckley was found not guilty by reason of insanity, leading to changes in the federal insanity defense law, and was released after decades in a psychiatric hospital; Reagan showed compassion for Hinckley despite the attack.