Tim McCarthy
Tim McCarthy | |
|---|---|
McCarthy in 1981, moments before the shooting | |
| Born | Timothy J. McCarthy June 20, 1949 |
| Alma mater | University of Illinois (BS) Lewis University (MS) |
| Occupation(s) | Secret Service special agent Chief of police |
| Known for | Saving President Reagan during his assassination attempt |
| Children | 3 |
Timothy J. McCarthy (born June 20, 1949) is an American retired police officer and special agent of the U.S. Secret Service. He is best known for defending then-president Ronald Reagan during the assassination attempt on Reagan's life on March 30, 1981, in Washington, D.C.
During the assassination attempt, McCarthy spread his stance to protect Reagan as six bullets were being fired by the would-be assassin, John Hinckley Jr. McCarthy stepped in front of President Reagan, taking a bullet to the chest, but made a full recovery.
After the assassination attempt, McCarthy was hailed as a hero and received the NCAA Award of Valor in 1982.