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Police investigate James Brady’s death as homicide

Reagan Brady President-elect Ronald Reagan, right, introduces James Brady as his press secretary in Washington, D.C., Tuesday, Jan. 6, 1981. (AP Photo/Zebowski)
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WASHINGTON – D.C. Police tell WTOP that they are investigating James Brady’s death as a homicide, three decades after he was shot in the head outside of a D.C. hotel.

The Virginia Medical Examiner ruled that Brady died from the injuries he suffered during the assassination attempt against President Ronald Reagan in March 1981.

Brady, who at the time was Reagan’s press secretary, survived the shooting. He died Monday at an Alexandria retirement community.

John Hinckley Jr. attempted to assassinate Reagan outside the Washington Hilton Hotel just two months into the new president’s term. Reagan nearly died from a chest wound. Three others, including Brady, were struck by bullets from Hinckley’s handgun.

The shooting left Brady paralyzed and permanently disabled.

The Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence is named in his honor.

Hinckley remains institutionalized however he is allowed to visit his mother in Virginia.

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