March 30, 1981 shaped up as a routine day for President Ronald Reagan. He was scheduled to give a speech to a trade union at the Washington Hilton Hotel. A limousine from the White House to the hotel, 30 minutes to speak, then straight back to the White House.

For Federal Agents, however, this simple agenda meant a great deal of preparation. The Protective Intelligence examined their list of 400 'serious threats' to confirm that none would be near the President on that day. Agents on White House duty arranged a traffic blockade with the Washington police. An advance crew scanned the hotel ballroom where Reagan would speak to ensure the area was completely secure.

This level of preparation and attention to detail is nothing out of the ordinary. The focus and concentration necessary for Presidential security is difficult to comprehend: studies have shown that the stress on Federal Agents is comparable to that of fighter pilots in combat. Reaction skills must be lightning quick. There are long hours - sometimes 36-hour shifts without sleep - and intense action, like anti-terrorist detail on international trips. Of course, there's also the tedious hours of pacing hotel corridors, protecting the President and family while they sleep. It's an incredibly demanding job.

Studies have shown that the stress on Federal Agents is comparable to that of fighter pilots in combat. Lightning-quick reaction skills are absolutely mandatory

When Shots Ring Out

That day in Washington, Reagan's arrival at the hotel went as planned. The security team, including Agent Dennis McCarthy, a 16-year veteran, scanned the crowd as the President walked the twenty feet between the limo and the hotel's entrance. Every single person had to be viewed as a potential assassin. Then, Federal Agents closely observed the 4,000 guests entering the ballroom, too. Those with bulging coats had to check them. There was absolutely no room for error.

While the President spoke, Agents began preparing for the return trip to the White House. They continued to study the crowd of spectators and media that remained outside by the limo. Finally, the President appeared on the sidewalk. And then …

...a shot rang out. And another. And another. Mass confusion ensued. A seemingly normal, low-risk day for the Presidential security team turned scary. Agents threw themselves in front of the President. Exposing themselves to the possibility of more gunfire, they covered the President's body and shoved him into the limousine. Agent McCarthy located the would-be assassin and tackled the man to the ground. John W. Hinckley, Jr. had become an infamous part of American history. But fortunately, his assassination mission had failed. The Secret Service had achieved their mission. They had saved the life of an American President.

If you've ever wondered what it's like to be a Federal Agent, then you won't want to miss FIRST DAUGHTER, a TBS Superstation Original Movie. In FIRST DAUGHTER, Mariel Hemingway plays Agent Alex McGregor who must put her life on the line to do her duty - protect the President of the United States and his family.