On January 30, 1835, a startling event took place in Washington, D.C., marking the first recorded assassination attempt against a sitting U.S. president. Andrew Jackson, the nation’s seventh president, became the target of an attack by Richard Lawrence, an unemployed house painter. The dramatic incident highlighted the turbulent political climate of the time and revealed both Jackson’s notorious temper and his remarkable resilience.
The attack occurred at the U.S. Capitol, where Jackson had attended the funeral of South Carolina Congressman Warren R. Davis. As the 67-year-old president exited the East Portico, he was confronted by Lawrence, who had been lurking among the crowd. Without hesitation, Lawrence raised a pistol and pulled the trigger, but the weapon misfired. Determined, he quickly drew a second pistol and fired again, only to experience another misfire. The extraordinary failure of both weapons, later found to be in working condition, left many wondering whether sheer luck or divine intervention had saved Jackson’s life.
Startled but undeterred, Jackson reacted with characteristic aggression. Rather than retreating, he lunged at Lawrence, striking him repeatedly with his cane. Several bystanders, including members of Congress, rushed to assist in subduing the would-be assassin. Among them was Tennessee Representative Davy Crockett, a political rival of Jackson, who nevertheless helped restrain Lawrence until authorities arrived.
Following his arrest, Lawrence’s mental instability became evident. He claimed to be the rightful heir to the British throne and insisted that Jackson’s policies had prevented him from obtaining a vast inheritance. He also believed that the president’s death would somehow improve his financial situation. His delusions extended to accusations that Jackson had caused his father’s death and was responsible for widespread economic hardship. Declared legally insane, Lawrence was institutionalized and spent the rest of his life in mental hospitals rather than facing trial or execution.
Jackson, already known for his deep suspicion of political adversaries, became increasingly convinced that the attack was part of a larger conspiracy against him. The misfiring of both pistols only reinforced his belief in divine protection, and the event fueled his growing paranoia about enemies conspiring against his presidency.
At the time, no formal security detail existed to protect the president, making Jackson particularly vulnerable. While he survived unscathed, the attack underscored the need for greater security measures for national leaders. Though it would take decades for a dedicated protective service to be established, Jackson’s close call served as an early warning of the dangers future presidents would face. The failed assassination attempt foreshadowed the tragic fate of later leaders such as Abraham Lincoln, James Garfield, and William McKinley, whose assassinations would eventually lead to permanent security reforms.
