Former White House Press Secretary James Brady, who served under former president, Ronald Reagan, and was shot during an assassination attempt on the then president, has passed away. He died at the age of 73.

After being shot in the head during the attempt on Reagan’s life, Brady would go on to become a leading advocate of gun control, and in 1993, President Clinton would sign the Brady Handgun Violence Protection Act into law.

Throughout his years after the shooting by would-be assassin John Hinckley, Jr outside the Washington Hilton Hotel, Brady would  be permanently disabled and remain in a wheelchair. President Reagan was wounded but survived the attack and fully recovered from the incident.

Brady’s family said in a statement today, “Jim Brady’s zest for life was apparent to all who knew him, and despite his injuries and the pain he endured every day, he used his humor, wit and charm to bring smiles to others and make the world a better place. Over the years, Jim inspired so many people as he turned adversity into accomplishment.” 

  assassination attempt, death, james brady, nation, reagan