James Brady's death ruled a homicide

[Bob Of Burleson]

Former Press Secretary Was Shot in the Head
During a 1981 Attempt on the Life of Ronald Reagan

By Associated Press

Former White House Press Secretary James Brady looks on as President Bill Clinton signs the Brady bill in November 1993 at the White House. Reuters

WASHINGTON—The death this week of former White House Press Secretary James Brady, who survived a gunshot wound to the head in a 1981 assassination attempt on President Ronald Reagan, has been ruled a homicide by a medical examiner, District of Columbia police said Friday.

John Hinckley Jr. shot Mr. Brady, who never regained normal use of his limbs and was often in a wheelchair. His family said he died Monday at age 73 from a series of health issues.

After the shooting, Mr. Brady undertook a high-profile, personal crusade for gun control, which continues to be one of the country's most hotly debated issues. The Brady law, named after him, requires a five-day wait and background check before a handgun can be sold. President Bill Clinton signed it into law in 1993.

An autopsy revealed the cause of death to be a gunshot wound and its health consequences, and the manner of death was ruled a homicide, according to a news release from District police spokeswoman Gwendolyn Crump. The Virginia medical examiner's office made the ruling.

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