The President of the United States was shot on March 30, 1981. Alexander Haig, Secretary of State at that time, made the famous statement "I am in control here" to the press. To commemorate the brave act of the Secretary of State, March 30 is observed as National I am in Control Day. People are encouraged to take control of their lives through this day. On this day, we remember the assassination attempt of the president. While walking outside the Washington Hilton Hotel, President Reagan was shot by John Hinckley. The bullet was fired using a 0.22 caliber pistol. The president had completed addressing a meeting when six shots were fired at him. Attempts were also made on three of the president’s attendants — Secretary Timothy McCarthy, and Thomas Delahanty. After the assassination attempt, John Hinckley was captured while President Reagan was rushed to the hospital. The vice president was nowhere to be found. In a press briefing, Alexander Haig tried to calm the media and the press by assuring them that the government was functioning well in the absence of the president and vice president. He declared that he was in control of the government decisions until the vice president returned. Alexander Haig was controversial. People thought he wanted to take over the presidency. Later, he clarified his statement and said that he had no such intentions. He was taking responsibility for the executive branch of the government until President Reagan returned. A room that was once a simple space is now known as the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room. It was named after a person who was shot during an assassination attempt on President Ronald Reagan. The bullet severely injured the man.

National I am in Control Day is observed on March 30th!

We have been unable thus far to find the creator of this national day, but we will be sure to keep you posted.