History Daily – Episode 1308: The Attempted Assassination of Andrew Jackson

Date: January 30, 2026 | Host: Lindsey Graham

Episode Overview

In this gripping episode, host Lindsey Graham narrates the dramatic and chaotic events surrounding the attempted assassination of President Andrew Jackson on January 30, 1835. Listeners are transported to a polarized Washington, D.C. where political tensions run high, and the very first attempt on a sitting U.S. president’s life ignites a flurry of conspiracy, controversy, and questions of mental health. The episode skillfully reconstructs the moment of the attack, the frantic aftermath, and the thorough investigations that followed, ultimately highlighting the role of Richard Lawrence, a mentally ill house painter, in the failed assassination.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Assassination Attempt: January 30, 1835

[00:37–04:59]

• Richard Lawrence’s Agitation and Motivation:
  • Lawrence is introduced as a house painter “visibly agitated” and resolutely preparing for his criminal act.
  • He arms himself with two pistols and heads toward the Capitol during the funeral of Congressman Warren R. Davis.
• Attack on Andrew Jackson:
  • Jackson, frail and leaning on his treasury secretary, draws closer to Lawrence who waits on the eastern portico.
  • “He pulls the trigger, but the pistol misfires. Jackson hears the gunshot and whirls around in terror … President’s fear turns to rage … charges Lawrence, who takes aim with his second pistol. Miraculously, the second pistol misfires as well, allowing Jackson to strike his failed assassin furiously with his cane.” [03:25]
  • The crowd restrains Lawrence and saves him from Jackson’s retaliatory blows.
• Immediate Reaction and Jackson’s Suspicion:
  • As Lawrence is taken away, Jackson boldly announces:
    • “I know who’s behind this.” [04:17]
  • Polarization in D.C. and unprecedented unrest are underscored, setting the stage for chaos.

2. Political Fallout and Rampant Suspicion

[07:01–11:26]

• Rumors and Accusations:
  • No Interrogation of Lawrence: Despite his willingness to talk, no one questions Lawrence; rumors swirl instead.
  • Politicians—including John C. Calhoun (Jackson’s former VP)—are accused broadly of orchestrating the attack.
  • Senators, rivals, and even Vice President Martin Van Buren are implicated by conspiracy theorists and rival newspapers:
    • “The pro Jackson Washington Globe claims that Lawrence was either hired by a political rival or at the very least incited to violence by the speeches of men like Calhoun.” [08:17]
    • Meanwhile, “the anti Jackson United States Telegraph goes as far as to suggest that the entire attack was staged ... to win sympathy for the increasingly unpopular president.” [08:36]
• Jackson’s Personal Suspicion—Senator George Poindexter:
  • Jackson suspects Poindexter, citing “two men who claim to have seen a man matching Richard Lawrence’s description enter Poindexter’s home.”
  • Poindexter, now estranged from Jackson, gives an impassioned defense in the Senate and calls for an investigation.

3. Investigations: Motive, Mental Health, and Conspiracy

[12:03–16:00]

• Doctors Assess Lawrence’s Sanity:
  • Lawrence offers contradictory explanations for his actions, first citing vengeance for his father's murder, then blaming Jackson’s policies. Eventually, he claims he is actually King Richard III and that Jackson’s administration blocks his inheritance.
    • “He had recently come to believe that he is not actually Richard Lawrence, but that he is in fact Richard III, 15th century king of England, and that Jackson’s government has prevented him from collecting a large fortune …” [13:07]
  • Family history reveals increasingly erratic and delusional behavior.
• Poindexter Investigation Debunked:
  • Only two witnesses support a direct link between Lawrence and Poindexter but are quickly discredited.
  • The physical impossibility of their testimony is demonstrated, clearing Poindexter.
• Examination of the Pistols—A Historical Mystery:
  • Francis Scott Key (yes, the anthem’s author) tests both pistols and confirms they function perfectly, leaving the double misfire a historical mystery.
    • “It will remain unknown how not one but both pistols could have misfired. ... odds of both misfiring were 1 in 125,000.” [21:47]

4. The Trial and Its Resolution

[16:00–20:00]

• Trial of Richard Lawrence:
  • Lawrence is described as flamboyantly dressed, alternating between calm and belligerent outbursts in court:
    • “One moment he stands up and screams at the judge, accusing the United States government of stealing a fortune from him in 1802, when he was only two years old. The next moment, he sinks back into his chair, deflated and whispers that the entire page proceedings are beneath him.” [18:19]
  • Doctors confirm his insanity, swaying the jury.
• Verdict and Aftermath:
  • Lawrence is found not guilty by reason of insanity, and the crowd feels a strange sense of relief.
  • He is committed to an asylum, where he remains until his death in 1861.

5. Larger Historical Impact

[20:00–21:50]

• Legacy of the Attempt:
  • Richard Lawrence becomes the first person to attempt to assassinate a U.S. president; it would be 30 years before the next successful attempt (Lincoln).
• Reflection on Security and Fate:
  • The episode closes by noting how extraordinarily close Jackson came to being killed and the bizarre odds stacked against that outcome.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Host Lindsey Graham on Jackson’s Reaction:
  • “The President’s fear turns to rage when he spots his attacker...he shrugs off his attendant, raises his cane over his head and charges Lawrence...” [03:20]
• Jackson’s Defiant Proclamation:
  • “I know who’s behind this.” [04:17]
• Lawrence’s Delusion:
  • “He had recently come to believe that he is not actually Richard Lawrence, but that he is in fact Richard III… and that Jackson’s government has prevented him from collecting a large fortune...” [13:07]
• Courtroom Outburst:
  • “One moment he stands up and screams at the judge, accusing the United States government of stealing a fortune from him in 1802, when he was only two years old. The next moment, he sinks back into his chair…” [18:19]
• Odds of the Pistols’ Misfire:
  • “Over the decades to come, three other presidents would be assassinated and two others wounded, a fate Andrew Jackson only narrowly escaped… it was concluded that the odds of both misfiring were 1 in 125,000.” [21:47]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:37] Lawrence’s preparation and the setup at the Capitol
• [03:20] The actual assassination attempt and Jackson’s response
• [04:17] Jackson’s declaration of knowing “who’s behind this”
• [07:01] The day after: political accusations and atmosphere in D.C.
• [12:03] Medical investigation into Lawrence’s sanity and mental illness
• [13:07] Lawrence’s delusions and family testimony
• [17:23] The discrediting of the alleged witness testimony against Poindexter
• [18:19] Lawrence’s erratic behavior at trial
• [21:47] Statistical odds of the pistols’ misfire and the aftermath

Tone and Style

Lindsey Graham’s narration is vivid, immersive, and dramatic, blending suspenseful historical retelling with clear-eyed analysis. The script maintains an engaging balance between the chaotic energy of 1835 D.C., the personal drama of each key figure, and the persistent voice of skepticism and forensics.

Conclusion

This episode offers a nuanced look at America’s first presidential assassination attempt, revealing how paranoia, partisanship, and misunderstandings about mental health shaped not just public perceptions, but the course of history itself. Graham’s storytelling brings the event to life, making it accessible and compelling for listeners of all ages.