Former White House Press Secretary James Brady passed away today at the age of 73, he was wounded in 1981 during an assassination attempt on then President Ronald Reagan. The infamous attack left Brady wheelchair bound and later on fueled his ardent support for gun control.

Brady was among the four people shot during John Hinckley, Jr.'s March 30, 1981, assassination attempt on Reagan, suffering a serious head wound. During the confusion that followed after the shooting, all major media outlets, except CNN, erroneously reported that Brady had died.

Later, when ABC News anchorman Frank Reynolds, a friend of Brady, was forced to retract the report, he angrily said on-air to his staff, "C'mon, let's get it nailed down!"

Brady was unable to work as the White House Press Secretary but remained in the position until the end of Reagan Administration with Larry Speakes and Marlin Fitzwater performing the job on an "acting" or "deputy" basis.

The White House press briefing room was renamed after Brady in 2000 - his death was announced by his family - no further information has been released at this time.

**Update**

The District of Columbia medical examiner has ruled that Brady died as a result of the grievous injuries he suffered 33 years ago, which means that gunman John Hinckley Jr. could be charged with Brady's murder, this according to NBC Connecticut.

This ruling could result in federal murder charges being filed against Hinckley in the near future.