From the Brink: Public Figures Who Survived Attempts on Their Lives

From the Brink: Public Figures Who Survived Attempts on Their Lives

Darren - June 17, 2025

Throughout history, the world has watched in shock as influential leaders, activists, and cultural icons faced grave threats to their lives. Assassination attempts are not merely acts of violence—they are moments that test the resolve of individuals and entire societies. When these public figures survive, their resilience often inspires millions, alters political courses, and reshapes public perception. The stories of survival from such horrific incidents reveal not only personal courage but also the enduring strength of their causes. In exploring these remarkable tales, we gain insight into how history can pivot on a single, harrowing moment of survival.

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1. Abraham Lincoln

From the Brink: Public Figures Who Survived Attempts on Their Lives
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons.

While Abraham Lincoln is remembered for his tragic assassination in 1865, few recall the narrow escape he experienced a year earlier. In 1864, a would-be assassin fired at Lincoln as he rode alone, sending his hat flying from his head but leaving him unharmed. This incident underscored the relentless threats he faced, much like other presidents before and after him, highlighting the immense peril of leading a divided nation during wartime.

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2. Theodore Roosevelt

From the Brink: Public Figures Who Survived Attempts on Their Lives
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons.

In 1912, Theodore Roosevelt survived an assassination attempt that became legendary. Shot in the chest while campaigning, Roosevelt refused immediate medical attention, declaring, “It takes more than that to kill a Bull Moose.” He delivered his scheduled speech, blood staining his shirt, astonishing the crowd with his fortitude. This moment solidified Roosevelt’s image as a resilient leader.

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3. Pope John Paul II

From the Brink: Public Figures Who Survived Attempts on Their Lives
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons.

On May 13, 1981, Pope John Paul II was gravely wounded by gunfire in St. Peter’s Square, an event that stunned the world. Despite his injuries, the Pope’s profound act of forgiveness—personally visiting and pardoning his assailant—became a symbol of compassion and resilience. The attempt had significant geopolitical repercussions, deepening Cold War tensions and prompting speculation about international conspiracies. Rarely have attacks on religious leaders—such as the attempted assassination of Pope Paul VI—so powerfully reshaped global attitudes toward faith, forgiveness, and political intrigue.

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4. Ronald Reagan

From the Brink: Public Figures Who Survived Attempts on Their Lives
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons.

In 1981, Ronald Reagan survived a near-fatal shooting by John Hinckley Jr. outside a Washington, D.C. hotel. Reagan’s swift recovery and trademark wit—he joked to doctors, “I forgot to duck”—endeared him to the public and showcased his resilience. The incident led to sweeping changes in Secret Service protocols, heightening protection for future presidents. Parallels can be drawn to similar threats faced by presidents like Andrew Jackson and Gerald Ford, underscoring the ever-present risks of leadership.

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5. Malala Yousafzai

From the Brink: Public Figures Who Survived Attempts on Their Lives
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons.

In 2012, Malala Yousafzai was targeted by the Taliban for her outspoken advocacy of girls’ education in Pakistan. Shot in the head while riding a school bus, Malala’s survival and remarkable recovery captivated the world. Rather than silencing her, the attack ignited her determination—she became a tireless activist, founding the Malala Fund and winning the Nobel Peace Prize. Malala’s journey transformed her into a global icon for resilience and women’s rights, echoing the courage of others who have faced violence for their beliefs.

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6. Gabriel García Márquez

From the Brink: Public Figures Who Survived Attempts on Their Lives
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons.

Famed Colombian author Gabriel García Márquez narrowly escaped assassination in the 1980s, targeted for his bold journalism and criticism of political violence. His harrowing experience forced him into exile, underscoring the real risks writers face for speaking truth to power. García Márquez’s ordeal mirrors threats endured by other outspoken authors such as Salman Rushdie, highlighting the profound impact—and danger—of the written word.

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7. Benazir Bhutto

From the Brink: Public Figures Who Survived Attempts on Their Lives
Image Source: Wikimeda Commons.

In 2007, Benazir Bhutto narrowly survived a devastating bombing in Karachi that targeted her homecoming parade, killing over 130 people. This attack was a stark reminder of Pakistan’s political volatility and the extreme risks faced by its leaders. Bhutto’s resilience in the face of mortal danger drew international attention, much like the experiences of other leaders in tumultuous regions, such as Yitzhak Rabin in Israel, who also faced grave threats due to their pursuit of change.

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8. Queen Elizabeth II

From the Brink: Public Figures Who Survived Attempts on Their Lives
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons.

During the 1981 Trooping the Colour parade in London, a teenager fired blanks at Queen Elizabeth II as she rode horseback. The Queen remained remarkably composed, calmly controlling her mount and continuing the ceremony. Her poise echoed the resilience of other royals, such as King Edward VII, who survived similar threats—demonstrating the enduring fortitude expected of monarchy in the face of danger.

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9. Salman Rushdie

From the Brink: Public Figures Who Survived Attempts on Their Lives
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons.

Salman Rushdie has faced constant peril since the 1989 publication of The Satanic Verses, which led to a fatwa calling for his death. Decades of vigilance could not prevent the 2022 attack in New York, where Rushdie was stabbed onstage but survived after intensive medical care. His ordeal highlights the ongoing dangers faced by authors under fatwas, echoing the threats to freedom of expression worldwide. Rushdie’s resilience continues to inspire writers and readers who champion the right to speak freely, no matter the risk.

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10. Gerald Ford

From the Brink: Public Figures Who Survived Attempts on Their Lives
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons.

In 1975, Gerald Ford survived two separate assassination attempts within the span of a month—both by women, Lynette “Squeaky” Fromme and Sara Jane Moore. These high-profile incidents exposed vulnerabilities in presidential security and prompted significant reforms. Ford’s experiences echoed the dangers encountered by other presidents, such as Franklin D. Roosevelt, who also faced multiple threats, highlighting the persistent risks for American leaders in turbulent times.

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11. Imelda Marcos

From the Brink: Public Figures Who Survived Attempts on Their Lives
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons.

In 1972, Imelda Marcos, then First Lady of the Philippines, survived a grenade attack during a public rally in Manila. Though wounded, she recovered and remained a central figure in Philippine politics amid ongoing upheaval. The attack marked just one chapter in her turbulent public life, reflecting the deep divisions and persistent dangers that have shaped the nation’s political landscape.

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12. Andrew Jackson

From the Brink: Public Figures Who Survived Attempts on Their Lives
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons.

In 1835, Andrew Jackson became the first sitting US president to survive an assassination attempt. When the assailant’s pistols misfired, Jackson reportedly confronted him with his cane, displaying characteristic defiance. This dramatic episode underscored Jackson’s tough persona and set a precedent for the threats future presidents would face, highlighting the ever-present volatility surrounding America’s highest office.

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13. Viktor Yushchenko

From the Brink: Public Figures Who Survived Attempts on Their Lives
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons.

In 2004, Ukrainian presidential candidate Viktor Yushchenko was poisoned with dioxin, leaving his face severely disfigured but surviving the attempt on his life. His visible injuries became a symbol of the fierce political struggle engulfing Ukraine during the Orange Revolution. Yushchenko’s ordeal drew widespread international attention, exposing the lengths to which opponents would go and rallying support for democratic reforms in Ukraine’s turbulent political landscape.

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14. Margaret Thatcher

From the Brink: Public Figures Who Survived Attempts on Their Lives
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons.

In 1984, Margaret Thatcher narrowly escaped death when the IRA bombed the Brighton hotel where she and her cabinet were staying. The attack killed five but left Thatcher unharmed; she responded with characteristic resolve, declaring that terrorism would not disrupt democracy. Her experience mirrors other leaders like Indira Gandhi, who faced targeted violence from extremist groups, highlighting the constant threats confronting those at the helm of government.

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15. Alexandr Solzhenitsyn

From the Brink: Public Figures Who Survived Attempts on Their Lives
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons.

In 1971, Alexandr Solzhenitsyn, renowned Soviet dissident and Nobel laureate, survived a mysterious poisoning likely orchestrated by the KGB. Solzhenitsyn’s brush with death underscored the extreme dangers faced by those who challenge authoritarian regimes. His survival, like that of other courageous critics worldwide, became a rallying point for human rights advocates and symbolized the enduring power—and peril—of speaking truth to power.

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16. Zalmay Khalilzad

From the Brink: Public Figures Who Survived Attempts on Their Lives
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons.

Zalmay Khalilzad, the Afghan-American diplomat and former U.S. ambassador to Afghanistan and Iraq, survived multiple assassination attempts during his diplomatic service. His experiences highlight the grave risks faced by those working to broker peace and stability in conflict zones. Khalilzad’s resilience stands alongside other diplomats who have navigated life-threatening dangers in pursuit of international diplomacy.

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17. Mo Ibrahim

From the Brink: Public Figures Who Survived Attempts on Their Lives
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons.

Mo Ibrahim, the Sudanese-British telecom magnate and philanthropist, survived an attempted shooting early in his career. This brush with violence did not deter his mission; he has since become a leading advocate for good governance and transparency in Africa. Ibrahim’s perseverance underlines the personal risks often faced by reformers striving to reshape their nations for the better.

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18. King Juan Carlos I

From the Brink: Public Figures Who Survived Attempts on Their Lives
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons.

In 1995, King Juan Carlos I of Spain narrowly survived an assassination attempt when a lone gunman fired at him during a public appearance. The King’s calm response and survival highlighted the continued threats faced by modern monarchs. His experience echoes the perilous reality for royals worldwide, demonstrating that even constitutional monarchs remain vulnerable to acts of violence in the contemporary era.

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19. Cristina Fernández de Kirchner

From the Brink: Public Figures Who Survived Attempts on Their Lives
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons.

In September 2022, Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, Argentina’s vice president, survived a shocking assassination attempt when a gun failed to fire inches from her face. The incident occurred during a period of intense political polarization, sparking national outrage and renewed debates over security and rhetoric. Her composed reaction in the aftermath underscored both her personal resilience and the volatile environment facing many Latin American leaders today.

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20. Bob Marley

From the Brink: Public Figures Who Survived Attempts on Their Lives
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons.

In 1976, reggae icon Bob Marley survived a violent assassination attempt at his home in Jamaica, sustaining gunshot wounds along with his wife and manager. Undeterred, Marley performed at the Smile Jamaica Concert just two days later, using his music to call for peace. The attack highlighted the dangerous intersection of music and politics in Jamaica, cementing Marley’s legacy as a symbol of courage and unity amid turmoil.

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