Reagan's Former Press Secretary Reflects On Shooting

DELWARE (CBS) -- Six shots rang out in Washington 30 years ago when an attempted assassin fired at the President.

"I had on CBS watching a soap opera 'As The World Turns,' and they showed a clip or something saying shots had been taken at Ronald Reagan," said Sarah Brady, wife of Jim Brady.

Sarah Brady didn't know her husband - who was President Reagan's Press Secretary - had also been shot.

The memories of that day haunt him. "I've spent a whole lot of time trying to forget that," Jim Brady said.

Jim Brady was paralyzed. "I mean my goodness, it just…I mean, it ruins your life in so many ways. Everything that you've ever dreamed of doing is shattered," said Mrs. Brady.

The Bradys eventually moved to Southern Delaware's coast to get away from the glare of the beltway, but in a rare interview agreed to talk to Eyewitness News Reporter Jim Osman.

Jim Osman asked, "Can you describe the ups and downs of the last 30 years?"

Mr. Brady responded, "More downs than ups."

Shortly after the shooting, Sarah recalls comforting President Reagan, who expressed concern for her husband.

"I said, 'Don't worry, Mr. President. Jim was doing the job he loved more than anything. Don't feel bad,'" Mrs. Brady remembers. Jim never returned to his position as Press Secretary.

Jim Osman then asked, "What was that like being press secretary to Ronald Reagan?"

Mr. Brady responded, "Work. Work. Work. Imagine being Press Secretary to the 'Great Communicator.'"

The Brady name graces a sweeping gun control legislation signed into law in 1993.

Today, they spend their days at their beach home, watching cable news and of course, discussing politics.

Reported by Jim Osman, CBS 3