In brief
Clint Hill, the Secret Service agent who famously jumped onto John F. Kennedy's limousine during the assassination in Dallas, has died at the age of 93. Hill's quick response and dramatic actions were captured in historic footage, but he struggled with guilt about the event for decades.
Clint Hill, a prominent figure in one of America’s most tragic moments, passed away Friday at his home in California. Known for his swift actions on November 22, 1963, Hill was assigned to protect Jacqueline Kennedy and found himself in the midst of chaos when the shots were fired. As he was riding in a car behind the presidential limousine, Hill reacted instantly, climbing onto the back of the vehicle in a desperate attempt to shield the President and his wife. His actions were immortalized in the well-known Zapruder film, which recorded the assassination.Originally from North Dakota, Hill began his career in the Army before joining the Secret Service in 1958. His bravery during the assassination earned him recognition, and he eventually rose to the position of assistant director of the agency. Despite his accomplishments, Hill was burdened by the belief that he could have prevented Kennedy’s death, leading to his early retirement in 1975. Speaking candidly about his regrets, he stated in a CBS 60 Minutes interview, “If I had reacted about five-tenths of a second faster, maybe a second faster, I wouldn't be here today.”In a later reflection, Hill visited Dallas and eventually came to terms with the reality that he could not have altered the tragic course of events. In 2009, he met journalist Lisa McCubbin, and together they authored the bestselling memoir "Mrs Kennedy and Me," chronicling his time in service to the Kennedy family. Their collaboration blossomed into romance, culminating in their marriage in 2021.Though the cause of his death was not disclosed, a statement from his publisher confirmed he passed away with McCubbin by his side. Clint Hill's courageous actions and his lifelong journey of dealing with the aftermath of that fateful day leave an indelible mark on history and the people he inspired.
