The True Story Behind Netflix’s ‘Death by Lightning’ and the Assassination of James A. Garfield
Charles Guiteau’s bullet did not directly cause the death of the 20th president of the United States. Instead, the fatal outcome resulted from ignorance, pride, and the medical interventions intended to save President Garfield’s life.
Garfield had been in office for less than four months when he was shot by an assassin. More than 120 years later, the consequences of this shooting—carried out by Charles Guiteau, a disgruntled supporter—continue to influence both politics and medicine.
Netflix’s Limited Series on the Tragedy
The Netflix limited series Death by Lightning, which premiered on Thursday, November 6, delves into the story of Garfield’s assassination and its important role in American history. The four-part series stars Michael Shannon as Garfield and Matthew Macfadyen as Guiteau.
The show explores the events leading up to the attack as well as the flawed medical efforts to save Garfield's life.
Background of Charles Guiteau
Charles Julius Guiteau was born in Freeport, Illinois, in 1841. His childhood was troubled; his mother, Jane, suffered from psychosis and died when he was about seven years old. After her death, Guiteau was raised by his abusive father, Luther.
Medical Response and Impact
The attempts by doctors to treat Garfield were marked by poor judgment and outdated practices, which contributed to the president’s death despite the initial injury not being immediately fatal.
"Charles Guiteau’s bullet didn’t kill the 20th president—it was ignorance, pride, and the tools meant to save his life."
"Garfield was less than four months into his presidential term when tragedy struck in the form of an assassin’s bullet."
These events are detailed in the Netflix series, revealing the broader implications on political history and medical protocols.
Author’s summary: The death of President Garfield was caused more by flawed medical treatment and human error than by the assassin’s bullet, a story powerfully depicted in Netflix’s Death by Lightning.