The True Story Behind Netflix’s ‘Death by Lightning’ and the Assassination of James A. Garfield
Charles Guiteau’s bullet did not directly kill the 20th president of the United States; instead, it was ignorance, pride, and the medical tools intended to save him that contributed to his death. President Garfield was shot less than four months into his term by Charles Guiteau, a disgruntled supporter. Over 120 years later, the consequences of that event remain significant in both politics and medicine.
The new Netflix limited series Death by Lightning, which premiered on November 6, delves into the tragedy of Garfield’s death and its impact on America. The four-part series stars Michael Shannon as Garfield and Matthew Macfadyen as Guiteau. It portrays both the lead-up to the assassination and the flawed medical responses that followed.
Guiteau’s Motive and Background
Charles Julius Guiteau was born in Freeport, Illinois, in 1841. He had a difficult childhood, marked by the mental illness of his mother, Jane, who died when he was about seven years old. After her death, Guiteau was raised by his abusive father, Luther.
The Assassination and Medical Response
Guiteau’s act of violence was followed by well-intentioned but misguided efforts from doctors, which ultimately worsened Garfield’s condition. The series presents these medical failures along with political and personal dynamics of the time.
“Charles Guiteau’s bullet didn’t kill the 20th president—it was ignorance, pride, and the tools meant to save his life.”
The show is part of Biography.com’s special coverage exploring the real story behind President James A. Garfield’s assassination.
Summary
Netflix’s Death by Lightning sheds light on how President Garfield’s death was shaped as much by flawed medical care as by the assassin’s bullet, revealing layers of tragedy behind a pivotal moment in U.S. history.