Netflix‘s latest mini-series, Death by Lightning, is already garnering acclaim and admiration. Based on Candice Millard’s 2011 book Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President, the series follows the assassination of James A Garfield in September 1881 by Charles J. Guiteau.
So, is this fascinating tale a true one?
Is Death by Lightning based on a true Story?
Yes, Death by Lightning is a true story. It is a historical drama that is based on the assassination of James A. Garfield, barely 200 days after he assumed office. In what remains one of the more overlooked Presidential assassinations, Garfield was shot by a delusional office seeker, Charles J. Guiteau.
Because of Garfield’s short tenure, he is often omitted from the list of Presidents in the United States. However, he had a great impact during his time in office and was an advocate of civil rights.
Two weeks before his surprise win, Garfield wrote, “Assassination can no more be guarded against than death by lightning,” not realizing the impact these words were going to have soon enough.
Charles J. Guiteau was acquainted with Garfield and was also a vehement supporter. He believed that he deserved a place in the office, specifically, as a U.S. ambassador to France, because of his French surname.
Over time, Guiteau grew so delusional that he believed he would have a better shot at the job after Garfield was out of the way. He shot the President while Garfield was walking through Washington’s Baltimore and Potomac train station. At the time, Garfield was accompanied by his two sons and Blaine. The gunshot wound in the back did not kill Garfield right away. However, the unsanitary treatment led to an infection that eventually claimed his life months later.
His presidency had immense potential, and he could have gone on to become one of the most renowned Presidents of all time.
This tragic story is covered in detail on Netflix’s Death by Lightning, which is streaming right now.
Originally reported by Sourav Chakraborty on ComingSoon.
