December 8, 1980: John Lennon narrowly avoids getting assassinated. Though he is in critical condition, with surgery, he recovers completely by the end of the year.
March, 30, 1981: Ronald Reagan is killed by John Hinckley Jr. He is shot four times, once directly in the head. He is pronounced dead shortly thereafter. His Vice-President, George H.W Bush, takes the Oath of Office whist onboard Air Force One and the nation is sent into mourning.