The True Story Behind Netflix’s “Death by Lightning” and the Assassination of James A. Garfield
Charles Guiteau’s bullet did not immediately end the life of the 20th president. It was the ignorance, pride, and primitive medical tools of the time that ultimately caused his death. Garfield had been in office for less than four months when he was struck by an assassin’s bullet.
More than a century later, the consequences of that act—committed by disgruntled supporter Charles Guiteau—still echo through both medicine and politics. The new Netflix limited series Death By Lightning, which premiered on November 6, revisits this national tragedy and its significance in American history.
About the Series
This four-part Netflix series stars Michael Shannon as President James A. Garfield and Matthew Macfadyen as Charles Guiteau. It explores the events leading up to the attack, the misguided medical efforts to save the president, and the societal tensions that surrounded the assassination.
“Charles Guiteau’s bullet didn’t kill the 20th president—it was ignorance, pride, and the tools meant to save his life.”
Charles Guiteau: The Assassin
Charles Julius Guiteau was born in Freeport, Illinois, in 1841. His early life was marked by instability. His mother, Jane, struggled with mental illness and died when he was seven. Guiteau’s father, Luther, was strict and abusive, raising the boy in an environment filled with emotional conflict.
The series connects these personal traumas to his growing instability, offering insight into how his obsession with political recognition culminated in tragedy.
Historical Impact
- The assassination reshaped American medical practices, highlighting the need for sterile technique and professional standards.
- It forced political reform by exposing corruption and patronage within the federal government.
- Garfield’s death became a turning point for modern presidential security.
Author’s Summary
The story of Garfield’s assassination, revived through Death by Lightning, reflects how human pride and ignorance can transform one man’s delusion into a nation’s lasting wound.