The Hunting Accident Involving Vice President Dick Cheney

On February 11, 2006, a significant incident occurred involving then U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney. During a quail hunting trip at the Armstrong Ranch in south Texas, Cheney accidentally shot Harry Whittington, a 78-year-old attorney from Texas. This event quickly became a major news story, drawing widespread media attention and public scrutiny.

Context and Details of the Incident

• Location: The incident took place at the Armstrong Ranch, a sprawling property owned by Katharine Armstrong, a prominent Texas Republican and family friend of Cheney.
• Participants: Dick Cheney was part of a hunting party that included Katharine Armstrong, Harry Whittington, and others.
• The Accident: While hunting quail, Cheney fired his shotgun, accidentally hitting Whittington. The pellets struck Whittington on the right side of his face, neck, and chest.
• Immediate Aftermath: Whittington was immediately attended to by medical personnel present at the ranch and was later airlifted to Christus Spohn Hospital in Corpus Christi, Texas. He was initially reported to be in stable condition but later suffered a minor heart attack due to a pellet lodged near his heart.

Media and Public Reaction

• Delayed Reporting: The incident was not reported to the media until the following day, when Katharine Armstrong contacted a local newspaper, the Corpus Christi Caller-Times. This delay in communication led to criticism and speculation about the handling of the situation.
• Press Briefing: The White House Press Secretary at the time, Scott McClellan, faced numerous questions from the press regarding the delay and the circumstances of the accident.
• Public Apology: Cheney publicly addressed the incident in an interview with Fox News on February 15, 2006, expressing regret and taking full responsibility for the accident.

Aftermath and Consequences

• Whittington’s Recovery: Harry Whittington was discharged from the hospital on February 17, 2006, and made a full recovery. He publicly forgave Cheney, describing the incident as an accident.
• Political and Cultural Impact: The incident became a topic of satire and discussion in the media and popular culture, highlighting issues of transparency and communication within the Bush administration.
• Safety Discussions: The accident also sparked conversations about hunting safety and the responsibilities of those in positions of power.

In summary, the accidental shooting of Harry Whittington by Vice President Dick Cheney was a notable event that underscored the importance of safety and communication, while also becoming a significant moment in the political and cultural landscape of the time.