Reflections on a Controversial Incident: The Cheney Shooting

Former Vice President Dick Cheney, who spent around 40 years in key government roles, often reflected on moments he regretted far from Washington. One such moment, perhaps the most notorious in his life, occurred 1,500 miles away in Texas.

Cheney passed away at 84 on Monday, remembered significantly for the February 11, 2006, hunting accident where he accidentally shot lawyer Harry Whittington while quail hunting. This incident sent over 100 shotgun pellets into his companion’s face, neck, and torso, drawing years of public mockery.

In a Fox News interview shortly after the accident, Cheney candidly stated, “You can’t blame others. I’m the guy who pulled the trigger and shot my friend.”

He described that day as “one of the worst days of my life” during his conversation with Brit Hume.

Kathryn Armstrong, whose family owned the ranch where the shooting took place, explained that Whittington had moved to retrieve birds he’d shot, unintentionally putting himself in the line of fire when Cheney began shooting at another flock.

“Mr. Whittington left his position and stood low to the ground with his back to the sun,” she noted, asserting that the vice president was not to blame. “I’ve been doing this all my life. Mr. Whittington could not declare himself and say, ‘Hey, I’m behind you.’

Despite this, Cheney faced criticism for not checking his surroundings before shooting, and the White House was also scrutinized for a delayed announcement regarding the incident.

While Cheney accepted responsibility for the shooting, he chose not to apologize publicly. Whittington endured a mild heart attack days later and lived with more than 20 pellets lodged in his body. Upon leaving the hospital, he expressed regret for what Cheney and his family had endured since the incident, adding, “Accidents do happen and will happen.” He also shared hopes that Cheney would find comfort in Texas.

After the event, Cheney became an easy target for comedians and late-night hosts. The incident was a significant part of the 2018 film *Vice*, which featured Christian Bale portraying Cheney.

Whittington, who died in 2023 at 95, spoke out in 2018 about the film’s portrayal, calling it “inaccurate and misleading.” He insisted there was no ill will toward Cheney and revealed they had shared a meal together since the incident.

Sallie Mae, Whittington’s daughter, echoed her father’s views, admitting that while the accident lingered in their minds, they held no grudges against Cheney. She remarked that despite the unfortunate nature of the incident, her father handled it with dignity and humor, referring to it as a “funny kind of thing in our family’s life.”