Death of a President

The core events occur on October 19, 2007, when President Bush is fatally shot in Chicago. The narrative then spans the ensuing months as investigations, trials, and political reactions unfold, with the closing notes hinting at long-term security policy changes. The film also references events from earlier decades (e.g., the 1991 Gulf War) to build context for the characters' motives.

The assassination takes place in Chicago, Illinois, during an economic forum at the Chicago Sheraton Hotel. The film also threads in Rock Island, Illinois, where a top-secret itinerary ties the crime to a veteran’s family history. Central scenes unfold around the Stateville Correctional Center, where the suspect is held and where legal developments play out in a courtroom setting.

🗳️ Power & Security

The narrative shows how political leadership leverages a national tragedy to justify expanding security powers. Cheney, now president, pushes for stronger surveillance and a broader FBI reach, framed as protecting the country from evolving threats. The film critiques the ease with which public fear can be harnessed to change laws and civil liberties.

🔎 Truth & Evidence

The story centers on conflicting attributions of the crime—from Jamal Abu Zikri to Al Claybon—highlighting how forensic evidence can be questioned and how political pressure can shape interpretations. The documentary style blurs lines between eyewitness accounts, official statements, and private motives. It questions the reliability of information released to the public during a crisis.

🎬 Media & Narrative

News coverage and televised debates drive the public reaction, influencing perceptions of guilt and legitimacy. The film uses montage of reports, interviews, and court proceedings to show how narratives are constructed around a political assassination. It underscores the power of media in shaping policy decisions and historical memory.