Death by Lightning: Michael Shannon’s Frock Coat for President James Garfield’s Assassination

Michael Shannon as President James A. Garfield in Death by Lightning (Episode 4: “Destiny of the Republic”) Vitals Michael Shannon as James A. Garfield, Ohio farmer-turned-20th President of the United States Washington, D.C., Summer 1881 Series: Death by Lightning Episode: “Destiny of the Republic” (Episode 4) Streaming Date: November 6, 2025 Director: Matt Ross Creator: Mike Makowsky Costume Designer: Michael Wilkinson WARNING! Spoilers ahead! Background President James Garfield died 145 years ago today, more than two months after he was shot on July 2, 1881 by Charles Guiteau—the culminating incident of last year’s excellent miniseries Death by Lightning, starring Michael Shannon and Matthew Macfadyen as Garfield and Guiteau, respectively. Adapted from Candace Millard’s book Destiny of the Republic, the four-part series takes its title from Garfield’s own stated sentiment regarding the unlikelihood of preventing political murder: “Assassination could be no more guarded against than…

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