History is full of leaders who’ve stared death in the face and lived to tell the tale. Whether dictators or democratically elected heads of state, many have dodged bullets (literally) more than once, thanks to sharp security teams, wild luck, or pure grit. These brushes with assassination didn’t just make headlines—they helped build larger-than-life reputations. And in some cases, surviving an attempt wasn’t just a personal victory—it became a political turning point that boosted their power and influence.
From near-death escapes to comeback stories, click through the gallery to meet the leaders who turned assassination attempts into chapters of their legend.