What action did Dr. Leale perform at Ford's Theatre?

• A. He captured the culprit.
• B. He reported the event to authorities.
• C. He examined Lincoln for knife wounds.
• D. He treated the crowd.

Answer: (C)

Dr. Leale’s action was to perform the first on-site medical examination of Lincoln after the shooting. He rushed to Lincoln’s box at Ford’s Theatre, checked for signs of life, and assessed the injuries to determine the seriousness of the wound and what could be done next. This quick assessment is what the question is highlighting. He did not capture the assailant, nor was his primary role to report to authorities or to treat the crowd. His job in that moment was to evaluate Lincoln and coordinate further care, which is why examining Lincoln for injuries—specifically a gunshot wound to the head—is the key action.