Political violence has been a recurring tragedy in American history, targeting sitting and former presidents, as well as presidential candidates. Before the recent attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump on a fateful Saturday, the nation has witnessed several such incidents. Here’s a chronological look at notable assassinations and attempts from the founding of the United States in 1776 to the present.
1. Abraham Lincoln (Assassinated in 1865)
Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth on April 14, 1865, while attending a play at Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C. This assassination came just days after the end of the Civil War, marking the first successful assassination of a U.S. president.
2. James A. Garfield (Assassinated in 1881)
James A. Garfield, the 20th President, was shot by Charles J. Guiteau on July 2, 1881, at the Baltimore and Potomac Railroad Station in Washington, D.C. Garfield succumbed to his injuries on September 19, 1881, after a prolonged struggle with infections resulting from the gunshot wounds.
3. William McKinley (Assassinated in 1901)
William McKinley, the 25th President, was assassinated by Leon Czolgosz, an anarchist, on September 6, 1901, during a public event at the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, New York. McKinley died on September 14, 1901, from gangrene caused by his wounds.
4. John F. Kennedy (Assassinated in 1963)
John F. Kennedy, the 35th President, was assassinated by Lee Harvey Oswald on November 22, 1963, while riding in a motorcade through Dealey Plaza in Dallas, Texas. Kennedy’s assassination remains one of the most analyzed and controversial events in American history.
5. Theodore Roosevelt (Attempted Assassination in 1912)
Former President Theodore Roosevelt survived an assassination attempt on October 14, 1912, while campaigning for a third term as president. John Schrank shot Roosevelt in the chest, but the bullet was slowed by a steel eyeglass case and a folded copy of his speech. Despite being wounded, Roosevelt continued to deliver his speech before seeking medical attention.
6. Franklin D. Roosevelt (Attempted Assassination in 1933)
Franklin D. Roosevelt, then President-elect, narrowly escaped an assassination attempt on February 15, 1933, in Miami, Florida. Giuseppe Zangara fired at Roosevelt, but missed, instead hitting Chicago Mayor Anton Cermak, who later died from his wounds.
7. Harry S. Truman (Attempted Assassination in 1950)
An assassination attempt on President Harry S. Truman occurred on November 1, 1950, by Puerto Rican nationalists Oscar Collazo and Griselio Torresola. The attackers targeted Blair House, where Truman was staying during White House renovations. The attempt was thwarted by Secret Service agents.
8. Gerald Ford (Attempted Assassinations in 1975)
President Gerald Ford faced two assassination attempts in September 1975. On September 5, Lynette “Squeaky” Fromme, a follower of Charles Manson, aimed a gun at Ford in Sacramento, California, but failed to fire. Seventeen days later, Sara Jane Moore fired a shot at Ford in San Francisco, missing him narrowly.
9. Ronald Reagan (Attempted Assassination in 1981)
President Ronald Reagan was shot by John Hinckley Jr. on March 30, 1981, outside the Washington Hilton Hotel. Reagan was seriously wounded but survived. The attack led to significant changes in Secret Service protocols and gun control discussions.
10. Donald Trump (Attempted Assassination in 2024)
The latest incident involved an apparent attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump. Details are emerging, but the incident adds to the grim history of political violence targeting U.S. leaders.
Conclusion
The history of the United States is marred by numerous instances of political violence targeting its leaders. These acts underscore the persistent threats faced by those in high office and highlight the importance of security measures to protect national leaders and ensure the stability of the country’s governance. The resilience of the American political system is a testament to the nation’s enduring commitment to democracy, even in the face of such tragic events.
