Topzle Topzle

List of assassinated American politicians

Updated: 5/20/2026, 8:04:09 PM Wikipedia source

Assassinations carried out against American politicians occurred as early as the 19th century, the earliest of which is believed to have been carried out against David Ramsay in 1815. Since then, several American politicians have been assassinated while being elected or appointed to office, or were candidates for public office. Out of these, four were president of the United States, the earliest of which being Abraham Lincoln in 1865 and the most recent being John F. Kennedy in 1963.

Tables

· Federal offices › Presidents of the United States
Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln
Politician
Abraham Lincoln
Party
Republican
Year
April 14, 1865 (incident) April 15, 1865 (death)
Location
Ford's Theatre, Washington, D .
Assassin
John Wilkes Booth
Motive
Revenge for the defeat of the Confederate States of America
Main article: Assassination of Abraham Lincoln Lincoln was attending a play at Ford's Theatre five days after the surrender of Confederate General Robert E. Lee in the American Civil War. Booth, a well-known actor and a Confederate sympathizer, was allowed into the president's box where he waited at the back until the audience laughed, hoping it wo
Main article: Assassination of Abraham Lincoln Lincoln was attending a play at Ford's Theatre five days after the surrender of Confederate General Robert E. Lee in the American Civil War. Booth, a well-known actor and a Confederate sympathizer, was allowed into the president's box where he waited at the back until the audience laughed, hoping it wo
Politician
Main article: Assassination of Abraham Lincoln Lincoln was attending a play at Ford's Theatre five days after the surrender of Confederate General Robert E. Lee in the American Civil War. Booth, a well-known actor and a Confederate sympathizer, was allowed into the president's box where he waited at the back until the audience laughed, hoping it wo
James A. Garfield
James A. Garfield
Politician
James A. Garfield
Party
Republican
Year
July 2, 1881 (incident) September 19, 1881 (death)
Location
Washington, D .
Assassin
Charles J. Guiteau
Motive
Retribution for perceived failure to reward campaign support
Main article: Assassination of James A. Garfield Garfield arrived at a railroad station on a visit to his ill wife Lucretia Garfield. Guiteau approached Garfield from behind and shot him two times with a pistol. Several doctors arrived to treat the wound, but their actions worsened and contaminated it. Garfield was brought to the White House to rec
Main article: Assassination of James A. Garfield Garfield arrived at a railroad station on a visit to his ill wife Lucretia Garfield. Guiteau approached Garfield from behind and shot him two times with a pistol. Several doctors arrived to treat the wound, but their actions worsened and contaminated it. Garfield was brought to the White House to rec
Politician
Main article: Assassination of James A. Garfield Garfield arrived at a railroad station on a visit to his ill wife Lucretia Garfield. Guiteau approached Garfield from behind and shot him two times with a pistol. Several doctors arrived to treat the wound, but their actions worsened and contaminated it. Garfield was brought to the White House to rec
William McKinley
William McKinley
Politician
William McKinley
Party
Republican
Year
September 6, 1901 (incident) September 14, 1901 (death)
Location
Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, New York
Assassin
Leon Czolgosz
Motive
To advance anarchism
Main article: Assassination of William McKinley McKinley was shaking hands with visitors at the Pan-American Exposition when he was approached by Czolgosz. Czolgosz's hand was bandaged, under which he concealed a revolver. He shot McKinley twice before he was apprehended by guards and members of the crowd. McKinley was brought into surgery at the e
Main article: Assassination of William McKinley McKinley was shaking hands with visitors at the Pan-American Exposition when he was approached by Czolgosz. Czolgosz's hand was bandaged, under which he concealed a revolver. He shot McKinley twice before he was apprehended by guards and members of the crowd. McKinley was brought into surgery at the e
Politician
Main article: Assassination of William McKinley McKinley was shaking hands with visitors at the Pan-American Exposition when he was approached by Czolgosz. Czolgosz's hand was bandaged, under which he concealed a revolver. He shot McKinley twice before he was apprehended by guards and members of the crowd. McKinley was brought into surgery at the e
John F. Kennedy
John F. Kennedy
Politician
John F. Kennedy
Party
Democratic
Year
November 22, 1963
Location
Dallas, Texas
Assassin
Lee Harvey Oswald
Motive
Unknown
Main article: Assassination of John F. Kennedy Kennedy was riding in a motorcade in Dallas, Texas, when Oswald set up a sniper's nest on the sixth floor of the Texas School Book Depository. Kennedy was in an open convertible, and Oswald fired at Kennedy three times with a rifle. The third shot struck Kennedy's skull, releasing brain matter from his
Main article: Assassination of John F. Kennedy Kennedy was riding in a motorcade in Dallas, Texas, when Oswald set up a sniper's nest on the sixth floor of the Texas School Book Depository. Kennedy was in an open convertible, and Oswald fired at Kennedy three times with a rifle. The third shot struck Kennedy's skull, releasing brain matter from his
Politician
Main article: Assassination of John F. Kennedy Kennedy was riding in a motorcade in Dallas, Texas, when Oswald set up a sniper's nest on the sixth floor of the Texas School Book Depository. Kennedy was in an open convertible, and Oswald fired at Kennedy three times with a rifle. The third shot struck Kennedy's skull, releasing brain matter from his
Politician
Portrait
Party
Year
Location
Assassin
Motive
Ref
Abraham Lincoln
Republican
April 14, 1865 (incident) April 15, 1865 (death)
Ford's Theatre, Washington, D .
John Wilkes Booth
Revenge for the defeat of the Confederate States of America
Main article: Assassination of Abraham Lincoln Lincoln was attending a play at Ford's Theatre five days after the surrender of Confederate General Robert E. Lee in the American Civil War. Booth, a well-known actor and a Confederate sympathizer, was allowed into the president's box where he waited at the back until the audience laughed, hoping it wo
James A. Garfield
Republican
July 2, 1881 (incident) September 19, 1881 (death)
Washington, D .
Charles J. Guiteau
Retribution for perceived failure to reward campaign support
Main article: Assassination of James A. Garfield Garfield arrived at a railroad station on a visit to his ill wife Lucretia Garfield. Guiteau approached Garfield from behind and shot him two times with a pistol. Several doctors arrived to treat the wound, but their actions worsened and contaminated it. Garfield was brought to the White House to rec
William McKinley
Republican
September 6, 1901 (incident) September 14, 1901 (death)
Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, New York
Leon Czolgosz
To advance anarchism
Main article: Assassination of William McKinley McKinley was shaking hands with visitors at the Pan-American Exposition when he was approached by Czolgosz. Czolgosz's hand was bandaged, under which he concealed a revolver. He shot McKinley twice before he was apprehended by guards and members of the crowd. McKinley was brought into surgery at the e
John F. Kennedy
Democratic
November 22, 1963
Dallas, Texas
Lee Harvey Oswald
Unknown
Main article: Assassination of John F. Kennedy Kennedy was riding in a motorcade in Dallas, Texas, when Oswald set up a sniper's nest on the sixth floor of the Texas School Book Depository. Kennedy was in an open convertible, and Oswald fired at Kennedy three times with a rifle. The third shot struck Kennedy's skull, releasing brain matter from his
· Federal offices › Members of the United States Congress
Robert Potter
Robert Potter
Politician
Robert Potter
Party
Democratic
Date
March 2, 1842
Office
Former U . representative from North Carolina's 6th district
Location
Harrison County, Republic of Texas
Assassin
William Pinckney Rose and a group of Regulators
Motive
Potter's role as a Moderator
Main article: Regulator–Moderator War Potter participated in the Regulator–Moderator War as a leader of the Harrison County Moderators. Potter's home was surrounded by a group of Regulators led by William Pinckney Rose, causing him to flee and dive into a nearby lake. The Regulators shot and killed him after he jumped in.
Main article: Regulator–Moderator War Potter participated in the Regulator–Moderator War as a leader of the Harrison County Moderators. Potter's home was surrounded by a group of Regulators led by William Pinckney Rose, causing him to flee and dive into a nearby lake. The Regulators shot and killed him after he jumped in.
Politician
Main article: Regulator–Moderator War Potter participated in the Regulator–Moderator War as a leader of the Harrison County Moderators. Potter's home was surrounded by a group of Regulators led by William Pinckney Rose, causing him to flee and dive into a nearby lake. The Regulators shot and killed him after he jumped in.
Josiah M. Anderson
Josiah M. Anderson
Politician
Josiah M. Anderson
Party
Whig
Date
November 8, 1861
Office
Former U . representative from Tennessee's 3rd district
Location
Bledsoe County, Tennessee
Assassin
Unknown Unionists
Motive
Having made a secession speech
Delegate to the 1861 peace convention in Washington, D . Stabbed to death after giving a speech in favor of secession.
Delegate to the 1861 peace convention in Washington, D . Stabbed to death after giving a speech in favor of secession.
Politician
Delegate to the 1861 peace convention in Washington, D . Stabbed to death after giving a speech in favor of secession.
Thomas C. Hindman
Thomas C. Hindman
Politician
Thomas C. Hindman
Party
Democratic
Date
27 September 1868 (incident) 28 September 1868 (death)
Office
Former U . representative from Arkansas's 1st district
Location
Helena, Arkansas
Assassin
Unknown assailants
Motive
Disputed motive
Hindman was in his sitting room with his family when a man shot him with a musket through the open window. The Republican Party was accused of assassinating him, but its members suggested non-political motives for the killing.
Hindman was in his sitting room with his family when a man shot him with a musket through the open window. The Republican Party was accused of assassinating him, but its members suggested non-political motives for the killing.
Politician
Hindman was in his sitting room with his family when a man shot him with a musket through the open window. The Republican Party was accused of assassinating him, but its members suggested non-political motives for the killing.
James M. Hinds
James M. Hinds
Politician
James M. Hinds
Party
Republican
Date
October 22, 1868
Office
U . representative from Arkansas's 2nd district
Location
Monroe County, Arkansas
Assassin
George W. Clark
Motive
Hinds' support for Reconstruction policies
Hinds was shot alongside Reverend James Brooks while they were campaigning for Ulysses S. Grant in the heavily-Democratic Monroe County. Clark caught up to the men on horseback shortly after giving them directions, shooting both men with a shotgun before fleeing. Brooks rode to town for help with minor injuries while Hinds laid mortally wounded. Hi
Hinds was shot alongside Reverend James Brooks while they were campaigning for Ulysses S. Grant in the heavily-Democratic Monroe County. Clark caught up to the men on horseback shortly after giving them directions, shooting both men with a shotgun before fleeing. Brooks rode to town for help with minor injuries while Hinds laid mortally wounded. Hi
Politician
Hinds was shot alongside Reverend James Brooks while they were campaigning for Ulysses S. Grant in the heavily-Democratic Monroe County. Clark caught up to the men on horseback shortly after giving them directions, shooting both men with a shotgun before fleeing. Brooks rode to town for help with minor injuries while Hinds laid mortally wounded. Hi
Thomas Haughey
Thomas Haughey
Politician
Thomas Haughey
Party
Republican
Date
July 31, 1869 (incident) August 5, 1869 (death)
Office
Former U . representative from Alabama's 6th district
Location
Courtland, Alabama
Assassin
Collins (first name unknown)
Motive
Assassin supported Haughey's opponent
Haughey was campaigning for reelection at a courthouse. He got in an argument and then a fistfight with Collins, a supporter of his opponent, who then shot Haughey with a revolver. Haughey died five days later. Collins was broken out of jail and never found.
Haughey was campaigning for reelection at a courthouse. He got in an argument and then a fistfight with Collins, a supporter of his opponent, who then shot Haughey with a revolver. Haughey died five days later. Collins was broken out of jail and never found.
Politician
Haughey was campaigning for reelection at a courthouse. He got in an argument and then a fistfight with Collins, a supporter of his opponent, who then shot Haughey with a revolver. Haughey died five days later. Collins was broken out of jail and never found.
José Francisco Chaves
José Francisco Chaves
Politician
José Francisco Chaves
Party
Republican
Date
November 26, 1904
Office
Former Congressional delegate from the New Mexico Territory's at-large district
Location
Pinos Wells, New Mexico
Assassin
Unknown assailant
Motive
Unknown motive
Chaves was dining at a friend's home when a man shot at him through a window.
Chaves was dining at a friend's home when a man shot at him through a window.
Politician
Chaves was dining at a friend's home when a man shot at him through a window.
John M. Pinckney
John M. Pinckney
Politician
John M. Pinckney
Party
Democratic
Date
April 24, 1905
Office
U . representative from Texas's 8th district
Location
Hempstead, Texas
Assassin
J. N. Brown
Motive
Pinckney's support for Prohibitionism
Pinckney was speaking during a Prohibition League event when a protestor, J. N. Brown, fired his pistol at the prohibitionists. A 30-second gunfight broke out between the groups. Pinckney died trying to stop the fight and his brother died trying to pull him back. Brown and Prohibition League leader John Mills were also killed. Brown's son was also
Pinckney was speaking during a Prohibition League event when a protestor, J. N. Brown, fired his pistol at the prohibitionists. A 30-second gunfight broke out between the groups. Pinckney died trying to stop the fight and his brother died trying to pull him back. Brown and Prohibition League leader John Mills were also killed. Brown's son was also
Politician
Pinckney was speaking during a Prohibition League event when a protestor, J. N. Brown, fired his pistol at the prohibitionists. A 30-second gunfight broke out between the groups. Pinckney died trying to stop the fight and his brother died trying to pull him back. Brown and Prohibition League leader John Mills were also killed. Brown's son was also
Huey Long
Huey Long
Politician
Huey Long
Party
Democratic
Date
September 9, 1935 (incident) September 10, 1935 (death)
Office
U . senator from Louisiana; Former Governor of Louisiana
Location
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Assassin
Carl Weiss
Motive
Disputed motive
Main article: Assassination of Huey Long Long was an influential but polarizing figure in American politics, and previous assassination attempts caused him to hire bodyguards. While at the Louisiana State Capitol to give his thoughts on state legislation, Weiss approached him and shot him with a revolver. Bodyguards tackled Weiss and then returned
Main article: Assassination of Huey Long Long was an influential but polarizing figure in American politics, and previous assassination attempts caused him to hire bodyguards. While at the Louisiana State Capitol to give his thoughts on state legislation, Weiss approached him and shot him with a revolver. Bodyguards tackled Weiss and then returned
Politician
Main article: Assassination of Huey Long Long was an influential but polarizing figure in American politics, and previous assassination attempts caused him to hire bodyguards. While at the Louisiana State Capitol to give his thoughts on state legislation, Weiss approached him and shot him with a revolver. Bodyguards tackled Weiss and then returned
Robert F. Kennedy
Robert F. Kennedy
Politician
Robert F. Kennedy
Party
Democratic
Date
June 5, 1968 (incident) June 6, 1968 (death)
Office
U . senator from New York; Presidential candidate; Former attorney general
Location
Los Angeles, California
Assassin
Sirhan Sirhan
Motive
Revenge for Kennedy's support for Israel during the Six-Day War
Main article: Assassination of Robert F. Kennedy Kennedy was staying at the Ambassador Hotel while campaigning for president. While cutting through the kitchen to reach his room after a speech, Sirhan Sirhan fired eight shots from a pistol, hitting Kennedy in the head. Kennedy was taken to Good Samaritan Hospital where he died 26 hours later. Congr
Main article: Assassination of Robert F. Kennedy Kennedy was staying at the Ambassador Hotel while campaigning for president. While cutting through the kitchen to reach his room after a speech, Sirhan Sirhan fired eight shots from a pistol, hitting Kennedy in the head. Kennedy was taken to Good Samaritan Hospital where he died 26 hours later. Congr
Politician
Main article: Assassination of Robert F. Kennedy Kennedy was staying at the Ambassador Hotel while campaigning for president. While cutting through the kitchen to reach his room after a speech, Sirhan Sirhan fired eight shots from a pistol, hitting Kennedy in the head. Kennedy was taken to Good Samaritan Hospital where he died 26 hours later. Congr
Leo Ryan
Leo Ryan
Politician
Leo Ryan
Party
Democratic
Date
November 18, 1978
Office
U . representative from California's 11th district
Location
Port Kaituma, Guyana
Assassin
Members of the People's Temple
Motive
Ryan's investigation of Jonestown
Ryan went to Guyana to investigate allegations of abuse in the Jonestown settlement of the Peoples Temple movement, and he examined the facility. He learned that several members wanted to leave and brought them to the airport as he left. Members of the Peoples Temple ambushed his delegation before he boarded, killing Ryan and four others. Peoples T
Ryan went to Guyana to investigate allegations of abuse in the Jonestown settlement of the Peoples Temple movement, and he examined the facility. He learned that several members wanted to leave and brought them to the airport as he left. Members of the Peoples Temple ambushed his delegation before he boarded, killing Ryan and four others. Peoples T
Politician
Ryan went to Guyana to investigate allegations of abuse in the Jonestown settlement of the Peoples Temple movement, and he examined the facility. He learned that several members wanted to leave and brought them to the airport as he left. Members of the Peoples Temple ambushed his delegation before he boarded, killing Ryan and four others. Peoples T
Allard K. Lowenstein
Allard K. Lowenstein
Politician
Allard K. Lowenstein
Party
Democratic
Date
March 14, 1980
Office
Former U . representative from New York's 5th district
Location
New York City, New York
Assassin
Dennis Sweeney
Motive
Schizophrenia-induced belief that Lowenstein was the leader of an international Jewish conspiracy
Sweeney was a student and political ally of Lowenstein. Believing that Lowenstein led a conspiracy targeting him, Sweeney entered Lowenstein's office and shot him with a pistol. Sweeney then waited in the office for the police to arrest him. He was found not guilty by reason of insanity.
Sweeney was a student and political ally of Lowenstein. Believing that Lowenstein led a conspiracy targeting him, Sweeney entered Lowenstein's office and shot him with a pistol. Sweeney then waited in the office for the police to arrest him. He was found not guilty by reason of insanity.
Politician
Sweeney was a student and political ally of Lowenstein. Believing that Lowenstein led a conspiracy targeting him, Sweeney entered Lowenstein's office and shot him with a pistol. Sweeney then waited in the office for the police to arrest him. He was found not guilty by reason of insanity.
Politician
Portrait
Party
Date
Office
Location
Assassin
Motive
Ref
Robert Potter
Democratic
March 2, 1842
Former U . representative from North Carolina's 6th district
Harrison County, Republic of Texas
William Pinckney Rose and a group of Regulators
Potter's role as a Moderator
Main article: Regulator–Moderator War Potter participated in the Regulator–Moderator War as a leader of the Harrison County Moderators. Potter's home was surrounded by a group of Regulators led by William Pinckney Rose, causing him to flee and dive into a nearby lake. The Regulators shot and killed him after he jumped in.
Josiah M. Anderson
Whig
November 8, 1861
Former U . representative from Tennessee's 3rd district
Bledsoe County, Tennessee
Unknown Unionists
Having made a secession speech
Delegate to the 1861 peace convention in Washington, D . Stabbed to death after giving a speech in favor of secession.
Thomas C. Hindman
Democratic
27 September 1868 (incident) 28 September 1868 (death)
Former U . representative from Arkansas's 1st district
Helena, Arkansas
Unknown assailants
Disputed motive
Hindman was in his sitting room with his family when a man shot him with a musket through the open window. The Republican Party was accused of assassinating him, but its members suggested non-political motives for the killing.
James M. Hinds
Republican
October 22, 1868
U . representative from Arkansas's 2nd district
Monroe County, Arkansas
George W. Clark
Hinds' support for Reconstruction policies
Hinds was shot alongside Reverend James Brooks while they were campaigning for Ulysses S. Grant in the heavily-Democratic Monroe County. Clark caught up to the men on horseback shortly after giving them directions, shooting both men with a shotgun before fleeing. Brooks rode to town for help with minor injuries while Hinds laid mortally wounded. Hi
Thomas Haughey
Republican
July 31, 1869 (incident) August 5, 1869 (death)
Former U . representative from Alabama's 6th district
Courtland, Alabama
Collins (first name unknown)
Assassin supported Haughey's opponent
Haughey was campaigning for reelection at a courthouse. He got in an argument and then a fistfight with Collins, a supporter of his opponent, who then shot Haughey with a revolver. Haughey died five days later. Collins was broken out of jail and never found.
José Francisco Chaves
Republican
November 26, 1904
Former Congressional delegate from the New Mexico Territory's at-large district
Pinos Wells, New Mexico
Unknown assailant
Unknown motive
Chaves was dining at a friend's home when a man shot at him through a window.
John M. Pinckney
Democratic
April 24, 1905
U . representative from Texas's 8th district
Hempstead, Texas
J. N. Brown
Pinckney's support for Prohibitionism
Pinckney was speaking during a Prohibition League event when a protestor, J. N. Brown, fired his pistol at the prohibitionists. A 30-second gunfight broke out between the groups. Pinckney died trying to stop the fight and his brother died trying to pull him back. Brown and Prohibition League leader John Mills were also killed. Brown's son was also
Huey Long
Democratic
September 9, 1935 (incident) September 10, 1935 (death)
U . senator from Louisiana; Former Governor of Louisiana
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Carl Weiss
Disputed motive
Main article: Assassination of Huey Long Long was an influential but polarizing figure in American politics, and previous assassination attempts caused him to hire bodyguards. While at the Louisiana State Capitol to give his thoughts on state legislation, Weiss approached him and shot him with a revolver. Bodyguards tackled Weiss and then returned
Robert F. Kennedy
Democratic
June 5, 1968 (incident) June 6, 1968 (death)
U . senator from New York; Presidential candidate; Former attorney general
Los Angeles, California
Sirhan Sirhan
Revenge for Kennedy's support for Israel during the Six-Day War
Main article: Assassination of Robert F. Kennedy Kennedy was staying at the Ambassador Hotel while campaigning for president. While cutting through the kitchen to reach his room after a speech, Sirhan Sirhan fired eight shots from a pistol, hitting Kennedy in the head. Kennedy was taken to Good Samaritan Hospital where he died 26 hours later. Congr
Leo Ryan
Democratic
November 18, 1978
U . representative from California's 11th district
Port Kaituma, Guyana
Members of the People's Temple
Ryan's investigation of Jonestown
Ryan went to Guyana to investigate allegations of abuse in the Jonestown settlement of the Peoples Temple movement, and he examined the facility. He learned that several members wanted to leave and brought them to the airport as he left. Members of the Peoples Temple ambushed his delegation before he boarded, killing Ryan and four others. Peoples T
Allard K. Lowenstein
Democratic
March 14, 1980
Former U . representative from New York's 5th district
New York City, New York
Dennis Sweeney
Schizophrenia-induced belief that Lowenstein was the leader of an international Jewish conspiracy
Sweeney was a student and political ally of Lowenstein. Believing that Lowenstein led a conspiracy targeting him, Sweeney entered Lowenstein's office and shot him with a pistol. Sweeney then waited in the office for the police to arrest him. He was found not guilty by reason of insanity.
· Federal offices › Federal judges
John H. Wood Jr.
John H. Wood Jr.
Politician
John H. Wood Jr.
Date
May 29, 1979
Office
Judge of the U . District Court, Western District of Texas
Location
San Antonio, Texas
Assassin
Charles Harrelson
Motive
Contract killing ordered by Jamiel Chagra as he was set to be tried by Wood
As a judge, Wood had a reputation for giving severe sentences in drug-related cases. Drug trafficker Jamiel Chagra was set to be tried by Wood, so he hired contract killer Charles Harrelson to kill the judge. On his way to the court, Wood was shot by Harrelson in the back with a rifle, killing him instantly. The Federal Bureau of Investigation laun
As a judge, Wood had a reputation for giving severe sentences in drug-related cases. Drug trafficker Jamiel Chagra was set to be tried by Wood, so he hired contract killer Charles Harrelson to kill the judge. On his way to the court, Wood was shot by Harrelson in the back with a rifle, killing him instantly. The Federal Bureau of Investigation laun
Politician
As a judge, Wood had a reputation for giving severe sentences in drug-related cases. Drug trafficker Jamiel Chagra was set to be tried by Wood, so he hired contract killer Charles Harrelson to kill the judge. On his way to the court, Wood was shot by Harrelson in the back with a rifle, killing him instantly. The Federal Bureau of Investigation laun
Richard J. Daronco
Richard J. Daronco
Politician
Richard J. Daronco
Date
May 21, 1988
Office
Judge of the U . District Court, Southern District of New York
Location
Pelham, New York
Assassin
Charles Koster
Motive
Assailant was the father of a plaintiff whose harassment suit was dismissed by Daronco
Daronco presided over a discrimination and sexual harassment case in 1988, in which Carolee Koster was suing Chase Bank and her boss Allan Ross after she was fired. Carolee and her father Charles dedicated years of their lives and most of their savings to the case. Charles had to be removed from the courtroom during the case because of his emotiona
Daronco presided over a discrimination and sexual harassment case in 1988, in which Carolee Koster was suing Chase Bank and her boss Allan Ross after she was fired. Carolee and her father Charles dedicated years of their lives and most of their savings to the case. Charles had to be removed from the courtroom during the case because of his emotiona
Politician
Daronco presided over a discrimination and sexual harassment case in 1988, in which Carolee Koster was suing Chase Bank and her boss Allan Ross after she was fired. Carolee and her father Charles dedicated years of their lives and most of their savings to the case. Charles had to be removed from the courtroom during the case because of his emotiona
Robert Smith Vance
Robert Smith Vance
Politician
Robert Smith Vance
Party
Democratic
Date
December 16, 1989
Office
Judge of the U . Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit
Location
Mountain Brook, Alabama
Assassin
Walter Moody
Motive
Killed after the court refused to expunge a previous conviction for explosives possession from the assailant's record
Vance was targeted by Moody because he was a member of the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals. Moody had been convicted of possessing an explosive in 1972 and blamed the court for his failure to get the conviction overturned. Moody mailed a pipe bomb to Vance on December 14. Vance received it two days later and opened the package at his kitchen tabl
Vance was targeted by Moody because he was a member of the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals. Moody had been convicted of possessing an explosive in 1972 and blamed the court for his failure to get the conviction overturned. Moody mailed a pipe bomb to Vance on December 14. Vance received it two days later and opened the package at his kitchen tabl
Politician
Vance was targeted by Moody because he was a member of the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals. Moody had been convicted of possessing an explosive in 1972 and blamed the court for his failure to get the conviction overturned. Moody mailed a pipe bomb to Vance on December 14. Vance received it two days later and opened the package at his kitchen tabl
Politician
Portrait
Party
Date
Office
Location
Assassin
Motive
Ref
John H. Wood Jr.
May 29, 1979
Judge of the U . District Court, Western District of Texas
San Antonio, Texas
Charles Harrelson
Contract killing ordered by Jamiel Chagra as he was set to be tried by Wood
As a judge, Wood had a reputation for giving severe sentences in drug-related cases. Drug trafficker Jamiel Chagra was set to be tried by Wood, so he hired contract killer Charles Harrelson to kill the judge. On his way to the court, Wood was shot by Harrelson in the back with a rifle, killing him instantly. The Federal Bureau of Investigation laun
Richard J. Daronco
May 21, 1988
Judge of the U . District Court, Southern District of New York
Pelham, New York
Charles Koster
Assailant was the father of a plaintiff whose harassment suit was dismissed by Daronco
Daronco presided over a discrimination and sexual harassment case in 1988, in which Carolee Koster was suing Chase Bank and her boss Allan Ross after she was fired. Carolee and her father Charles dedicated years of their lives and most of their savings to the case. Charles had to be removed from the courtroom during the case because of his emotiona
Robert Smith Vance
Democratic
December 16, 1989
Judge of the U . Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit
Mountain Brook, Alabama
Walter Moody
Killed after the court refused to expunge a previous conviction for explosives possession from the assailant's record
Vance was targeted by Moody because he was a member of the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals. Moody had been convicted of possessing an explosive in 1972 and blamed the court for his failure to get the conviction overturned. Moody mailed a pipe bomb to Vance on December 14. Vance received it two days later and opened the package at his kitchen tabl
· State offices › Governors
Charles Bent
Charles Bent
Politician
Charles Bent
Party
Independent
Date
January 19, 1847
Office
Governor of the New Mexico Territory
Location
Taos, New Mexico
Assassin
Tomás Romero; Pablo Montoya
Motive
Part of the Taos Revolt; opposition to American presence in New Mexico
Bent was appointed governor of the New Mexico Territory, which was part of Mexico until it was occupied by the United States. Several Hispanic and Native American residents of Taos and the nearby settlement Taos Pueblo attacked Bent in his home. He refused to act in his own defense, believing the assailants to be his friends. They shot him with arr
Bent was appointed governor of the New Mexico Territory, which was part of Mexico until it was occupied by the United States. Several Hispanic and Native American residents of Taos and the nearby settlement Taos Pueblo attacked Bent in his home. He refused to act in his own defense, believing the assailants to be his friends. They shot him with arr
Politician
Bent was appointed governor of the New Mexico Territory, which was part of Mexico until it was occupied by the United States. Several Hispanic and Native American residents of Taos and the nearby settlement Taos Pueblo attacked Bent in his home. He refused to act in his own defense, believing the assailants to be his friends. They shot him with arr
Edwin Stanton McCook
Edwin Stanton McCook
Politician
Edwin Stanton McCook
Party
Republican
Date
September 11, 1873
Office
Acting governor of the Dakota Territory
Location
Yankton, Dakota Territory
Assassin
Peter Wintermute
Motive
Argument
McCook was the Secretary of the Dakota Territory and served as acting governor. In March 1873, he got into an argument with banker Peter Wintermute about the reappointment of Governor John A. Burbank. The men then encountered each other in September during a meeting about the Dakota Southern Railroad where they argued again. Wintermute insulted McC
McCook was the Secretary of the Dakota Territory and served as acting governor. In March 1873, he got into an argument with banker Peter Wintermute about the reappointment of Governor John A. Burbank. The men then encountered each other in September during a meeting about the Dakota Southern Railroad where they argued again. Wintermute insulted McC
Politician
McCook was the Secretary of the Dakota Territory and served as acting governor. In March 1873, he got into an argument with banker Peter Wintermute about the reappointment of Governor John A. Burbank. The men then encountered each other in September during a meeting about the Dakota Southern Railroad where they argued again. Wintermute insulted McC
William Goebel
William Goebel
Politician
William Goebel
Party
Democratic
Date
January 30, 1900 (incident) February 3, 1900 (death)
Office
Governor of Kentucky
Location
Frankfort, Kentucky
Assassin
Unknown assailant
Motive
Unknown motive
Goebel lost the 1899 Kentucky gubernatorial election but challenged it as fraudulent. He arrived at the Old State Capitol on January 30, 1900, to hear a committee's findings on election fraud. As Goebel approached the building, he was shot in the chest with a rifle. Goebel was brought back to his hotel. The committee determined that the election ha
Goebel lost the 1899 Kentucky gubernatorial election but challenged it as fraudulent. He arrived at the Old State Capitol on January 30, 1900, to hear a committee's findings on election fraud. As Goebel approached the building, he was shot in the chest with a rifle. Goebel was brought back to his hotel. The committee determined that the election ha
Politician
Goebel lost the 1899 Kentucky gubernatorial election but challenged it as fraudulent. He arrived at the Old State Capitol on January 30, 1900, to hear a committee's findings on election fraud. As Goebel approached the building, he was shot in the chest with a rifle. Goebel was brought back to his hotel. The committee determined that the election ha
Frank Steunenberg
Frank Steunenberg
Politician
Frank Steunenberg
Party
Democratic
Date
December 30, 1905
Office
Former Governor of Idaho
Location
Caldwell, Idaho
Assassin
Albert Horsley
Motive
Opposition to Steunenberg's labor policy
Steunenberg was killed by a bomb planted on his front gate by miner Albert Horsley on December 30, 1905. Steunenberg had been elected governor of Idaho in 1896 but became unpopular with the mining union and chose not to run for reelection in 1900. The bomb exploded when Steunenberg opened the gate, and he died shortly after. Horsley was arrested, h
Steunenberg was killed by a bomb planted on his front gate by miner Albert Horsley on December 30, 1905. Steunenberg had been elected governor of Idaho in 1896 but became unpopular with the mining union and chose not to run for reelection in 1900. The bomb exploded when Steunenberg opened the gate, and he died shortly after. Horsley was arrested, h
Politician
Steunenberg was killed by a bomb planted on his front gate by miner Albert Horsley on December 30, 1905. Steunenberg had been elected governor of Idaho in 1896 but became unpopular with the mining union and chose not to run for reelection in 1900. The bomb exploded when Steunenberg opened the gate, and he died shortly after. Horsley was arrested, h
Politician
Portrait
Party
Date
Office
Location
Assassin
Motive
Ref
Charles Bent
Independent
January 19, 1847
Governor of the New Mexico Territory
Taos, New Mexico
Tomás Romero; Pablo Montoya
Part of the Taos Revolt; opposition to American presence in New Mexico
Bent was appointed governor of the New Mexico Territory, which was part of Mexico until it was occupied by the United States. Several Hispanic and Native American residents of Taos and the nearby settlement Taos Pueblo attacked Bent in his home. He refused to act in his own defense, believing the assailants to be his friends. They shot him with arr
Edwin Stanton McCook
Republican
September 11, 1873
Acting governor of the Dakota Territory
Yankton, Dakota Territory
Peter Wintermute
Argument
McCook was the Secretary of the Dakota Territory and served as acting governor. In March 1873, he got into an argument with banker Peter Wintermute about the reappointment of Governor John A. Burbank. The men then encountered each other in September during a meeting about the Dakota Southern Railroad where they argued again. Wintermute insulted McC
William Goebel
Democratic
January 30, 1900 (incident) February 3, 1900 (death)
Governor of Kentucky
Frankfort, Kentucky
Unknown assailant
Unknown motive
Goebel lost the 1899 Kentucky gubernatorial election but challenged it as fraudulent. He arrived at the Old State Capitol on January 30, 1900, to hear a committee's findings on election fraud. As Goebel approached the building, he was shot in the chest with a rifle. Goebel was brought back to his hotel. The committee determined that the election ha
Frank Steunenberg
Democratic
December 30, 1905
Former Governor of Idaho
Caldwell, Idaho
Albert Horsley
Opposition to Steunenberg's labor policy
Steunenberg was killed by a bomb planted on his front gate by miner Albert Horsley on December 30, 1905. Steunenberg had been elected governor of Idaho in 1896 but became unpopular with the mining union and chose not to run for reelection in 1900. The bomb exploded when Steunenberg opened the gate, and he died shortly after. Horsley was arrested, h
· State offices › State legislators
Some accounts allege Treulten's home was attacked by a group of men (possibly British) who set his home on fire after he refused to come outside. After fleeing his burning home with his family, Treulten was singled out and killed. Another theory is that Treulten was captured and killed by British forces in South Carolina amidst the ongoing American
Some accounts allege Treulten's home was attacked by a group of men (possibly British) who set his home on fire after he refused to come outside. After fleeing his burning home with his family, Treulten was singled out and killed. Another theory is that Treulten was captured and killed by British forces in South Carolina amidst the ongoing American
Politician
Some accounts allege Treulten's home was attacked by a group of men (possibly British) who set his home on fire after he refused to come outside. After fleeing his burning home with his family, Treulten was singled out and killed. Another theory is that Treulten was captured and killed by British forces in South Carolina amidst the ongoing American
David Ramsay
David Ramsay
Politician
David Ramsay
Year
May 6, 1815 (incident) May 8, 1815 (death)
Office
Former president of the South Carolina Senate
Location
Charleston, South Carolina
Assassin
William Linnen
Suspected motive
Assailant retaliated after Ramsay deemed him insane
Ramsay had been asked to evaluate Linnen's mental state and determined him insane, sending him to prison. Linnen was eventually released and made threats against Ramsay, who did not take them seriously. On May 6, 1815, Linnen walked past Ramsay holding a handkerchief. He then turned around, drew a pistol from beneath it, and shot Ramsay three times
Ramsay had been asked to evaluate Linnen's mental state and determined him insane, sending him to prison. Linnen was eventually released and made threats against Ramsay, who did not take them seriously. On May 6, 1815, Linnen walked past Ramsay holding a handkerchief. He then turned around, drew a pistol from beneath it, and shot Ramsay three times
Politician
Ramsay had been asked to evaluate Linnen's mental state and determined him insane, sending him to prison. Linnen was eventually released and made threats against Ramsay, who did not take them seriously. On May 6, 1815, Linnen walked past Ramsay holding a handkerchief. He then turned around, drew a pistol from beneath it, and shot Ramsay three times
Strang was the leader of his own sect of Mormonism, proclaiming himself its king. Three men who opposed Strang, each for their own reasons, formed a plot to kill him. They were led by McCulloch, a former friend of Strang's. They allied with Captain Charles H. McBlair of USS Michigan, who docked at Beaver Island and summoned Strang to board the ship
Strang was the leader of his own sect of Mormonism, proclaiming himself its king. Three men who opposed Strang, each for their own reasons, formed a plot to kill him. They were led by McCulloch, a former friend of Strang's. They allied with Captain Charles H. McBlair of USS Michigan, who docked at Beaver Island and summoned Strang to board the ship
Politician
Strang was the leader of his own sect of Mormonism, proclaiming himself its king. Three men who opposed Strang, each for their own reasons, formed a plot to kill him. They were led by McCulloch, a former friend of Strang's. They allied with Captain Charles H. McBlair of USS Michigan, who docked at Beaver Island and summoned Strang to board the ship
Thomas Johnson
Thomas Johnson
Politician
Thomas Johnson
Year
January 2, 1865
Office
Former member of the Kansas Territorial Legislature
Location
Kansas City, Missouri
Assassin
Disputed
Suspected motive
Disputed
A group of men approached Johnson's home after midnight under the guise of asking for directions. The men tried to force their way into Johnson's home and in the process shot him in abdomen, killing him. Johnson had attempted to bring slavery to Kansas, but at the start of the American Civil War had moved to Missouri and declared his support for th
A group of men approached Johnson's home after midnight under the guise of asking for directions. The men tried to force their way into Johnson's home and in the process shot him in abdomen, killing him. Johnson had attempted to bring slavery to Kansas, but at the start of the American Civil War had moved to Missouri and declared his support for th
Politician
A group of men approached Johnson's home after midnight under the guise of asking for directions. The men tried to force their way into Johnson's home and in the process shot him in abdomen, killing him. Johnson had attempted to bring slavery to Kansas, but at the start of the American Civil War had moved to Missouri and declared his support for th
Almon Case
Almon Case
Politician
Almon Case
Party
Republican
Year
January 11, 1867
Office
Member of the Tennessee Senate
Location
Obion County, Tennessee
Assassin
Frank Farris
Suspected motive
Attacks on Republicans
Case was shot and killed outside his home by Farris due to Case's pro-Union stance. Case's son had been shot and killed a year earlier in an attempted assassination.
Case was shot and killed outside his home by Farris due to Case's pro-Union stance. Case's son had been shot and killed a year earlier in an attempted assassination.
Politician
Case was shot and killed outside his home by Farris due to Case's pro-Union stance. Case's son had been shot and killed a year earlier in an attempted assassination.
Dill was at home with his wife, Rebecca, and a freedman named Nestor Ellison who he had befriended. Assailants fired into the home, killing Dill and Ellison and wounding his wife.
Dill was at home with his wife, Rebecca, and a freedman named Nestor Ellison who he had befriended. Assailants fired into the home, killing Dill and Ellison and wounding his wife.
Politician
Dill was at home with his wife, Rebecca, and a freedman named Nestor Ellison who he had befriended. Assailants fired into the home, killing Dill and Ellison and wounding his wife.
Martin was returning home from the Abbeville Court House on a mule and a wagon full of whiskey and was accompanied by three black men. The group was overtaken by a group of armed men on horseback and they demanded that they surrender and hand over the whiskey in order to not be hurt. The group surrendered, but the men began to pursue Martin who beg
Martin was returning home from the Abbeville Court House on a mule and a wagon full of whiskey and was accompanied by three black men. The group was overtaken by a group of armed men on horseback and they demanded that they surrender and hand over the whiskey in order to not be hurt. The group surrendered, but the men began to pursue Martin who beg
Politician
Martin was returning home from the Abbeville Court House on a mule and a wagon full of whiskey and was accompanied by three black men. The group was overtaken by a group of armed men on horseback and they demanded that they surrender and hand over the whiskey in order to not be hurt. The group surrendered, but the men began to pursue Martin who beg
Benjamin F. Randolph
Benjamin F. Randolph
Politician
Benjamin F. Randolph
Party
Republican
Year
October 16, 1868
Office
Member of the South Carolina Senate
Location
Hodges, South Carolina
Assassin
Ku Klux Klan (alleged)
Suspected motive
Attacks on Republicans
Randolph was a black senator who was killed after arriving at Hodges Station by train. The Ku Klux Klan was allegedly responsible for the assassination.
Randolph was a black senator who was killed after arriving at Hodges Station by train. The Ku Klux Klan was allegedly responsible for the assassination.
Politician
Randolph was a black senator who was killed after arriving at Hodges Station by train. The Ku Klux Klan was allegedly responsible for the assassination.
Joseph Adkins
Joseph Adkins
Politician
Joseph Adkins
Party
Republican
Year
May 10, 1869
Office
Member of the Georgia State Senate
Location
Dearing, Georgia
Assassin
Ellis Adams (Ku Klux Klan)
Suspected motive
Attacks on Republicans
Adkins was a politician who supported civil rights for African Americans, becoming an enemy of the Klan shortly after they had murdered George Ashburn. Arrived at Dearing railroad depot on his return from Washington, D ., where he had been leader of a delegation to counter Klan violence and request military support. Adkins was intercepted by a mob
Adkins was a politician who supported civil rights for African Americans, becoming an enemy of the Klan shortly after they had murdered George Ashburn. Arrived at Dearing railroad depot on his return from Washington, D ., where he had been leader of a delegation to counter Klan violence and request military support. Adkins was intercepted by a mob
Politician
Adkins was a politician who supported civil rights for African Americans, becoming an enemy of the Klan shortly after they had murdered George Ashburn. Arrived at Dearing railroad depot on his return from Washington, D ., where he had been leader of a delegation to counter Klan violence and request military support. Adkins was intercepted by a mob
John W. Stephens
John W. Stephens
Politician
John W. Stephens
Party
Republican
Year
May 21, 1870
Office
Member of the North Carolina Senate
Location
Yanceyville, North Carolina
Assassin
Caswell County chapter of the Ku Klux Klan
Suspected motive
Attacks on Republicans
Stephens sat in on a Conservative meeting where he was received with hostility over his support for Reconstruction. He was allowed to sit, but he was accused of being a spy for the Republicans. Former county sheriff Frank Wiley spoke to Stephens, and the two went into the courthouse's basement where he was ambushed and killed by the Ku Klux Klan. A
Stephens sat in on a Conservative meeting where he was received with hostility over his support for Reconstruction. He was allowed to sit, but he was accused of being a spy for the Republicans. Former county sheriff Frank Wiley spoke to Stephens, and the two went into the courthouse's basement where he was ambushed and killed by the Ku Klux Klan. A
Politician
Stephens sat in on a Conservative meeting where he was received with hostility over his support for Reconstruction. He was allowed to sit, but he was accused of being a spy for the Republicans. Former county sheriff Frank Wiley spoke to Stephens, and the two went into the courthouse's basement where he was ambushed and killed by the Ku Klux Klan. A
Burke was shot and killed near his home by Ku Klux Klan members for his work attempting to organize meetings among African Americans.
Burke was shot and killed near his home by Ku Klux Klan members for his work attempting to organize meetings among African Americans.
Politician
Burke was shot and killed near his home by Ku Klux Klan members for his work attempting to organize meetings among African Americans.
Main article: Assassination of Wade Perrin Perrin was captured by a group of Ku Klux Klan members while walking along the street. The men ordered Perrin to do a series of actions, such as dancing, singing, praying, and finally to run away. When Perrin began to run away he was shot and killed.
Main article: Assassination of Wade Perrin Perrin was captured by a group of Ku Klux Klan members while walking along the street. The men ordered Perrin to do a series of actions, such as dancing, singing, praying, and finally to run away. When Perrin began to run away he was shot and killed.
Politician
Main article: Assassination of Wade Perrin Perrin was captured by a group of Ku Klux Klan members while walking along the street. The men ordered Perrin to do a series of actions, such as dancing, singing, praying, and finally to run away. When Perrin began to run away he was shot and killed.
Dupree was killed sometime in 1873 by a group of white men. While not much is known about the circumstances, the men were believed to have been part of the Ku Klux Klan and had killed him due to Dupree's campaigning for Davis.
Dupree was killed sometime in 1873 by a group of white men. While not much is known about the circumstances, the men were believed to have been part of the Ku Klux Klan and had killed him due to Dupree's campaigning for Davis.
Politician
Dupree was killed sometime in 1873 by a group of white men. While not much is known about the circumstances, the men were believed to have been part of the Ku Klux Klan and had killed him due to Dupree's campaigning for Davis.
Elisha G. Johnson
Elisha G. Johnson
Politician
Elisha G. Johnson
Party
Republican
Year
July 21, 1875
Office
Member of the Florida Senate
Location
Lake City, Florida
Assassin
Unknown
Suspected motive
Unknown
Johnson was a member of the Florida Senate at a time when it was evenly split between Democrats and Republicans. While closing his store at night, he was shot and killed with a shotgun. This gave Democrats a majority in the legislature, but they denied involvement. It was one of many attacks against Republicans in Florida during this period.
Johnson was a member of the Florida Senate at a time when it was evenly split between Democrats and Republicans. While closing his store at night, he was shot and killed with a shotgun. This gave Democrats a majority in the legislature, but they denied involvement. It was one of many attacks against Republicans in Florida during this period.
Politician
Johnson was a member of the Florida Senate at a time when it was evenly split between Democrats and Republicans. While closing his store at night, he was shot and killed with a shotgun. This gave Democrats a majority in the legislature, but they denied involvement. It was one of many attacks against Republicans in Florida during this period.
Crews was ambushed by McGann while riding in a buggy across a creek and was struck by five shotgun pellets, one of which pierced his spine and paralyzed him. Crews would succumb to his injuries five days later. McGann alleged he had been hired by Republicans Cullen Lark and John Hamilton to kill Crews, but both were released due to a lack of eviden
Crews was ambushed by McGann while riding in a buggy across a creek and was struck by five shotgun pellets, one of which pierced his spine and paralyzed him. Crews would succumb to his injuries five days later. McGann alleged he had been hired by Republicans Cullen Lark and John Hamilton to kill Crews, but both were released due to a lack of eviden
Politician
Crews was ambushed by McGann while riding in a buggy across a creek and was struck by five shotgun pellets, one of which pierced his spine and paralyzed him. Crews would succumb to his injuries five days later. McGann alleged he had been hired by Republicans Cullen Lark and John Hamilton to kill Crews, but both were released due to a lack of eviden
Charles Caldwell
Charles Caldwell
Politician
Charles Caldwell
Party
Republican
Year
December 30, 1875
Office
Member of the Mississippi State Senate
Location
Clinton, Mississippi
Assassin
Several assailants
Suspected motive
Racism
Caldwell was killed by white vigilantes as one of many attacks on black Mississippians. Some time after his house was vandalized and his neighbors were killed, a friend lured him into an ambush where he was shot by a mob.
Caldwell was killed by white vigilantes as one of many attacks on black Mississippians. Some time after his house was vandalized and his neighbors were killed, a friend lured him into an ambush where he was shot by a mob.
Politician
Caldwell was killed by white vigilantes as one of many attacks on black Mississippians. Some time after his house was vandalized and his neighbors were killed, a friend lured him into an ambush where he was shot by a mob.
Rush and his wife Aggy were returning home from an election campaign picnic at a church near Timmonsville when the couple stopped at a creek to let their horses drink. While stopped, Rush was shot in the heart and instantly killed. A neighbor, William D. Purvis, was tried for Rush's killing, but he was acquitted.
Rush and his wife Aggy were returning home from an election campaign picnic at a church near Timmonsville when the couple stopped at a creek to let their horses drink. While stopped, Rush was shot in the heart and instantly killed. A neighbor, William D. Purvis, was tried for Rush's killing, but he was acquitted.
Politician
Rush and his wife Aggy were returning home from an election campaign picnic at a church near Timmonsville when the couple stopped at a creek to let their horses drink. While stopped, Rush was shot in the heart and instantly killed. A neighbor, William D. Purvis, was tried for Rush's killing, but he was acquitted.
Main article: Ellenton massacre Coker was among between 25 to 100 African Americans killed by a mob of between 500 to 600 white men from Georgia who spread out in the area of Aiken County to attack and kill freedmen. Coker was allegedly killed while pleading for his life.
Main article: Ellenton massacre Coker was among between 25 to 100 African Americans killed by a mob of between 500 to 600 white men from Georgia who spread out in the area of Aiken County to attack and kill freedmen. Coker was allegedly killed while pleading for his life.
Politician
Main article: Ellenton massacre Coker was among between 25 to 100 African Americans killed by a mob of between 500 to 600 white men from Georgia who spread out in the area of Aiken County to attack and kill freedmen. Coker was allegedly killed while pleading for his life.
Cardis was one of several politicians in El Paso who tried to seize control of the Guadalupe Peak salt deposits from local Mexican–Americans. He became enemies with his former friend Howard, a district judge, and they had physical altercations on two separate occasions. Howard tried to claim the deposits for himself, and a mob captured him when he
Cardis was one of several politicians in El Paso who tried to seize control of the Guadalupe Peak salt deposits from local Mexican–Americans. He became enemies with his former friend Howard, a district judge, and they had physical altercations on two separate occasions. Howard tried to claim the deposits for himself, and a mob captured him when he
Politician
Cardis was one of several politicians in El Paso who tried to seize control of the Guadalupe Peak salt deposits from local Mexican–Americans. He became enemies with his former friend Howard, a district judge, and they had physical altercations on two separate occasions. Howard tried to claim the deposits for himself, and a mob captured him when he
Tison was walking in front of Sanders' store when Sanders stood at the door and shot Tison with a shotgun. Tison died instantly. Tison and his brothers had beaten Sanders the previous week following a feud between Sanders and the Tison family. Sanders was arrested shortly after the assassination.
Tison was walking in front of Sanders' store when Sanders stood at the door and shot Tison with a shotgun. Tison died instantly. Tison and his brothers had beaten Sanders the previous week following a feud between Sanders and the Tison family. Sanders was arrested shortly after the assassination.
Politician
Tison was walking in front of Sanders' store when Sanders stood at the door and shot Tison with a shotgun. Tison died instantly. Tison and his brothers had beaten Sanders the previous week following a feud between Sanders and the Tison family. Sanders was arrested shortly after the assassination.
Samuel Newitt Wood
Samuel Newitt Wood
Politician
Samuel Newitt Wood
Party
Republican
Year
June 23, 1891
Office
Member of the Kansas Senate
Location
Hugoton, Kansas
Assassin
James Brennan
Suspected motive
Unknown
Wood's friend-turned-enemy Judge Theodosius Botkin appointed Wood's enemy William O'Connor as county attorney, allowing him to persecute Wood. Wood went to Hugoton for a court appearance on one of O'Connor's charges against him despite fears that his political opponents there may harm him. Wood went into the courtroom to check the docket, and as he
Wood's friend-turned-enemy Judge Theodosius Botkin appointed Wood's enemy William O'Connor as county attorney, allowing him to persecute Wood. Wood went to Hugoton for a court appearance on one of O'Connor's charges against him despite fears that his political opponents there may harm him. Wood went into the courtroom to check the docket, and as he
Politician
Wood's friend-turned-enemy Judge Theodosius Botkin appointed Wood's enemy William O'Connor as county attorney, allowing him to persecute Wood. Wood went to Hugoton for a court appearance on one of O'Connor's charges against him despite fears that his political opponents there may harm him. Wood went into the courtroom to check the docket, and as he
A. J. Rosier
A. J. Rosier
Politician
A. J. Rosier
Party
Republican
Year
April 15, 1932
Office
Member of the Wyoming Senate
Location
Rawlins, Wyoming
Assassin
Thomas Lacey
Suspected motive
Rosier's refusal to represent Lacey in a lawsuit Lacey had filed
Lacey requested that Rosier, who was also an attorney, to represent him in a lawsuit against the authorities who had arrested and convicted him on gambling charges. Rosier refused, and Lacey decided to kill him in retaliation. Lacey followed Rosier into a local bank and shot him once in the back, fatally wounding him, before fleeing and dying by su
Lacey requested that Rosier, who was also an attorney, to represent him in a lawsuit against the authorities who had arrested and convicted him on gambling charges. Rosier refused, and Lacey decided to kill him in retaliation. Lacey followed Rosier into a local bank and shot him once in the back, fatally wounding him, before fleeing and dying by su
Politician
Lacey requested that Rosier, who was also an attorney, to represent him in a lawsuit against the authorities who had arrested and convicted him on gambling charges. Rosier refused, and Lacey decided to kill him in retaliation. Lacey followed Rosier into a local bank and shot him once in the back, fatally wounding him, before fleeing and dying by su
Robbed, then shot by three gunmen on his doorstep after arriving home with his family. Former associate of Al Capone. Various theories for motive.
Robbed, then shot by three gunmen on his doorstep after arriving home with his family. Former associate of Al Capone. Various theories for motive.
Politician
Robbed, then shot by three gunmen on his doorstep after arriving home with his family. Former associate of Al Capone. Various theories for motive.
Shot with shotgun in back of the head following a car chase that ended at Washtenaw Avenue and Harrison Street shortly after midnight. Specific assailants not identified. Possibly killed due to being unsuccessful in assisting certain prisoners in Joliet Penitentiary in getting parole. John's brother was Joseph "Red" Bolton, himself killed two years
Shot with shotgun in back of the head following a car chase that ended at Washtenaw Avenue and Harrison Street shortly after midnight. Specific assailants not identified. Possibly killed due to being unsuccessful in assisting certain prisoners in Joliet Penitentiary in getting parole. John's brother was Joseph "Red" Bolton, himself killed two years
Politician
Shot with shotgun in back of the head following a car chase that ended at Washtenaw Avenue and Harrison Street shortly after midnight. Specific assailants not identified. Possibly killed due to being unsuccessful in assisting certain prisoners in Joliet Penitentiary in getting parole. John's brother was Joseph "Red" Bolton, himself killed two years
Albert Patterson
Albert Patterson
Politician
Albert Patterson
Party
Democratic
Year
June 18, 1954
Office
Member of the Alabama Senate; Nominee for Attorney General of Alabama
Location
Phenix City, Alabama
Assassin
Unknown
Suspected motive
Patterson's campaign against organized crime
Patterson was the Democratic nominee to be Attorney General of Alabama when he was shot three times as he was leaving his law office and getting in his car. He died minutes later. Governor Gordon Persons declared limited martial law and had state officials replace local prosecutors and investigators. Over the following months, hundreds of people co
Patterson was the Democratic nominee to be Attorney General of Alabama when he was shot three times as he was leaving his law office and getting in his car. He died minutes later. Governor Gordon Persons declared limited martial law and had state officials replace local prosecutors and investigators. Over the following months, hundreds of people co
Politician
Patterson was the Democratic nominee to be Attorney General of Alabama when he was shot three times as he was leaving his law office and getting in his car. He died minutes later. Governor Gordon Persons declared limited martial law and had state officials replace local prosecutors and investigators. Over the following months, hundreds of people co
Jordan was shot three times with a shotgun by multiple assailants while he was leaving his tavern. The Mafia is alleged to have been involved.
Jordan was shot three times with a shotgun by multiple assailants while he was leaving his tavern. The Mafia is alleged to have been involved.
Politician
Jordan was shot three times with a shotgun by multiple assailants while he was leaving his tavern. The Mafia is alleged to have been involved.
Larry Kuriyama
Larry Kuriyama
Politician
Larry Kuriyama
Party
Democratic
Year
October 23, 1970
Office
Member of the Hawaii Senate
Location
ʻAiea, Hawaii
Assassin
Ronald K. Ching
Suspected motive
Unknown
Kuriyama was shot by Ching in the parking garage of his home as he returned from a political rally. Ching was a professional hitman and had been hired to assassinate Kuriyama.
Kuriyama was shot by Ching in the parking garage of his home as he returned from a political rally. Ching was a professional hitman and had been hired to assassinate Kuriyama.
Politician
Kuriyama was shot by Ching in the parking garage of his home as he returned from a political rally. Ching was a professional hitman and had been hired to assassinate Kuriyama.
In April 1973, Scott was indicted on federal charges of having trafficked almost 40 pounds of heroin between New York and Baltimore during 1971 and 1972. On July 13, 1973, Scott was found dead in the parking garage of his apartment, having been killed by two shotgun blasts, shot several times with a small caliber handgun, and cut on the throat. An
In April 1973, Scott was indicted on federal charges of having trafficked almost 40 pounds of heroin between New York and Baltimore during 1971 and 1972. On July 13, 1973, Scott was found dead in the parking garage of his apartment, having been killed by two shotgun blasts, shot several times with a small caliber handgun, and cut on the throat. An
Politician
In April 1973, Scott was indicted on federal charges of having trafficked almost 40 pounds of heroin between New York and Baltimore during 1971 and 1972. On July 13, 1973, Scott was found dead in the parking garage of his apartment, having been killed by two shotgun blasts, shot several times with a small caliber handgun, and cut on the throat. An
Tommy Burks
Tommy Burks
Politician
Tommy Burks
Party
Democratic
Year
October 19, 1998
Office
Member of the Tennessee Senate
Location
Monterey, Tennessee
Assassin
Byron Looper
Suspected motive
Election
Burks was assassinated by his opponent, Byron Looper, in his reelection campaign for the Tennessee Senate. Burks was driving his truck when he was shot. Looper was convicted for the killing. Burks' widow Charlotte Burks took his place as a candidate and was elected to succeed him in the Tennessee Senate.
Burks was assassinated by his opponent, Byron Looper, in his reelection campaign for the Tennessee Senate. Burks was driving his truck when he was shot. Looper was convicted for the killing. Burks' widow Charlotte Burks took his place as a candidate and was elected to succeed him in the Tennessee Senate.
Politician
Burks was assassinated by his opponent, Byron Looper, in his reelection campaign for the Tennessee Senate. Burks was driving his truck when he was shot. Looper was convicted for the killing. Burks' widow Charlotte Burks took his place as a candidate and was elected to succeed him in the Tennessee Senate.
Bill Gwatney
Bill Gwatney
Politician
Bill Gwatney
Party
Democratic
Year
August 13, 2008
Office
Former member of the Arkansas Senate Chair of the Democratic Party of Arkansas
Location
Little Rock, Arkansas
Assassin
Timothy Dale Johnson
Suspected motive
Unknown
Gwatney was shot by Johnson in the headquarters of the Democratic Party of Arkansas, dying from his wounds four hours later. Johnson had entered the building and shot Gwatney after being fired from his job at Target. Johnson led police in a car chase, and he was killed by police after he began shooting at them.
Gwatney was shot by Johnson in the headquarters of the Democratic Party of Arkansas, dying from his wounds four hours later. Johnson had entered the building and shot Gwatney after being fired from his job at Target. Johnson led police in a car chase, and he was killed by police after he began shooting at them.
Politician
Gwatney was shot by Johnson in the headquarters of the Democratic Party of Arkansas, dying from his wounds four hours later. Johnson had entered the building and shot Gwatney after being fired from his job at Target. Johnson led police in a car chase, and he was killed by police after he began shooting at them.
Clementa C. Pinckney
Clementa C. Pinckney
Politician
Clementa C. Pinckney
Party
Democratic
Year
June 17, 2015
Office
Member of the South Carolina Senate
Location
Charleston, South Carolina
Assassin
Dylann Roof
Suspected motive
White supremacy
Main article: Charleston church shooting Pinckney was part of a bible study group at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church where he was reverend when Roof entered and asked to join. Roof participated for nearly an hour before he drew a gun and began shooting people in the church. Pinckney and eight others were killed. Roof was captured in
Main article: Charleston church shooting Pinckney was part of a bible study group at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church where he was reverend when Roof entered and asked to join. Roof participated for nearly an hour before he drew a gun and began shooting people in the church. Pinckney and eight others were killed. Roof was captured in
Politician
Main article: Charleston church shooting Pinckney was part of a bible study group at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church where he was reverend when Roof entered and asked to join. Roof participated for nearly an hour before he drew a gun and began shooting people in the church. Pinckney and eight others were killed. Roof was captured in
Main article: 2025 shootings of Minnesota legislators Hortman and her husband, Mark were shot and killed in their home by a gunman impersonating a police officer. State Senator John Hoffman and his wife were also shot and injured at their home in nearby Champlin.
Main article: 2025 shootings of Minnesota legislators Hortman and her husband, Mark were shot and killed in their home by a gunman impersonating a police officer. State Senator John Hoffman and his wife were also shot and injured at their home in nearby Champlin.
Politician
Main article: 2025 shootings of Minnesota legislators Hortman and her husband, Mark were shot and killed in their home by a gunman impersonating a police officer. State Senator John Hoffman and his wife were also shot and injured at their home in nearby Champlin.
Politician
Portrait
Party
Year
Office
Location
Assassin
Suspected motive
Ref
John A. Treulten
Non-partisan
1782
Member of the Georgia House of Representatives; former governor of Georgia
Savannah, Georgia (disputed)
Disputed
Disputed
Some accounts allege Treulten's home was attacked by a group of men (possibly British) who set his home on fire after he refused to come outside. After fleeing his burning home with his family, Treulten was singled out and killed. Another theory is that Treulten was captured and killed by British forces in South Carolina amidst the ongoing American
David Ramsay
May 6, 1815 (incident) May 8, 1815 (death)
Former president of the South Carolina Senate
Charleston, South Carolina
William Linnen
Assailant retaliated after Ramsay deemed him insane
Ramsay had been asked to evaluate Linnen's mental state and determined him insane, sending him to prison. Linnen was eventually released and made threats against Ramsay, who did not take them seriously. On May 6, 1815, Linnen walked past Ramsay holding a handkerchief. He then turned around, drew a pistol from beneath it, and shot Ramsay three times
James Strang
Democratic
June 16, 1856 (incident) July 9, 1856 (death)
Member of the Michigan House of Representatives
Beaver Island, Michigan
Hezekiah McCulloch, Thomas Bedford, and Alexander Wentworth
Opposition to Strang's religious leadership
Strang was the leader of his own sect of Mormonism, proclaiming himself its king. Three men who opposed Strang, each for their own reasons, formed a plot to kill him. They were led by McCulloch, a former friend of Strang's. They allied with Captain Charles H. McBlair of USS Michigan, who docked at Beaver Island and summoned Strang to board the ship
Thomas Johnson
January 2, 1865
Former member of the Kansas Territorial Legislature
Kansas City, Missouri
Disputed
Disputed
A group of men approached Johnson's home after midnight under the guise of asking for directions. The men tried to force their way into Johnson's home and in the process shot him in abdomen, killing him. Johnson had attempted to bring slavery to Kansas, but at the start of the American Civil War had moved to Missouri and declared his support for th
Almon Case
Republican
January 11, 1867
Member of the Tennessee Senate
Obion County, Tennessee
Frank Farris
Attacks on Republicans
Case was shot and killed outside his home by Farris due to Case's pro-Union stance. Case's son had been shot and killed a year earlier in an attempted assassination.
Solomon Dill
Republican
June 4, 1868
Member of the South Carolina House of Representatives
Kershaw County, South Carolina
Unknown
Attacks on Republicans
Dill was at home with his wife, Rebecca, and a freedman named Nestor Ellison who he had befriended. Assailants fired into the home, killing Dill and Ellison and wounding his wife.
James Martin
Republican
October 5, 1868
Member of the South Carolina House of Representatives
Abbeville County, South Carolina
Ku Klux Klan (alleged)
Attacks on Republicans
Martin was returning home from the Abbeville Court House on a mule and a wagon full of whiskey and was accompanied by three black men. The group was overtaken by a group of armed men on horseback and they demanded that they surrender and hand over the whiskey in order to not be hurt. The group surrendered, but the men began to pursue Martin who beg
Benjamin F. Randolph
Republican
October 16, 1868
Member of the South Carolina Senate
Hodges, South Carolina
Ku Klux Klan (alleged)
Attacks on Republicans
Randolph was a black senator who was killed after arriving at Hodges Station by train. The Ku Klux Klan was allegedly responsible for the assassination.
Joseph Adkins
Republican
May 10, 1869
Member of the Georgia State Senate
Dearing, Georgia
Ellis Adams (Ku Klux Klan)
Attacks on Republicans
Adkins was a politician who supported civil rights for African Americans, becoming an enemy of the Klan shortly after they had murdered George Ashburn. Arrived at Dearing railroad depot on his return from Washington, D ., where he had been leader of a delegation to counter Klan violence and request military support. Adkins was intercepted by a mob
John W. Stephens
Republican
May 21, 1870
Member of the North Carolina Senate
Yanceyville, North Carolina
Caswell County chapter of the Ku Klux Klan
Attacks on Republicans
Stephens sat in on a Conservative meeting where he was received with hostility over his support for Reconstruction. He was allowed to sit, but he was accused of being a spy for the Republicans. Former county sheriff Frank Wiley spoke to Stephens, and the two went into the courthouse's basement where he was ambushed and killed by the Ku Klux Klan. A
Richard Burke
August 1870
Member of the Alabama House of Representatives
Sumter County, Alabama
Ku Klux Klan
Attempting to organize meetings of African Americans
Burke was shot and killed near his home by Ku Klux Klan members for his work attempting to organize meetings among African Americans.
Wade Perrin
Republican
October 20, 1870
Member of the South Carolina House of Representatives
Joanna, South Carolina
Ku Klux Klan
Racism
Main article: Assassination of Wade Perrin Perrin was captured by a group of Ku Klux Klan members while walking along the street. The men ordered Perrin to do a series of actions, such as dancing, singing, praying, and finally to run away. When Perrin began to run away he was shot and killed.
J. Goldsteen Dupree
Republican
1873
Former member of the Texas House of Representatives
Ku Klux Klan (alleged)
Dupree's campaigning for Edmund J. Davis' re-election (alleged)
Dupree was killed sometime in 1873 by a group of white men. While not much is known about the circumstances, the men were believed to have been part of the Ku Klux Klan and had killed him due to Dupree's campaigning for Davis.
Elisha G. Johnson
Republican
July 21, 1875
Member of the Florida Senate
Lake City, Florida
Unknown
Unknown
Johnson was a member of the Florida Senate at a time when it was evenly split between Democrats and Republicans. While closing his store at night, he was shot and killed with a shotgun. This gave Democrats a majority in the legislature, but they denied involvement. It was one of many attacks against Republicans in Florida during this period.
Joseph Crews
Republican
September 8, 1875 (incident) September 13, 1875 (death)
Member of the South Carolina House of Representatives
Laurens County, South Carolina
Francis McGann
Unknown
Crews was ambushed by McGann while riding in a buggy across a creek and was struck by five shotgun pellets, one of which pierced his spine and paralyzed him. Crews would succumb to his injuries five days later. McGann alleged he had been hired by Republicans Cullen Lark and John Hamilton to kill Crews, but both were released due to a lack of eviden
Charles Caldwell
Republican
December 30, 1875
Member of the Mississippi State Senate
Clinton, Mississippi
Several assailants
Racism
Caldwell was killed by white vigilantes as one of many attacks on black Mississippians. Some time after his house was vandalized and his neighbors were killed, a friend lured him into an ambush where he was shot by a mob.
Alfred Rush
May 13, 1876
Member of the South Carolina House of Representatives
Florence County, South Carolina
Unknown
Attacks on Republicans
Rush and his wife Aggy were returning home from an election campaign picnic at a church near Timmonsville when the couple stopped at a creek to let their horses drink. While stopped, Rush was shot in the heart and instantly killed. A neighbor, William D. Purvis, was tried for Rush's killing, but he was acquitted.
Simon P. Coker
Republican
September 1876
Member of the South Carolina House of Representatives
Aiken County, South Carolina
White race rioters
Suppression of African American voters
Main article: Ellenton massacre Coker was among between 25 to 100 African Americans killed by a mob of between 500 to 600 white men from Georgia who spread out in the area of Aiken County to attack and kill freedmen. Coker was allegedly killed while pleading for his life.
Louis Cardis
Republican
October 10, 1877
Member of the Texas House of Representatives
El Paso, Texas
Charles Howard
Argument during the San Elizario Salt War
Cardis was one of several politicians in El Paso who tried to seize control of the Guadalupe Peak salt deposits from local Mexican–Americans. He became enemies with his former friend Howard, a district judge, and they had physical altercations on two separate occasions. Howard tried to claim the deposits for himself, and a mob captured him when he
W. H. H. Tison
Democratic
December 4, 1882
Speaker of the Mississippi House of Representatives
Baldwyn, Mississippi
J. Edward Sanders
Retaliation for an attack
Tison was walking in front of Sanders' store when Sanders stood at the door and shot Tison with a shotgun. Tison died instantly. Tison and his brothers had beaten Sanders the previous week following a feud between Sanders and the Tison family. Sanders was arrested shortly after the assassination.
Harriel G. Geiger
Greenback Party
May 19, 1886 (incident) June 11, 1886 (death)
Former member of the Texas House of Representatives
Hearne, Texas
O . Cannon
Racism
Geiger was a black man who became a lawyer after leaving the Texas House of Representatives. He was disliked by the racist white citizens of the region. While Geiger was defending a former slave in court, O . Cannon took offense to something Geiger said and shot him five times, fatally wounding him.
Samuel Newitt Wood
Republican
June 23, 1891
Member of the Kansas Senate
Hugoton, Kansas
James Brennan
Unknown
Wood's friend-turned-enemy Judge Theodosius Botkin appointed Wood's enemy William O'Connor as county attorney, allowing him to persecute Wood. Wood went to Hugoton for a court appearance on one of O'Connor's charges against him despite fears that his political opponents there may harm him. Wood went into the courtroom to check the docket, and as he
A. J. Rosier
Republican
April 15, 1932
Member of the Wyoming Senate
Rawlins, Wyoming
Thomas Lacey
Rosier's refusal to represent Lacey in a lawsuit Lacey had filed
Lacey requested that Rosier, who was also an attorney, to represent him in a lawsuit against the authorities who had arrested and convicted him on gambling charges. Rosier refused, and Lacey decided to kill him in retaliation. Lacey followed Rosier into a local bank and shot him once in the back, fatally wounding him, before fleeing and dying by su
Albert J. Prignano
Democratic
December 29, 1935
Member of the Illinois House of Representatives
Chicago, Illinois
Organized crime
Unknown
Robbed, then shot by three gunmen on his doorstep after arriving home with his family. Former associate of Al Capone. Various theories for motive.
John M. Bolton
Democratic
July 9, 1936
Member of the Illinois House of Representatives
Chicago, Illinois
Organized crime
Revenge linked to organized crime

References

  1. Marion & Oliver 2010, pp. 15–34.
  2. Marion & Oliver 2010, pp. 35–52.
  3. Marion & Oliver 2010, pp. 53–68.
  4. Marion & Oliver 2010, pp. 113–130.
  5. Biographical Directory of the United States Congress
    https://bioguide.congress.gov/search/bio/P000467
  6. "MURDER OF HON. JOSIAH M. ANDERSON"
    https://genealogytrails.com/tenn/sequatchie/news_crime.html
  7. The Lion of the South: General Thomas C. Hindman
    https://archive.org/details/lionofsouthgener0000neal
  8. Marion & Oliver 2014, James Hinds (R-AR).
  9. Marion & Oliver 2014, Thomas Haughey (R-AL).
  10. POLITICO
    https://www.politico.com/story/2012/11/this-day-in-politics-084194
  11. Marion & Oliver 2014, John Pinckney (D-TX).
  12. Marion & Oliver 2014, Huey Long (D-LA).
  13. Marion & Oliver 2014, Robert Kennedy (D-NY).
  14. Marion & Oliver 2014, Leo Ryan (D-CA).
  15. The New York Times
    https://www.nytimes.com/1992/11/01/nyregion/lowenstein-killer-moves-toward-freedom.html
  16. Creighton Law Review
    https://heinonline.org/HOL/LandingPage?handle=hein.journals/creigh49&div=5
  17. Revolt at Taos: The New Mexican and Indian Insurrection of 1847
    https://archive.org/details/revoltattaosnewm0000crut/
  18. South Dakota History
    https://www.sdhspress.com/journal/south-dakota-history-31-2/territorial-justice-under-fire-the-trials-of-peter-wintermute-1873-1875/vol-31-no-2-territorial-justice-under-fire.pdf
  19. William Goebel: The Politics of Wrath
    https://archive.org/details/williamgoebelpol0000klot/
  20. Reforming America: A Thematic Encyclopedia and Document Collection of the Progressive Era
    https://archive.org/details/isbn_9781440847523_1/
Image
Source:
Tip: Wheel or +/− to zoom, drag to pan, Esc to close.