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List of assassinated American politicians

Updated: 11/5/2025, 10:41:54 AM 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
mw- .mw- April 14, 1865 (incident)April 15, 1865 (death)
Location
Ford's Theatre, Washington, D.C.
Assassin
John Wilkes Booth
Motive
Lincoln's defeat of the Confederate States of America
mw- .mw- .mw- .mw- }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 would mask the sound of his gun. He shot Lincoln in the back of the head with a pistol. He then drew a knife and slashed at Major Henry Rathbone. Booth leapt from the box onto the stage where he broke his leg, shouted "sic semper tyrannis", and then fled to his horse. An unsuccessful attack on Secretary of State William H. Seward took place simultaneously. Lincoln was taken to a boarding house across the street where he died nine hours later. Booth was found by soldiers on April 26. Wielding a gun and refusing to surrender, Booth was shot and killed by Sergeant Boston Corbett. Eight co-conspirators were tried for Lincoln's assassination and found guilty by a military commission, four of whom were executed by hanging on July 7, 1865.
mw- .mw- .mw- .mw- }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 would mask the sound of his gun. He shot Lincoln in the back of the head with a pistol. He then drew a knife and slashed at Major Henry Rathbone. Booth leapt from the box onto the stage where he broke his leg, shouted "sic semper tyrannis", and then fled to his horse. An unsuccessful attack on Secretary of State William H. Seward took place simultaneously. Lincoln was taken to a boarding house across the street where he died nine hours later. Booth was found by soldiers on April 26. Wielding a gun and refusing to surrender, Booth was shot and killed by Sergeant Boston Corbett. Eight co-conspirators were tried for Lincoln's assassination and found guilty by a military commission, four of whom were executed by hanging on July 7, 1865.
Politician
mw- .mw- .mw- .mw- }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 would mask the sound of his gun. He shot Lincoln in the back of the head with a pistol. He then drew a knife and slashed at Major Henry Rathbone. Booth leapt from the box onto the stage where he broke his leg, shouted "sic semper tyrannis", and then fled to his horse. An unsuccessful attack on Secretary of State William H. Seward took place simultaneously. Lincoln was taken to a boarding house across the street where he died nine hours later. Booth was found by soldiers on April 26. Wielding a gun and refusing to surrender, Booth was shot and killed by Sergeant Boston Corbett. Eight co-conspirators were tried for Lincoln's assassination and found guilty by a military commission, four of whom were executed by hanging on July 7, 1865.
James A. Garfield
James A. Garfield
Politician
James A. Garfield
Party
Republican
Year
July 2, 1881 (incident)September 19, 1881 (death)
Location
Washington, D.C.
Assassin
Charles J. Guiteau
Motive
Assailant was refused a patronage appointment
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 three 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 receive further treatment, remaining in critical condition and developing sepsis over the following weeks as doctors kept exacerbating the wound. He was brought to Elberon, New Jersey, in September to escape Washington's warm climate. He died from his wound days later. Guiteau was hanged on June 30, 1882.
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 three 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 receive further treatment, remaining in critical condition and developing sepsis over the following weeks as doctors kept exacerbating the wound. He was brought to Elberon, New Jersey, in September to escape Washington's warm climate. He died from his wound days later. Guiteau was hanged on June 30, 1882.
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 three 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 receive further treatment, remaining in critical condition and developing sepsis over the following weeks as doctors kept exacerbating the wound. He was brought to Elberon, New Jersey, in September to escape Washington's warm climate. He died from his wound days later. Guiteau was hanged on June 30, 1882.
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
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 exposition's medical facility and partially recovered while staying at the home of John G. Milburn. His condition then declined and he developed gangrene. McKinley died eight days after he was shot. Czolgosz confessed to the killing and said that it was his "duty". He was executed by electric chair on October 29, 1901.
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 exposition's medical facility and partially recovered while staying at the home of John G. Milburn. His condition then declined and he developed gangrene. McKinley died eight days after he was shot. Czolgosz confessed to the killing and said that it was his "duty". He was executed by electric chair on October 29, 1901.
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 exposition's medical facility and partially recovered while staying at the home of John G. Milburn. His condition then declined and he developed gangrene. McKinley died eight days after he was shot. Czolgosz confessed to the killing and said that it was his "duty". He was executed by electric chair on October 29, 1901.
John F. Kennedy
John F. Kennedy
Politician
John F. Kennedy
Party
Democratic
Year
November 22, 1963
Location
Dallas, Texas
Assassin
Lee Harvey Oswald
Motive
Disputed motive
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 head. He was taken to Parkland Memorial Hospital and was pronounced dead half an hour later. Oswald fled from the scene and killed Officer J. D. Tippit with a revolver when he was approached as a potential suspect. Police apprehended Oswald two hours after the assassination. As Oswald was being escorted through the police department two days later, businessman Jack Ruby approached Oswald and shot him on live television. Oswald died two hours later. Kennedy's assassination was one of the most defining events of the 20th century in the United States, and numerous conspiracy theories and conflicting eyewitness accounts have presented alternate explanations of how and why Kennedy was killed.
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 head. He was taken to Parkland Memorial Hospital and was pronounced dead half an hour later. Oswald fled from the scene and killed Officer J. D. Tippit with a revolver when he was approached as a potential suspect. Police apprehended Oswald two hours after the assassination. As Oswald was being escorted through the police department two days later, businessman Jack Ruby approached Oswald and shot him on live television. Oswald died two hours later. Kennedy's assassination was one of the most defining events of the 20th century in the United States, and numerous conspiracy theories and conflicting eyewitness accounts have presented alternate explanations of how and why Kennedy was killed.
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 head. He was taken to Parkland Memorial Hospital and was pronounced dead half an hour later. Oswald fled from the scene and killed Officer J. D. Tippit with a revolver when he was approached as a potential suspect. Police apprehended Oswald two hours after the assassination. As Oswald was being escorted through the police department two days later, businessman Jack Ruby approached Oswald and shot him on live television. Oswald died two hours later. Kennedy's assassination was one of the most defining events of the 20th century in the United States, and numerous conspiracy theories and conflicting eyewitness accounts have presented alternate explanations of how and why Kennedy was killed.
Politician
Portrait
Party
Year
Location
Assassin
Motive
Ref
Abraham Lincoln
Republican
mw- April 14, 1865 (incident)April 15, 1865 (death)
Ford's Theatre, Washington, D.C.
John Wilkes Booth
Lincoln's 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 would mask the sound of his gun. He shot Lincoln in the back of the head with a pistol. He then drew a knife and slashed at Major Henry Rathbone. Booth leapt from the box onto the stage where he broke his leg, shouted "sic semper tyrannis", and then fled to his horse. An unsuccessful attack on Secretary of State William H. Seward took place simultaneously. Lincoln was taken to a boarding house across the street where he died nine hours later. Booth was found by soldiers on April 26. Wielding a gun and refusing to surrender, Booth was shot and killed by Sergeant Boston Corbett. Eight co-conspirators were tried for Lincoln's assassination and found guilty by a military commission, four of whom were executed by hanging on July 7, 1865.
James A. Garfield
Republican
July 2, 1881 (incident)September 19, 1881 (death)
Washington, D.C.
Charles J. Guiteau
Assailant was refused a patronage appointment
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 three 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 receive further treatment, remaining in critical condition and developing sepsis over the following weeks as doctors kept exacerbating the wound. He was brought to Elberon, New Jersey, in September to escape Washington's warm climate. He died from his wound days later. Guiteau was hanged on June 30, 1882.
William McKinley
Republican
September 6, 1901 (incident)September 14, 1901 (death)
Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, New York
Leon Czolgosz
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 exposition's medical facility and partially recovered while staying at the home of John G. Milburn. His condition then declined and he developed gangrene. McKinley died eight days after he was shot. Czolgosz confessed to the killing and said that it was his "duty". He was executed by electric chair on October 29, 1901.
John F. Kennedy
Democratic
November 22, 1963
Dallas, Texas
Lee Harvey Oswald
Disputed motive
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 head. He was taken to Parkland Memorial Hospital and was pronounced dead half an hour later. Oswald fled from the scene and killed Officer J. D. Tippit with a revolver when he was approached as a potential suspect. Police apprehended Oswald two hours after the assassination. As Oswald was being escorted through the police department two days later, businessman Jack Ruby approached Oswald and shot him on live television. Oswald died two hours later. Kennedy's assassination was one of the most defining events of the 20th century in the United States, and numerous conspiracy theories and conflicting eyewitness accounts have presented alternate explanations of how and why Kennedy was killed.
· Federal offices › Members of the United States Congress
Wiley Thompson
Wiley Thompson
Politician
Wiley Thompson
Party
Democratic
Date
December 28, 1835
Office
Former U.S. representative from Georgia (at-large)
Location
Ocala, Florida
Assassin
Osceola and around 60 warriors
Motive
Opposition to Indian removal from Florida
Thompson became the Superintendent of Seminole Removal a year after leaving Congress. Thompson headed to Fort King to continue his pressure campaign to have the Seminoles removed, but he and Lieutenant Constantine Smith were ambushed by Osceola and approximately 60 of his warriors as they arrived. The Seminoles shot and killed Thompson before scalping him.
Thompson became the Superintendent of Seminole Removal a year after leaving Congress. Thompson headed to Fort King to continue his pressure campaign to have the Seminoles removed, but he and Lieutenant Constantine Smith were ambushed by Osceola and approximately 60 of his warriors as they arrived. The Seminoles shot and killed Thompson before scalping him.
Politician
Thompson became the Superintendent of Seminole Removal a year after leaving Congress. Thompson headed to Fort King to continue his pressure campaign to have the Seminoles removed, but he and Lieutenant Constantine Smith were ambushed by Osceola and approximately 60 of his warriors as they arrived. The Seminoles shot and killed Thompson before scalping him.
Josiah M. Anderson
Josiah M. Anderson
Politician
Josiah M. Anderson
Party
Whig
Date
November 8, 1861
Office
Former U.S. 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.C. Stabbed to death after giving a speech in favor of secession.
Delegate to the 1861 peace convention in Washington, D.C. Stabbed to death after giving a speech in favor of secession.
Politician
Delegate to the 1861 peace convention in Washington, D.C. 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.S. 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.S. 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. Hinds was taken to a doctor but died shortly after. Clark was not prosecuted for the killing.
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. Hinds was taken to a doctor but died shortly after. Clark was not prosecuted for the killing.
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. Hinds was taken to a doctor but died shortly after. Clark was not prosecuted for the killing.
Thomas Haughey
Thomas Haughey
Politician
Thomas Haughey
Party
Republican
Date
July 31, 1869 (incident)August 5, 1869 (death)
Office
Former U.S. 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.
Edward Dexter Holbrook
Edward Dexter Holbrook
Politician
Edward Dexter Holbrook
Party
Democratic
Date
June 18, 1870 (incident)June 19, 1870 (death)
Office
Former Congressional delegate from the Idaho Territory's at-large district
Location
Idaho City, Idaho
Assassin
Charles Douglass
Motive
Argument
After Holbrook called Douglass—a fellow Democrat—"a liar, a coward, and an assassin", Douglass confronted Holbrook in front of the latter's law office. They spoke before drawing revolvers and shot at one another. Holbrook died from his injuries the next day. Douglass was acquitted for manslaughter.
After Holbrook called Douglass—a fellow Democrat—"a liar, a coward, and an assassin", Douglass confronted Holbrook in front of the latter's law office. They spoke before drawing revolvers and shot at one another. Holbrook died from his injuries the next day. Douglass was acquitted for manslaughter.
Politician
After Holbrook called Douglass—a fellow Democrat—"a liar, a coward, and an assassin", Douglass confronted Holbrook in front of the latter's law office. They spoke before drawing revolvers and shot at one another. Holbrook died from his injuries the next day. Douglass was acquitted for manslaughter.
John M. Clayton
John M. Clayton
Politician
John M. Clayton
Party
Republican
Date
January 29, 1889
Office
U.S. representative-elect from Arkansas's 2nd district
Location
Plumerville, Arkansas
Assassin
Unknown assailant
Motive
Unknown motive
Clayton was staying at a boarding house in Plumerville investigating election fraud that caused him to lose his House race. Buckshot was fired through the window of his room, killing him. The assassin was never found. Clayton was later determined to be the winner of the election.
Clayton was staying at a boarding house in Plumerville investigating election fraud that caused him to lose his House race. Buckshot was fired through the window of his room, killing him. The assassin was never found. Clayton was later determined to be the winner of the election.
Politician
Clayton was staying at a boarding house in Plumerville investigating election fraud that caused him to lose his House race. Buckshot was fired through the window of his room, killing him. The assassin was never found. Clayton was later determined to be the winner of the election.
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.S. 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 shooting, and he was charged as an accomplice but acquitted.
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 shooting, and he was charged as an accomplice but acquitted.
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 shooting, and he was charged as an accomplice but acquitted.
Huey Long
Huey Long
Politician
Huey Long
Party
Democratic
Date
September 9, 1935 (incident)September 10, 1935 (death)
Office
U.S. 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 fire, killing him. Long underwent surgery and died of internal bleeding early the next morning. Many details of the killing are unknown, so various theories and alternate sequences of events have been proposed, including some that say Weiss was not the killer.
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 fire, killing him. Long underwent surgery and died of internal bleeding early the next morning. Many details of the killing are unknown, so various theories and alternate sequences of events have been proposed, including some that say Weiss was not the killer.
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 fire, killing him. Long underwent surgery and died of internal bleeding early the next morning. Many details of the killing are unknown, so various theories and alternate sequences of events have been proposed, including some that say Weiss was not the killer.
Robert F. Kennedy
Robert F. Kennedy
Politician
Robert F. Kennedy
Party
Democratic
Date
June 5, 1968 (incident)June 6, 1968 (death)
Office
U.S. senator from New York;Presidential candidate;Former attorney general
Location
Los Angeles, California
Assassin
Sirhan Sirhan
Motive
Opposition to Kennedy's support for Israel
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. Congress passed a law granting Secret Service protection to major presidential contenders. Sirhan was sentenced to death, but this was commuted to life in prison after California abolished capital punishment.
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. Congress passed a law granting Secret Service protection to major presidential contenders. Sirhan was sentenced to death, but this was commuted to life in prison after California abolished capital punishment.
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. Congress passed a law granting Secret Service protection to major presidential contenders. Sirhan was sentenced to death, but this was commuted to life in prison after California abolished capital punishment.
Leo Ryan
Leo Ryan
Politician
Leo Ryan
Party
Democratic
Date
November 18, 1978
Office
U.S. 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 Temple leader Jim Jones had all of his followers commit mass suicide the same day. The ambush's leader Larry Layton was acquitted in Guyana but extradited and found guilty in the U.S.
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 Temple leader Jim Jones had all of his followers commit mass suicide the same day. The ambush's leader Larry Layton was acquitted in Guyana but extradited and found guilty in the U.S.
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 Temple leader Jim Jones had all of his followers commit mass suicide the same day. The ambush's leader Larry Layton was acquitted in Guyana but extradited and found guilty in the U.S.
Allard K. Lowenstein
Allard K. Lowenstein
Politician
Allard K. Lowenstein
Party
Democratic
Date
March 14, 1980
Office
Former U.S. 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
Wiley Thompson
Democratic
December 28, 1835
Former U.S. representative from Georgia (at-large)
Ocala, Florida
Osceola and around 60 warriors
Opposition to Indian removal from Florida
Thompson became the Superintendent of Seminole Removal a year after leaving Congress. Thompson headed to Fort King to continue his pressure campaign to have the Seminoles removed, but he and Lieutenant Constantine Smith were ambushed by Osceola and approximately 60 of his warriors as they arrived. The Seminoles shot and killed Thompson before scalping him.
Josiah M. Anderson
Whig
November 8, 1861
Former U.S. 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.C. 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.S. 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
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. Hinds was taken to a doctor but died shortly after. Clark was not prosecuted for the killing.
Thomas Haughey
Republican
July 31, 1869 (incident)August 5, 1869 (death)
Former U.S. 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.
Edward Dexter Holbrook
Democratic
June 18, 1870 (incident)June 19, 1870 (death)
Former Congressional delegate from the Idaho Territory's at-large district
Idaho City, Idaho
Charles Douglass
Argument
After Holbrook called Douglass—a fellow Democrat—"a liar, a coward, and an assassin", Douglass confronted Holbrook in front of the latter's law office. They spoke before drawing revolvers and shot at one another. Holbrook died from his injuries the next day. Douglass was acquitted for manslaughter.
John M. Clayton
Republican
January 29, 1889
representative-elect from Arkansas's 2nd district
Plumerville, Arkansas
Unknown assailant
Unknown motive
Clayton was staying at a boarding house in Plumerville investigating election fraud that caused him to lose his House race. Buckshot was fired through the window of his room, killing him. The assassin was never found. Clayton was later determined to be the winner of the election.
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
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 shooting, and he was charged as an accomplice but acquitted.
Huey Long
Democratic
September 9, 1935 (incident)September 10, 1935 (death)
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 fire, killing him. Long underwent surgery and died of internal bleeding early the next morning. Many details of the killing are unknown, so various theories and alternate sequences of events have been proposed, including some that say Weiss was not the killer.
Robert F. Kennedy
Democratic
June 5, 1968 (incident)June 6, 1968 (death)
senator from New York;Presidential candidate;Former attorney general
Los Angeles, California
Sirhan Sirhan
Opposition to Kennedy's support for Israel
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. Congress passed a law granting Secret Service protection to major presidential contenders. Sirhan was sentenced to death, but this was commuted to life in prison after California abolished capital punishment.
Leo Ryan
Democratic
November 18, 1978
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 Temple leader Jim Jones had all of his followers commit mass suicide the same day. The ambush's leader Larry Layton was acquitted in Guyana but extradited and found guilty in the U.S.
Allard K. Lowenstein
Democratic
March 14, 1980
Former U.S. 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.S. 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 launched a sprawling investigation, and it identified Harrelson as a suspect a few years later. Harrelson and other co-conspirators were indicted in 1982 and found guilty.
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 launched a sprawling investigation, and it identified Harrelson as a suspect a few years later. Harrelson and other co-conspirators were indicted in 1982 and found guilty.
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 launched a sprawling investigation, and it identified Harrelson as a suspect a few years later. Harrelson and other co-conspirators were indicted in 1982 and found guilty.
Richard J. Daronco
Richard J. Daronco
Politician
Richard J. Daronco
Date
May 21, 1988
Office
Judge of the U.S. 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 emotional investment in the case, and Daronco ruled against Carolee on May 19. Two days later, Daronco was gardening in his yard when Charles arrived and shot him. Daronco made it into his home before dying from his wounds. Charles followed him in and then shot himself. Carolee later said she regretted not settling out of court.
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 emotional investment in the case, and Daronco ruled against Carolee on May 19. Two days later, Daronco was gardening in his yard when Charles arrived and shot him. Daronco made it into his home before dying from his wounds. Charles followed him in and then shot himself. Carolee later said she regretted not settling out of court.
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 emotional investment in the case, and Daronco ruled against Carolee on May 19. Two days later, Daronco was gardening in his yard when Charles arrived and shot him. Daronco made it into his home before dying from his wounds. Charles followed him in and then shot himself. Carolee later said she regretted not settling out of court.
Robert Smith Vance
Robert Smith Vance
Politician
Robert Smith Vance
Party
Democratic
Date
December 16, 1989
Office
Judge of the U.S. 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 table. It exploded, killing him instantly and seriously injuring his wife. Moody was indicted after the FBI determined the bomb was identical to Moody's previous explosive, and he was sentenced to life in prison for the killing.
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 table. It exploded, killing him instantly and seriously injuring his wife. Moody was indicted after the FBI determined the bomb was identical to Moody's previous explosive, and he was sentenced to life in prison for the killing.
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 table. It exploded, killing him instantly and seriously injuring his wife. Moody was indicted after the FBI determined the bomb was identical to Moody's previous explosive, and he was sentenced to life in prison for the killing.
Politician
Portrait
Party
Date
Office
Location
Assassin
Motive
Ref
John H. Wood Jr.
May 29, 1979
Judge of the U.S. 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 launched a sprawling investigation, and it identified Harrelson as a suspect a few years later. Harrelson and other co-conspirators were indicted in 1982 and found guilty.
Richard J. Daronco
May 21, 1988
Judge of the U.S. 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 emotional investment in the case, and Daronco ruled against Carolee on May 19. Two days later, Daronco was gardening in his yard when Charles arrived and shot him. Daronco made it into his home before dying from his wounds. Charles followed him in and then shot himself. Carolee later said she regretted not settling out of court.
Robert Smith Vance
Democratic
December 16, 1989
Judge of the U.S. 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 table. It exploded, killing him instantly and seriously injuring his wife. Moody was indicted after the FBI determined the bomb was identical to Moody's previous explosive, and he was sentenced to life in prison for the killing.
· 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 arrows in the face and stomach, slashed his hands and wrists, shot him with firearms after he tried to escape outside, and scalped him. This was followed by a series of attacks over the following weeks, the Taos Revolt. Some of the assailants were hanged for the killings. Bent was succeeded by Donaciano Vigil.
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 arrows in the face and stomach, slashed his hands and wrists, shot him with firearms after he tried to escape outside, and scalped him. This was followed by a series of attacks over the following weeks, the Taos Revolt. Some of the assailants were hanged for the killings. Bent was succeeded by Donaciano Vigil.
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 arrows in the face and stomach, slashed his hands and wrists, shot him with firearms after he tried to escape outside, and scalped him. This was followed by a series of attacks over the following weeks, the Taos Revolt. Some of the assailants were hanged for the killings. Bent was succeeded by Donaciano Vigil.
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 McCook and suggested shooting him, so McCook beat Wintermute. Wintermute left and returned to the meeting three times. McCook was present the third time, and Wintermute shot him in the chest with a pistol. He beat Wintermute again while bleeding out. McCook was then taken to his hotel where he died the next morning. Eyewitness accounts varied significantly, causing enough doubt that Wintermute was acquitted.
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 McCook and suggested shooting him, so McCook beat Wintermute. Wintermute left and returned to the meeting three times. McCook was present the third time, and Wintermute shot him in the chest with a pistol. He beat Wintermute again while bleeding out. McCook was then taken to his hotel where he died the next morning. Eyewitness accounts varied significantly, causing enough doubt that Wintermute was acquitted.
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 McCook and suggested shooting him, so McCook beat Wintermute. Wintermute left and returned to the meeting three times. McCook was present the third time, and Wintermute shot him in the chest with a pistol. He beat Wintermute again while bleeding out. McCook was then taken to his hotel where he died the next morning. Eyewitness accounts varied significantly, causing enough doubt that Wintermute was acquitted.
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 had been fraudulent and declared him the winner, which Democratic legislators voted to affirm on January 31. He was sworn in as governor on his deathbed the same night. Goebel died on February 3, and party leaders negotiated an agreement on February 6 in which Goebel was recognized as the winner and his running mate Lieutenant Governor J. C. W. Beckham succeeded him. The assassin was never identified.
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 had been fraudulent and declared him the winner, which Democratic legislators voted to affirm on January 31. He was sworn in as governor on his deathbed the same night. Goebel died on February 3, and party leaders negotiated an agreement on February 6 in which Goebel was recognized as the winner and his running mate Lieutenant Governor J. C. W. Beckham succeeded him. The assassin was never identified.
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 had been fraudulent and declared him the winner, which Democratic legislators voted to affirm on January 31. He was sworn in as governor on his deathbed the same night. Goebel died on February 3, and party leaders negotiated an agreement on February 6 in which Goebel was recognized as the winner and his running mate Lieutenant Governor J. C. W. Beckham succeeded him. The assassin was never identified.
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, having already been involved with a previous bombing. He confessed and implicated three leaders of the Western Federation of Miners. They were arrested but not convicted of any charges.
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, having already been involved with a previous bombing. He confessed and implicated three leaders of the Western Federation of Miners. They were arrested but not convicted of any charges.
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, having already been involved with a previous bombing. He confessed and implicated three leaders of the Western Federation of Miners. They were arrested but not convicted of any charges.
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 arrows in the face and stomach, slashed his hands and wrists, shot him with firearms after he tried to escape outside, and scalped him. This was followed by a series of attacks over the following weeks, the Taos Revolt. Some of the assailants were hanged for the killings. Bent was succeeded by Donaciano Vigil.
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 McCook and suggested shooting him, so McCook beat Wintermute. Wintermute left and returned to the meeting three times. McCook was present the third time, and Wintermute shot him in the chest with a pistol. He beat Wintermute again while bleeding out. McCook was then taken to his hotel where he died the next morning. Eyewitness accounts varied significantly, causing enough doubt that Wintermute was acquitted.
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 had been fraudulent and declared him the winner, which Democratic legislators voted to affirm on January 31. He was sworn in as governor on his deathbed the same night. Goebel died on February 3, and party leaders negotiated an agreement on February 6 in which Goebel was recognized as the winner and his running mate Lieutenant Governor J. C. W. Beckham succeeded him. The assassin was never identified.
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, having already been involved with a previous bombing. He confessed and implicated three leaders of the Western Federation of Miners. They were arrested but not convicted of any charges.
· 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 Revolutionary War.
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 Revolutionary War.
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 Revolutionary War.
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 in the back. Ramsay was brought to his home where he insisted that Linnen was not in control of his actions and should not be considered guilty. He died two days later.
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 in the back. Ramsay was brought to his home where he insisted that Linnen was not in control of his actions and should not be considered guilty. He died two days later.
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 in the back. Ramsay was brought to his home where he insisted that Linnen was not in control of his actions and should not be considered guilty. He died two days later.
Charles C. P. Arndt
Charles C. P. Arndt
Politician
Charles C. P. Arndt
Party
Whig
Year
February 11, 1842
Office
Member of the Council of the Wisconsin Territory
Location
Madison, Wisconsin
Assassin
James Russell Vineyard
Suspected motive
Argument
Arndt was in the Wisconsin Territory council chamber when he engaged in a fight with Vineyard, a fellow councilman. The two were friends despite being political opponents, but they fell into a heated argument over the nomination of a Grant County sheriff. Vineyard called Arndt a liar and it appeared they were going to fight, so the presiding officer ordered that they separate. Vineyard confronted Arndt again when the meeting adjourned, and Arndt struck Vineyard. Vineyard responded by drawing a pistol and shooting Arndt in the chest. Arndt died within minutes. Vineyard was arrested and resigned from his seat, but the council rejected his resignation so it could expel him. He was acquitted of manslaughter, prompting outrage from his opponents and accusations of corruption.
Arndt was in the Wisconsin Territory council chamber when he engaged in a fight with Vineyard, a fellow councilman. The two were friends despite being political opponents, but they fell into a heated argument over the nomination of a Grant County sheriff. Vineyard called Arndt a liar and it appeared they were going to fight, so the presiding officer ordered that they separate. Vineyard confronted Arndt again when the meeting adjourned, and Arndt struck Vineyard. Vineyard responded by drawing a pistol and shooting Arndt in the chest. Arndt died within minutes. Vineyard was arrested and resigned from his seat, but the council rejected his resignation so it could expel him. He was acquitted of manslaughter, prompting outrage from his opponents and accusations of corruption.
Politician
Arndt was in the Wisconsin Territory council chamber when he engaged in a fight with Vineyard, a fellow councilman. The two were friends despite being political opponents, but they fell into a heated argument over the nomination of a Grant County sheriff. Vineyard called Arndt a liar and it appeared they were going to fight, so the presiding officer ordered that they separate. Vineyard confronted Arndt again when the meeting adjourned, and Arndt struck Vineyard. Vineyard responded by drawing a pistol and shooting Arndt in the chest. Arndt died within minutes. Vineyard was arrested and resigned from his seat, but the council rejected his resignation so it could expel him. He was acquitted of manslaughter, prompting outrage from his opponents and accusations of corruption.
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. When Strang prepared to board, Bedford and Wentworth emerged from behind stacks of cordwood and shot Strang twice in the back of the head. After he fell to the ground, they shot him once in the back and struck him in the face with their guns. They fled to Mackinac County aboard USS Michigan with McCulloch and their respective families. Here their actions were celebrated. They were taken to jail, but the doors were left unlocked so they could leave and no further investigation occurred. Strang died from his wounds weeks later, and the Mormon community of Beaver Island was forcibly displaced.
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. When Strang prepared to board, Bedford and Wentworth emerged from behind stacks of cordwood and shot Strang twice in the back of the head. After he fell to the ground, they shot him once in the back and struck him in the face with their guns. They fled to Mackinac County aboard USS Michigan with McCulloch and their respective families. Here their actions were celebrated. They were taken to jail, but the doors were left unlocked so they could leave and no further investigation occurred. Strang died from his wounds weeks later, and the Mormon community of Beaver Island was forcibly displaced.
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. When Strang prepared to board, Bedford and Wentworth emerged from behind stacks of cordwood and shot Strang twice in the back of the head. After he fell to the ground, they shot him once in the back and struck him in the face with their guns. They fled to Mackinac County aboard USS Michigan with McCulloch and their respective families. Here their actions were celebrated. They were taken to jail, but the doors were left unlocked so they could leave and no further investigation occurred. Strang died from his wounds weeks later, and the Mormon community of Beaver Island was forcibly displaced.
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 the Union. Johnson's killing remains unsolved with pro-Union assassins, pro-succession assassins, or a simple botched robbery being proposed for the reason he was killed.
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 the Union. Johnson's killing remains unsolved with pro-Union assassins, pro-succession assassins, or a simple botched robbery being proposed for the reason he was killed.
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 the Union. Johnson's killing remains unsolved with pro-Union assassins, pro-succession assassins, or a simple botched robbery being proposed for the reason he was killed.
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 began to run before he was shot and left to bleed out in a ditch. The men drank some whiskey before pouring the rest out and fleeing. Martin's pocket book was also stolen. It is believed he was killed due to his appeals to black voters.
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 began to run before he was shot and left to bleed out in a ditch. The men drank some whiskey before pouring the rest out and fleeing. Martin's pocket book was also stolen. It is believed he was killed due to his appeals to black voters.
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 began to run before he was shot and left to bleed out in a ditch. The men drank some whiskey before pouring the rest out and fleeing. Martin's pocket book was also stolen. It is believed he was killed due to his appeals to black voters.
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.C., where he had been leader of a delegation to counter Klan violence and request military support. Adkins was intercepted by a mob who stole his horse and buggy, shot and left him for dead. He was discovered by his wife and daughter, who attempted to transport him home; however, he died enroute. Adkins had previously reported Ellis Adams for various crimes.
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.C., where he had been leader of a delegation to counter Klan violence and request military support. Adkins was intercepted by a mob who stole his horse and buggy, shot and left him for dead. He was discovered by his wife and daughter, who attempted to transport him home; however, he died enroute. Adkins had previously reported Ellis Adams for various crimes.
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.C., where he had been leader of a delegation to counter Klan violence and request military support. Adkins was intercepted by a mob who stole his horse and buggy, shot and left him for dead. He was discovered by his wife and daughter, who attempted to transport him home; however, he died enroute. Adkins had previously reported Ellis Adams for various crimes.
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 search party was formed that evening when he did not return home, and his body was found by his brother the following morning. In response to Stephens' killing and other Ku Klux Klan activities, Governor William Woods Holden declared martial law to combat the group, triggering the Kirk–Holden war. John Lea, the leader of Caswell County's Ku Klux Klan chapter at the time, confessed to orchestrating Stephens' assassination in 1919.
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 search party was formed that evening when he did not return home, and his body was found by his brother the following morning. In response to Stephens' killing and other Ku Klux Klan activities, Governor William Woods Holden declared martial law to combat the group, triggering the Kirk–Holden war. John Lea, the leader of Caswell County's Ku Klux Klan chapter at the time, confessed to orchestrating Stephens' assassination in 1919.
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 search party was formed that evening when he did not return home, and his body was found by his brother the following morning. In response to Stephens' killing and other Ku Klux Klan activities, Governor William Woods Holden declared martial law to combat the group, triggering the Kirk–Holden war. John Lea, the leader of Caswell County's Ku Klux Klan chapter at the time, confessed to orchestrating Stephens' assassination in 1919.
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 evidence.
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 evidence.
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 evidence.
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 arrested two Mexican–American men for trying to access the deposits. He was released on the condition of leaving, but he returned to El Paso to kill Cardis, shooting him twice with a shotgun. Howard fled, but he returned in December to reassert his claim over the deposits and was shot by a Mexican firing squad.
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 arrested two Mexican–American men for trying to access the deposits. He was released on the condition of leaving, but he returned to El Paso to kill Cardis, shooting him twice with a shotgun. Howard fled, but he returned in December to reassert his claim over the deposits and was shot by a Mexican firing squad.
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 arrested two Mexican–American men for trying to access the deposits. He was released on the condition of leaving, but he returned to El Paso to kill Cardis, shooting him twice with a shotgun. Howard fled, but he returned in December to reassert his claim over the deposits and was shot by a Mexican firing squad.
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 came out Brennan shot him with a pistol from behind. Wood ran, but Brennan pursued before shooting him again in the back and then in the head. He died fifteen or twenty minutes later. Sheriff Cann was at the court and tried to arrest Brennan, but after a standoff Cann said he would submit to Sheriff Weir of Morton County. Botkin and O'Connor were accused by the Democratic Party and other opposition parties of orchestrating the assassination. Brennan was released when an impartial jury could not be formed, and he fled the state in fear of retaliation from Wood's allies. A new attempt to prosecute him failed when a court in Oklahoma refused to extradite him to Kansas.
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 came out Brennan shot him with a pistol from behind. Wood ran, but Brennan pursued before shooting him again in the back and then in the head. He died fifteen or twenty minutes later. Sheriff Cann was at the court and tried to arrest Brennan, but after a standoff Cann said he would submit to Sheriff Weir of Morton County. Botkin and O'Connor were accused by the Democratic Party and other opposition parties of orchestrating the assassination. Brennan was released when an impartial jury could not be formed, and he fled the state in fear of retaliation from Wood's allies. A new attempt to prosecute him failed when a court in Oklahoma refused to extradite him to Kansas.
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 came out Brennan shot him with a pistol from behind. Wood ran, but Brennan pursued before shooting him again in the back and then in the head. He died fifteen or twenty minutes later. Sheriff Cann was at the court and tried to arrest Brennan, but after a standoff Cann said he would submit to Sheriff Weir of Morton County. Botkin and O'Connor were accused by the Democratic Party and other opposition parties of orchestrating the assassination. Brennan was released when an impartial jury could not be formed, and he fled the state in fear of retaliation from Wood's allies. A new attempt to prosecute him failed when a court in Oklahoma refused to extradite him to Kansas.
Henry H. Lyon
Henry H. Lyon
Politician
Henry H. Lyon
Party
Republican
Year
October 9, 1917 (incident)November 1, 1917 (death)
Office
Member of the California State Senate
Location
Los Angeles, California
Assassin
Marie Pinzon Edwards (alleged)
Suspected motive
Affair (alleged)
Lyon and his wife were leaving their home when he was shot twice by an assailant. Lyon identified Edwards as responsible for his shooting before he died and she was found responsible by a coroner's jury, but despite her admitting she shot him the murder charge was ultimately dismissed.
Lyon and his wife were leaving their home when he was shot twice by an assailant. Lyon identified Edwards as responsible for his shooting before he died and she was found responsible by a coroner's jury, but despite her admitting she shot him the murder charge was ultimately dismissed.
Politician
Lyon and his wife were leaving their home when he was shot twice by an assailant. Lyon identified Edwards as responsible for his shooting before he died and she was found responsible by a coroner's jury, but despite her admitting she shot him the murder charge was ultimately dismissed.
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 suicide.
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 suicide.
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 suicide.
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 later in 1938, a former associate of Al Capone.
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 later in 1938, a former associate of Al Capone.
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 later in 1938, a former associate of Al Capone.
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 connected to organized crime were indicted and the crime syndicate was dismantled. Patterson's son John was elected attorney general. The assailant was never identified, but chief deputy Albert Fuller was sentenced to life in prison for his involvement.
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 connected to organized crime were indicted and the crime syndicate was dismantled. Patterson's son John was elected attorney general. The assailant was never identified, but chief deputy Albert Fuller was sentenced to life in prison for his involvement.
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 connected to organized crime were indicted and the crime syndicate was dismantled. Patterson's son John was elected attorney general. The assailant was never identified, but chief deputy Albert Fuller was sentenced to life in prison for his involvement.
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 organization calling itself "Black October" claimed responsibility for Scott's killing, with an anonymous individual affiliated with the organization telling a reporter for The Baltimore Sun specific details about the murder shortly after Scott was killed.
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 organization calling itself "Black October" claimed responsibility for Scott's killing, with an anonymous individual affiliated with the organization telling a reporter for The Baltimore Sun specific details about the murder shortly after Scott was killed.
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 organization calling itself "Black October" claimed responsibility for Scott's killing, with an anonymous individual affiliated with the organization telling a reporter for The Baltimore Sun specific details about the murder shortly after Scott was killed.
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 SenateChair 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 North Carolina the following morning.
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 North Carolina the following morning.
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 North Carolina the following morning.
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 Revolutionary War.
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 in the back. Ramsay was brought to his home where he insisted that Linnen was not in control of his actions and should not be considered guilty. He died two days later.
Charles C. P. Arndt
Whig
February 11, 1842
Member of the Council of the Wisconsin Territory
Madison, Wisconsin
James Russell Vineyard
Argument
Arndt was in the Wisconsin Territory council chamber when he engaged in a fight with Vineyard, a fellow councilman. The two were friends despite being political opponents, but they fell into a heated argument over the nomination of a Grant County sheriff. Vineyard called Arndt a liar and it appeared they were going to fight, so the presiding officer ordered that they separate. Vineyard confronted Arndt again when the meeting adjourned, and Arndt struck Vineyard. Vineyard responded by drawing a pistol and shooting Arndt in the chest. Arndt died within minutes. Vineyard was arrested and resigned from his seat, but the council rejected his resignation so it could expel him. He was acquitted of manslaughter, prompting outrage from his opponents and accusations of corruption.
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. When Strang prepared to board, Bedford and Wentworth emerged from behind stacks of cordwood and shot Strang twice in the back of the head. After he fell to the ground, they shot him once in the back and struck him in the face with their guns. They fled to Mackinac County aboard USS Michigan with McCulloch and their respective families. Here their actions were celebrated. They were taken to jail, but the doors were left unlocked so they could leave and no further investigation occurred. Strang died from his wounds weeks later, and the Mormon community of Beaver Island was forcibly displaced.
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 the Union. Johnson's killing remains unsolved with pro-Union assassins, pro-succession assassins, or a simple botched robbery being proposed for the reason he was killed.
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 began to run before he was shot and left to bleed out in a ditch. The men drank some whiskey before pouring the rest out and fleeing. Martin's pocket book was also stolen. It is believed he was killed due to his appeals to black voters.
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.C., where he had been leader of a delegation to counter Klan violence and request military support. Adkins was intercepted by a mob who stole his horse and buggy, shot and left him for dead. He was discovered by his wife and daughter, who attempted to transport him home; however, he died enroute. Adkins had previously reported Ellis Adams for various crimes.
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 search party was formed that evening when he did not return home, and his body was found by his brother the following morning. In response to Stephens' killing and other Ku Klux Klan activities, Governor William Woods Holden declared martial law to combat the group, triggering the Kirk–Holden war. John Lea, the leader of Caswell County's Ku Klux Klan chapter at the time, confessed to orchestrating Stephens' assassination in 1919.
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 evidence.
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 arrested two Mexican–American men for trying to access the deposits. He was released on the condition of leaving, but he returned to El Paso to kill Cardis, shooting him twice with a shotgun. Howard fled, but he returned in December to reassert his claim over the deposits and was shot by a Mexican firing squad.
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
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.D. 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 came out Brennan shot him with a pistol from behind. Wood ran, but Brennan pursued before shooting him again in the back and then in the head. He died fifteen or twenty minutes later. Sheriff Cann was at the court and tried to arrest Brennan, but after a standoff Cann said he would submit to Sheriff Weir of Morton County. Botkin and O'Connor were accused by the Democratic Party and other opposition parties of orchestrating the assassination. Brennan was released when an impartial jury could not be formed, and he fled the state in fear of retaliation from Wood's allies. A new attempt to prosecute him failed when a court in Oklahoma refused to extradite him to Kansas.
Henry H. Lyon
Republican
October 9, 1917 (incident)November 1, 1917 (death)
Member of the California State Senate
Los Angeles, California
Marie Pinzon Edwards (alleged)
Affair (alleged)
Lyon and his wife were leaving their home when he was shot twice by an assailant. Lyon identified Edwards as responsible for his shooting before he died and she was found responsible by a coroner's jury, but despite her admitting she shot him the murder charge was ultimately dismissed.
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
· State offices › State judges
Slough was responsible for swearing in members of the New Mexico legislature until the power was removed from him, and he struck the official he felt was responsible. He walked out of the resulting hearing, so Representative Rynerson introduced a joint resolution to remove Slough as chief justice. Slough referred to Rynerson as "a liar, a coward and a thief", so Rynerson confronted him. Slough refused to retract his statement, even after Rynerson drew a revolver. Slough reached for his own pistol, so Rynerson shot him in the hip, and Slough died the following morning. Rynerson was acquitted of the murder.
Slough was responsible for swearing in members of the New Mexico legislature until the power was removed from him, and he struck the official he felt was responsible. He walked out of the resulting hearing, so Representative Rynerson introduced a joint resolution to remove Slough as chief justice. Slough referred to Rynerson as "a liar, a coward and a thief", so Rynerson confronted him. Slough refused to retract his statement, even after Rynerson drew a revolver. Slough reached for his own pistol, so Rynerson shot him in the hip, and Slough died the following morning. Rynerson was acquitted of the murder.
Politician
Slough was responsible for swearing in members of the New Mexico legislature until the power was removed from him, and he struck the official he felt was responsible. He walked out of the resulting hearing, so Representative Rynerson introduced a joint resolution to remove Slough as chief justice. Slough referred to Rynerson as "a liar, a coward and a thief", so Rynerson confronted him. Slough refused to retract his statement, even after Rynerson drew a revolver. Slough reached for his own pistol, so Rynerson shot him in the hip, and Slough died the following morning. Rynerson was acquitted of the murder.
John Milton Elliott
John Milton Elliott
Politician
John Milton Elliott
Party
Democratic
Date
March 26, 1879
Office
Judge of the Kentucky Court of Appeals
Location
Frankfort, Kentucky
Assassin
Thomas Buford
Motive
Retaliation for a court ruling
Elliott was in front of the Capitol Hotel with Judge Thomas M. Hines when he was shot by Buford with a shotgun. Buford had invited the men to go hunting and then for a drink, but they declined. Elliott was killed instantly, and Buford turned himself in to the deputy sheriff who approached them. After his arrest, Buford explained that he had killed Elliott in retaliation for a ruling the court made against his family. Buford was sent to an asylum but escaped and fled to Indiana.
Elliott was in front of the Capitol Hotel with Judge Thomas M. Hines when he was shot by Buford with a shotgun. Buford had invited the men to go hunting and then for a drink, but they declined. Elliott was killed instantly, and Buford turned himself in to the deputy sheriff who approached them. After his arrest, Buford explained that he had killed Elliott in retaliation for a ruling the court made against his family. Buford was sent to an asylum but escaped and fled to Indiana.
Politician
Elliott was in front of the Capitol Hotel with Judge Thomas M. Hines when he was shot by Buford with a shotgun. Buford had invited the men to go hunting and then for a drink, but they declined. Elliott was killed instantly, and Buford turned himself in to the deputy sheriff who approached them. After his arrest, Buford explained that he had killed Elliott in retaliation for a ruling the court made against his family. Buford was sent to an asylum but escaped and fled to Indiana.
Harold Haley
Harold Haley
Politician
Harold Haley
Date
August 7, 1970
Office
Judge of the California Superior Court
Location
San Rafael, California
Assassin
Jonathan P. Jackson, James McClain, Ruchell Magee, and William Christmas
Motive
Attempt to coerce the release of George Jackson and the Soledad Brothers
Main article: Marin County Civic Center attacks § August 7, 1970, attack Jackson attacked the Marin County Civic Center during the trial for McClain which Healey was residing over and took hostages. Jackson freed McClain, Magee, and Christmas who were being held at the courthouse. Haley was forced to call the police in an attempt to prevent them from interfering before a sawed off shotgun was taped to his head and was forced alongside four other hostages into a van as the police surrounded the group, but did not intervene. The kidnappers were stopped by a roadblock and engaged in a shootout with police, during which Haley was shot in the chest and by the shotgun.
Main article: Marin County Civic Center attacks § August 7, 1970, attack Jackson attacked the Marin County Civic Center during the trial for McClain which Healey was residing over and took hostages. Jackson freed McClain, Magee, and Christmas who were being held at the courthouse. Haley was forced to call the police in an attempt to prevent them from interfering before a sawed off shotgun was taped to his head and was forced alongside four other hostages into a van as the police surrounded the group, but did not intervene. The kidnappers were stopped by a roadblock and engaged in a shootout with police, during which Haley was shot in the chest and by the shotgun.
Politician
Main article: Marin County Civic Center attacks § August 7, 1970, attack Jackson attacked the Marin County Civic Center during the trial for McClain which Healey was residing over and took hostages. Jackson freed McClain, Magee, and Christmas who were being held at the courthouse. Haley was forced to call the police in an attempt to prevent them from interfering before a sawed off shotgun was taped to his head and was forced alongside four other hostages into a van as the police surrounded the group, but did not intervene. The kidnappers were stopped by a roadblock and engaged in a shootout with police, during which Haley was shot in the chest and by the shotgun.
Rowland Barnes
Rowland Barnes
Politician
Rowland Barnes
Date
March 11, 2005
Office
Judge of the Georgia Superior Court
Location
Atlanta, Georgia
Assassin
Brian Nichols
Motive
Retaliation for Barnes residing over his case
Nichols, who was on trial for rape, overpowered a lone guard who was overseeing him and stole her revolver after beating her. Nichols went to Barnes' chamber and opened fire, killing him, a court reporter, and a police officer. Nichols also killed a federal agent who attempted to apprehend him before he was taken into custody.
Nichols, who was on trial for rape, overpowered a lone guard who was overseeing him and stole her revolver after beating her. Nichols went to Barnes' chamber and opened fire, killing him, a court reporter, and a police officer. Nichols also killed a federal agent who attempted to apprehend him before he was taken into custody.
Politician
Nichols, who was on trial for rape, overpowered a lone guard who was overseeing him and stole her revolver after beating her. Nichols went to Barnes' chamber and opened fire, killing him, a court reporter, and a police officer. Nichols also killed a federal agent who attempted to apprehend him before he was taken into custody.
John Pier Roemer
John Pier Roemer
Politician
John Pier Roemer
Date
June 3, 2022
Office
Former judge of the Wisconsin Circuit Court
Location
New Lisbon, Wisconsin
Assassin
Douglas K. Uhde
Motive
Retaliation for Roemer sentencing Uhde (suspected)
Roemer was shot and killed in his home by Uhde who then died by suicide. Roemer had sentenced Uhde to prison for a burglary charge in 2005. Uhde also had a list of other potential targets including Wisconsin governor Tony Evers and Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer.
Roemer was shot and killed in his home by Uhde who then died by suicide. Roemer had sentenced Uhde to prison for a burglary charge in 2005. Uhde also had a list of other potential targets including Wisconsin governor Tony Evers and Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer.
Politician
Roemer was shot and killed in his home by Uhde who then died by suicide. Roemer had sentenced Uhde to prison for a burglary charge in 2005. Uhde also had a list of other potential targets including Wisconsin governor Tony Evers and Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer.
Kevin Mullins
Kevin Mullins
Politician
Kevin Mullins
Date
September 19, 2024
Office
Judge of the Kentucky District Court
Location
Whitesburg, Kentucky
Assassin
Suspect in custody
Motive
Psychosis and potential sexual extortion (suspected)
Main article: Killing of Kevin Mullins Mullins was shot multiple times by a gunman who entered his chambers, killing him.
Main article: Killing of Kevin Mullins Mullins was shot multiple times by a gunman who entered his chambers, killing him.
Politician
Main article: Killing of Kevin Mullins Mullins was shot multiple times by a gunman who entered his chambers, killing him.
Politician
Portrait
Party
Date
Office
Location
Assassin
Motive
Ref
John P. Slough
Democratic
December 15, 1867 (incident)December 17, 1867 (death)
Chief Justice of the New Mexico Supreme Court;Former member of the Ohio House of Representatives
Santa Fe, New Mexico
William Logan Rynerson
Argument
Slough was responsible for swearing in members of the New Mexico legislature until the power was removed from him, and he struck the official he felt was responsible. He walked out of the resulting hearing, so Representative Rynerson introduced a joint resolution to remove Slough as chief justice. Slough referred to Rynerson as "a liar, a coward and a thief", so Rynerson confronted him. Slough refused to retract his statement, even after Rynerson drew a revolver. Slough reached for his own pistol, so Rynerson shot him in the hip, and Slough died the following morning. Rynerson was acquitted of the murder.
John Milton Elliott
Democratic
March 26, 1879
Judge of the Kentucky Court of Appeals
Frankfort, Kentucky
Thomas Buford
Retaliation for a court ruling
Elliott was in front of the Capitol Hotel with Judge Thomas M. Hines when he was shot by Buford with a shotgun. Buford had invited the men to go hunting and then for a drink, but they declined. Elliott was killed instantly, and Buford turned himself in to the deputy sheriff who approached them. After his arrest, Buford explained that he had killed Elliott in retaliation for a ruling the court made against his family. Buford was sent to an asylum but escaped and fled to Indiana.
Harold Haley
August 7, 1970
Judge of the California Superior Court
San Rafael, California
Jonathan P. Jackson, James McClain, Ruchell Magee, and William Christmas
Attempt to coerce the release of George Jackson and the Soledad Brothers
Main article: Marin County Civic Center attacks § August 7, 1970, attack Jackson attacked the Marin County Civic Center during the trial for McClain which Healey was residing over and took hostages. Jackson freed McClain, Magee, and Christmas who were being held at the courthouse. Haley was forced to call the police in an attempt to prevent them from interfering before a sawed off shotgun was taped to his head and was forced alongside four other hostages into a van as the police surrounded the group, but did not intervene. The kidnappers were stopped by a roadblock and engaged in a shootout with police, during which Haley was shot in the chest and by the shotgun.
Rowland Barnes
March 11, 2005
Judge of the Georgia Superior Court
Atlanta, Georgia
Brian Nichols
Retaliation for Barnes residing over his case
Nichols, who was on trial for rape, overpowered a lone guard who was overseeing him and stole her revolver after beating her. Nichols went to Barnes' chamber and opened fire, killing him, a court reporter, and a police officer. Nichols also killed a federal agent who attempted to apprehend him before he was taken into custody.
John Pier Roemer
June 3, 2022
Former judge of the Wisconsin Circuit Court
New Lisbon, Wisconsin
Douglas K. Uhde
Retaliation for Roemer sentencing Uhde (suspected)
Roemer was shot and killed in his home by Uhde who then died by suicide. Roemer had sentenced Uhde to prison for a burglary charge in 2005. Uhde also had a list of other potential targets including Wisconsin governor Tony Evers and Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer.
Kevin Mullins
September 19, 2024
Judge of the Kentucky District Court
Whitesburg, Kentucky
Suspect in custody
Psychosis and potential sexual extortion (suspected)
Main article: Killing of Kevin Mullins Mullins was shot multiple times by a gunman who entered his chambers, killing him.
· State offices › Miscellaneous state offices
Solomon P. Sharp
Solomon P. Sharp
Politician
Solomon P. Sharp
Party
Democratic-Republican
Date
November 7, 1825
Office
Kentucky Attorney General;Member-elect of the Kentucky Senate
Location
Frankfort, Kentucky
Assassin
Jereboam O. Beauchamp
Motive
Sharp being a former lover of Beauchamp's wife; disputed political motives
Main article: Beauchamp–Sharp Tragedy Sharp was rumored to have had a sexual encounter with Anna Cooke, who later married Beauchamp. The couple decided to kill Sharp to defend her honor. Beauchamp went to Sharp's house early in the morning, and when Sharp answered the door, Beauchamp stabbed him in the chest with a dagger. Beauchamp was determined to be the most likely suspect, and he ultimately found guilty. On the day of his hanging, he and Cooke stabbed themselves in a double suicide, but he survived long enough to be hanged in the first legal hanging in Kentucky's history. Sharp's political allies alleged that their opponents had enticed Beauchamp to kill him.
Main article: Beauchamp–Sharp Tragedy Sharp was rumored to have had a sexual encounter with Anna Cooke, who later married Beauchamp. The couple decided to kill Sharp to defend her honor. Beauchamp went to Sharp's house early in the morning, and when Sharp answered the door, Beauchamp stabbed him in the chest with a dagger. Beauchamp was determined to be the most likely suspect, and he ultimately found guilty. On the day of his hanging, he and Cooke stabbed themselves in a double suicide, but he survived long enough to be hanged in the first legal hanging in Kentucky's history. Sharp's political allies alleged that their opponents had enticed Beauchamp to kill him.
Politician
Main article: Beauchamp–Sharp Tragedy Sharp was rumored to have had a sexual encounter with Anna Cooke, who later married Beauchamp. The couple decided to kill Sharp to defend her honor. Beauchamp went to Sharp's house early in the morning, and when Sharp answered the door, Beauchamp stabbed him in the chest with a dagger. Beauchamp was determined to be the most likely suspect, and he ultimately found guilty. On the day of his hanging, he and Cooke stabbed themselves in a double suicide, but he survived long enough to be hanged in the first legal hanging in Kentucky's history. Sharp's political allies alleged that their opponents had enticed Beauchamp to kill him.
George LeBreton
George LeBreton
Politician
George LeBreton
Date
March 4, 1844 (incident)
Office
Recorder of the Provisional Government of Oregon
Location
Oregon City, Oregon
Assassin
Cockstock
Motive
Killed by a native as part of Native American resistance to white settlement in the area
Main article: Cockstock incident LeBreton was one of the members of the Oregon Provisional Government who was killed during a conflict with the Wasco man Cockstock. U.S. Indian Subagent Elijah White had ordered the arrest of Cockstock, alleging that he killed Molala and Klamath men for having good relations with White. Cockstock took five Molala allies to Oregon City in response, resulting in a gunfight between Cockstock's men and White's men. Cockstock shot LeBreton as part of the conflict and then stabbed him. Winslow Anderson, another man who had a feud with Cockstock, hit Cockstock with a buttstroke and killed him. LeBreton eventually died of blood poisoning.
Main article: Cockstock incident LeBreton was one of the members of the Oregon Provisional Government who was killed during a conflict with the Wasco man Cockstock. U.S. Indian Subagent Elijah White had ordered the arrest of Cockstock, alleging that he killed Molala and Klamath men for having good relations with White. Cockstock took five Molala allies to Oregon City in response, resulting in a gunfight between Cockstock's men and White's men. Cockstock shot LeBreton as part of the conflict and then stabbed him. Winslow Anderson, another man who had a feud with Cockstock, hit Cockstock with a buttstroke and killed him. LeBreton eventually died of blood poisoning.
Politician
Main article: Cockstock incident LeBreton was one of the members of the Oregon Provisional Government who was killed during a conflict with the Wasco man Cockstock. U.S. Indian Subagent Elijah White had ordered the arrest of Cockstock, alleging that he killed Molala and Klamath men for having good relations with White. Cockstock took five Molala allies to Oregon City in response, resulting in a gunfight between Cockstock's men and White's men. Cockstock shot LeBreton as part of the conflict and then stabbed him. Winslow Anderson, another man who had a feud with Cockstock, hit Cockstock with a buttstroke and killed him. LeBreton eventually died of blood poisoning.
Robert Marshall Love
Robert Marshall Love
Politician
Robert Marshall Love
Party
Democratic
Date
June 30, 1903
Office
Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
Location
Austin, Texas
Assassin
William G. Hill
Motive
Retaliation for losing job
Love was sitting at his desk inside the Texas State Capitol. William G. Hill, a former clerk of Love's who had been fired, entered his office and placed a letter on his desk. After a brief conversation, Love began to read the letter and while reading Hill shot him twice in the chest. Hill fled the scene but was tackled by bystanders outside of the building and was killed himself in the scuffle.
Love was sitting at his desk inside the Texas State Capitol. William G. Hill, a former clerk of Love's who had been fired, entered his office and placed a letter on his desk. After a brief conversation, Love began to read the letter and while reading Hill shot him twice in the chest. Hill fled the scene but was tackled by bystanders outside of the building and was killed himself in the scuffle.
Politician
Love was sitting at his desk inside the Texas State Capitol. William G. Hill, a former clerk of Love's who had been fired, entered his office and placed a letter on his desk. After a brief conversation, Love began to read the letter and while reading Hill shot him twice in the chest. Hill fled the scene but was tackled by bystanders outside of the building and was killed himself in the scuffle.
Politician
Portrait
Party
Date
Office
Location
Assassin
Motive
Ref
Solomon P. Sharp
Democratic-Republican
November 7, 1825
Kentucky Attorney General;Member-elect of the Kentucky Senate
Frankfort, Kentucky
Jereboam O. Beauchamp
Sharp being a former lover of Beauchamp's wife; disputed political motives
Main article: Beauchamp–Sharp Tragedy Sharp was rumored to have had a sexual encounter with Anna Cooke, who later married Beauchamp. The couple decided to kill Sharp to defend her honor. Beauchamp went to Sharp's house early in the morning, and when Sharp answered the door, Beauchamp stabbed him in the chest with a dagger. Beauchamp was determined to be the most likely suspect, and he ultimately found guilty. On the day of his hanging, he and Cooke stabbed themselves in a double suicide, but he survived long enough to be hanged in the first legal hanging in Kentucky's history. Sharp's political allies alleged that their opponents had enticed Beauchamp to kill him.
George LeBreton
March 4, 1844 (incident)
Recorder of the Provisional Government of Oregon
Oregon City, Oregon
Cockstock
Killed by a native as part of Native American resistance to white settlement in the area
Main article: Cockstock incident LeBreton was one of the members of the Oregon Provisional Government who was killed during a conflict with the Wasco man Cockstock. U.S. Indian Subagent Elijah White had ordered the arrest of Cockstock, alleging that he killed Molala and Klamath men for having good relations with White. Cockstock took five Molala allies to Oregon City in response, resulting in a gunfight between Cockstock's men and White's men. Cockstock shot LeBreton as part of the conflict and then stabbed him. Winslow Anderson, another man who had a feud with Cockstock, hit Cockstock with a buttstroke and killed him. LeBreton eventually died of blood poisoning.
Robert Marshall Love
Democratic
June 30, 1903
Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
Austin, Texas
William G. Hill
Retaliation for losing job
Love was sitting at his desk inside the Texas State Capitol. William G. Hill, a former clerk of Love's who had been fired, entered his office and placed a letter on his desk. After a brief conversation, Love began to read the letter and while reading Hill shot him twice in the chest. Hill fled the scene but was tackled by bystanders outside of the building and was killed himself in the scuffle.
· Local offices › Mayors
Joseph Smith
Joseph Smith
Politician
Joseph Smith
Party
Reform
Date
June 27, 1844
Office
Mayor of Nauvoo, Illinois;presidential candidate
Location
Carthage, Illinois
Assassin
The Carthage Greys
Motive
Anti-Mormonism
Main article: Killing of Joseph Smith Smith's opponents published a newspaper criticizing him, so he had the Nauvoo Legion destroy their press. Smith declared martial law after unrest broke out, so Governor Thomas Ford ordered the arrest of Smith and his brother Hyrum. A militia, the Carthage Greys, stormed the jail and shot Hyrum. Joseph Smith injured some of the attackers with a pistol that had been smuggled to him, but he was shot as he tried to escape through the window. He was then dragged aside and shot several more times.
Main article: Killing of Joseph Smith Smith's opponents published a newspaper criticizing him, so he had the Nauvoo Legion destroy their press. Smith declared martial law after unrest broke out, so Governor Thomas Ford ordered the arrest of Smith and his brother Hyrum. A militia, the Carthage Greys, stormed the jail and shot Hyrum. Joseph Smith injured some of the attackers with a pistol that had been smuggled to him, but he was shot as he tried to escape through the window. He was then dragged aside and shot several more times.
Politician
Main article: Killing of Joseph Smith Smith's opponents published a newspaper criticizing him, so he had the Nauvoo Legion destroy their press. Smith declared martial law after unrest broke out, so Governor Thomas Ford ordered the arrest of Smith and his brother Hyrum. A militia, the Carthage Greys, stormed the jail and shot Hyrum. Joseph Smith injured some of the attackers with a pistol that had been smuggled to him, but he was shot as he tried to escape through the window. He was then dragged aside and shot several more times.
Joseph G. Crane
Joseph G. Crane
Politician
Joseph G. Crane
Date
June 8, 1869
Office
Provisional mayor of Jackson, Mississippi
Location
Jackson, Mississippi
Assassin
Edward M. Yerger
Motive
Seizure of a piano
Crane was stabbed to death by Yerger, a newspaper owner, on the steps of the Mississippi State Capitol. Yerger was responding to the seizure of his piano, which was taken to auction because he owed back taxes. Yerger was arrested, and he was defended by his uncle, former Supreme Court of Mississippi justice William Yerger. They filed a writ of habeas corpus when he was brought before a military tribunal, but it was denied, and the Supreme Court of the United States sustained the denial in Ex parte Yerger. Yerger was taken into the custody of civilian law enforcement following a negotiation, but he left the state after he was released on bail and was never tried.
Crane was stabbed to death by Yerger, a newspaper owner, on the steps of the Mississippi State Capitol. Yerger was responding to the seizure of his piano, which was taken to auction because he owed back taxes. Yerger was arrested, and he was defended by his uncle, former Supreme Court of Mississippi justice William Yerger. They filed a writ of habeas corpus when he was brought before a military tribunal, but it was denied, and the Supreme Court of the United States sustained the denial in Ex parte Yerger. Yerger was taken into the custody of civilian law enforcement following a negotiation, but he left the state after he was released on bail and was never tried.
Politician
Crane was stabbed to death by Yerger, a newspaper owner, on the steps of the Mississippi State Capitol. Yerger was responding to the seizure of his piano, which was taken to auction because he owed back taxes. Yerger was arrested, and he was defended by his uncle, former Supreme Court of Mississippi justice William Yerger. They filed a writ of habeas corpus when he was brought before a military tribunal, but it was denied, and the Supreme Court of the United States sustained the denial in Ex parte Yerger. Yerger was taken into the custody of civilian law enforcement following a negotiation, but he left the state after he was released on bail and was never tried.
Carter Harrison III
Carter Harrison III
Politician
Carter Harrison III
Party
Democratic
Date
October 28, 1893
Office
Mayor of Chicago
Location
Chicago, Illinois
Assassin
Patrick Eugene Prendergast
Motive
Assailant was rejected for appointment to a patronage post as corporation counsel
Main article: Assassination of Carter Harrison III Harrison was shot four times by Prendergast with a pistol. Prendergast had claimed to be "a city official" and was allowed to enter the home to meet with Harrison. Harrison's coachman came to the scene and engaged in a gunfight with Prendergast, but no one was hit and Prendergast got away. Harrison died from his wounds about 30 minutes later. Prendergast turned himself in to the police shortly after. He explained that Harrison refused to appoint him as corporation counsel. After a trial centered on whether he was sane when committing the crime, Prendergast was sentenced to death. After a further proceeding on to Prendergast's fitness to be executed, he was hanged the following July.
Main article: Assassination of Carter Harrison III Harrison was shot four times by Prendergast with a pistol. Prendergast had claimed to be "a city official" and was allowed to enter the home to meet with Harrison. Harrison's coachman came to the scene and engaged in a gunfight with Prendergast, but no one was hit and Prendergast got away. Harrison died from his wounds about 30 minutes later. Prendergast turned himself in to the police shortly after. He explained that Harrison refused to appoint him as corporation counsel. After a trial centered on whether he was sane when committing the crime, Prendergast was sentenced to death. After a further proceeding on to Prendergast's fitness to be executed, he was hanged the following July.
Politician
Main article: Assassination of Carter Harrison III Harrison was shot four times by Prendergast with a pistol. Prendergast had claimed to be "a city official" and was allowed to enter the home to meet with Harrison. Harrison's coachman came to the scene and engaged in a gunfight with Prendergast, but no one was hit and Prendergast got away. Harrison died from his wounds about 30 minutes later. Prendergast turned himself in to the police shortly after. He explained that Harrison refused to appoint him as corporation counsel. After a trial centered on whether he was sane when committing the crime, Prendergast was sentenced to death. After a further proceeding on to Prendergast's fitness to be executed, he was hanged the following July.
Hale Johnson
Hale Johnson
Politician
Hale Johnson
Party
Prohibition
Date
November 4, 1902
Office
Mayor of Newton, Illinois; vice presidential candidate
Location
Bogota, Illinois
Assassin
Harry Harris
Motive
Killed while attempting to collect a debt owed to him by Harris
Johnson had gone to collect a debt following a court case that he had prosecuted against Harris. When the deputy sheriff accompanying him seized Harris's wagon, Harris killed Johnson with a shotgun. Harris was apprehended by the Newton city marshal, but he poisoned himself and died and before he could be taken to jail.
Johnson had gone to collect a debt following a court case that he had prosecuted against Harris. When the deputy sheriff accompanying him seized Harris's wagon, Harris killed Johnson with a shotgun. Harris was apprehended by the Newton city marshal, but he poisoned himself and died and before he could be taken to jail.
Politician
Johnson had gone to collect a debt following a court case that he had prosecuted against Harris. When the deputy sheriff accompanying him seized Harris's wagon, Harris killed Johnson with a shotgun. Harris was apprehended by the Newton city marshal, but he poisoned himself and died and before he could be taken to jail.
Anton Cermak
Anton Cermak
Politician
Anton Cermak
Party
Democratic
Date
February 15, 1933 (incident)March 6, 1933 (death)
Office
Mayor of Chicago
Location
Miami, Florida
Assassin
Giuseppe Zangara
Motive
Anti-capitalism; intended attack on Franklin D. Roosevelt
Cermak met with president-elect Franklin D. Roosevelt during a speech in Miami when Zangara fired five gunshots at them from the crowd. Missing Roosevelt, Zangara hit Cermak and four other people. Cermak was hospitalized and began to recover, but he died of sepsis weeks later. The other four victims survived, and Zangara was executed by electric chair on March 20.
Cermak met with president-elect Franklin D. Roosevelt during a speech in Miami when Zangara fired five gunshots at them from the crowd. Missing Roosevelt, Zangara hit Cermak and four other people. Cermak was hospitalized and began to recover, but he died of sepsis weeks later. The other four victims survived, and Zangara was executed by electric chair on March 20.
Politician
Cermak met with president-elect Franklin D. Roosevelt during a speech in Miami when Zangara fired five gunshots at them from the crowd. Missing Roosevelt, Zangara hit Cermak and four other people. Cermak was hospitalized and began to recover, but he died of sepsis weeks later. The other four victims survived, and Zangara was executed by electric chair on March 20.
Louis F. Edwards
Louis F. Edwards
Politician
Louis F. Edwards
Party
Democratic
Date
November 15, 1939
Office
Mayor of Long Beach, New York
Location
Long Beach, New York
Assassin
Alvin Dooley
Motive
Retaliation for disciplinary action and losing reelection
Edwards came into conflict with Dooley, president of the police union, after Dooley criticized his heavy-handed approach on crime. Edwards responded by demoting Dooley from his position on the motorcycle squad and ensuring Dooley lost his reelection as union president to Edwards' bodyguard James Walsh. When Dooley was assigned to a police booth outside of Edwards' house, Edwards smiled as he and Walsh walked by. Dooley responded by shooting Edwards with a revolver. Walsh tried to stop Dooley and was shot and injured during the scuffle. Dooley then went to where Edwards lay and shot him two more times in the back. He turned himself in and served ten years in prison.
Edwards came into conflict with Dooley, president of the police union, after Dooley criticized his heavy-handed approach on crime. Edwards responded by demoting Dooley from his position on the motorcycle squad and ensuring Dooley lost his reelection as union president to Edwards' bodyguard James Walsh. When Dooley was assigned to a police booth outside of Edwards' house, Edwards smiled as he and Walsh walked by. Dooley responded by shooting Edwards with a revolver. Walsh tried to stop Dooley and was shot and injured during the scuffle. Dooley then went to where Edwards lay and shot him two more times in the back. He turned himself in and served ten years in prison.
Politician
Edwards came into conflict with Dooley, president of the police union, after Dooley criticized his heavy-handed approach on crime. Edwards responded by demoting Dooley from his position on the motorcycle squad and ensuring Dooley lost his reelection as union president to Edwards' bodyguard James Walsh. When Dooley was assigned to a police booth outside of Edwards' house, Edwards smiled as he and Walsh walked by. Dooley responded by shooting Edwards with a revolver. Walsh tried to stop Dooley and was shot and injured during the scuffle. Dooley then went to where Edwards lay and shot him two more times in the back. He turned himself in and served ten years in prison.
George Moscone
George Moscone
Politician
George Moscone
Party
Democratic
Date
November 27, 1978
Office
Mayor of San Francisco
Location
San Francisco, California
Assassin
Dan White
Motive
Moscone's refusal to reinstate White
Main article: Moscone–Milk assassinations Moscone was killed by former city supervisor Dan White, who had resigned days prior. White changed his mind and wished to be reappointed, but Moscone was considering other candidates. White went into Moscone's office, spoke to him briefly, then shot him three times with a revolver. White then killed city supervisor Harvey Milk and turned himself in. He was sentenced to seven years in prison and paroled after five.
Main article: Moscone–Milk assassinations Moscone was killed by former city supervisor Dan White, who had resigned days prior. White changed his mind and wished to be reappointed, but Moscone was considering other candidates. White went into Moscone's office, spoke to him briefly, then shot him three times with a revolver. White then killed city supervisor Harvey Milk and turned himself in. He was sentenced to seven years in prison and paroled after five.
Politician
Main article: Moscone–Milk assassinations Moscone was killed by former city supervisor Dan White, who had resigned days prior. White changed his mind and wished to be reappointed, but Moscone was considering other candidates. White went into Moscone's office, spoke to him briefly, then shot him three times with a revolver. White then killed city supervisor Harvey Milk and turned himself in. He was sentenced to seven years in prison and paroled after five.
Russell G. Lloyd Sr.
Russell G. Lloyd Sr.
Politician
Russell G. Lloyd Sr.
Party
Republican
Date
March 19, 1980 (incident)March 21, 1980 (death)
Office
Former Mayor of Evansville, Indiana
Location
Evansville, Indiana
Assassin
Julia Van Orden
Motive
Mental illness, hostility toward the city
Lloyd was shot at his home by Van Orden following an argument, months after his term ended. Van Orden believed that Lloyd was still the incumbent mayor and was angry with the city government. Lloyd died after spending two days comatose, while Van Orden was declared insane and sentenced to 40 years.
Lloyd was shot at his home by Van Orden following an argument, months after his term ended. Van Orden believed that Lloyd was still the incumbent mayor and was angry with the city government. Lloyd died after spending two days comatose, while Van Orden was declared insane and sentenced to 40 years.
Politician
Lloyd was shot at his home by Van Orden following an argument, months after his term ended. Van Orden believed that Lloyd was still the incumbent mayor and was angry with the city government. Lloyd died after spending two days comatose, while Van Orden was declared insane and sentenced to 40 years.
Mike Swoboda
Mike Swoboda
Politician
Mike Swoboda
Date
February 7, 2008 (incident)September 6, 2008 (death)
Office
Mayor of Kirkwood, Missouri
Location
Kirkwood, Missouri
Assassin
Charles Lee "Cookie" Thornton
Motive
Retaliation for municipal fines
Main article: Kirkwood City Council shooting Swoboda was killed during an attack on the Kirkwood City Council. Thornton had accumulated numerous fines and believed that the council was discriminating against him on the basis of race. He opened fire on the council with two handguns. He killed five people, while Swoboda and a reporter were injured. Thornton was then killed by police. Swoboda was shot in the jaw and the back of his head, and he died of his injuries seven months later.
Main article: Kirkwood City Council shooting Swoboda was killed during an attack on the Kirkwood City Council. Thornton had accumulated numerous fines and believed that the council was discriminating against him on the basis of race. He opened fire on the council with two handguns. He killed five people, while Swoboda and a reporter were injured. Thornton was then killed by police. Swoboda was shot in the jaw and the back of his head, and he died of his injuries seven months later.
Politician
Main article: Kirkwood City Council shooting Swoboda was killed during an attack on the Kirkwood City Council. Thornton had accumulated numerous fines and believed that the council was discriminating against him on the basis of race. He opened fire on the council with two handguns. He killed five people, while Swoboda and a reporter were injured. Thornton was then killed by police. Swoboda was shot in the jaw and the back of his head, and he died of his injuries seven months later.
Politician
Portrait
Party
Date
Office
Location
Assassin
Motive
Ref
Joseph Smith
Reform
June 27, 1844
Mayor of Nauvoo, Illinois;presidential candidate
Carthage, Illinois
The Carthage Greys
Anti-Mormonism
Main article: Killing of Joseph Smith Smith's opponents published a newspaper criticizing him, so he had the Nauvoo Legion destroy their press. Smith declared martial law after unrest broke out, so Governor Thomas Ford ordered the arrest of Smith and his brother Hyrum. A militia, the Carthage Greys, stormed the jail and shot Hyrum. Joseph Smith injured some of the attackers with a pistol that had been smuggled to him, but he was shot as he tried to escape through the window. He was then dragged aside and shot several more times.
Joseph G. Crane
June 8, 1869
Provisional mayor of Jackson, Mississippi
Jackson, Mississippi
Edward M. Yerger
Seizure of a piano
Crane was stabbed to death by Yerger, a newspaper owner, on the steps of the Mississippi State Capitol. Yerger was responding to the seizure of his piano, which was taken to auction because he owed back taxes. Yerger was arrested, and he was defended by his uncle, former Supreme Court of Mississippi justice William Yerger. They filed a writ of habeas corpus when he was brought before a military tribunal, but it was denied, and the Supreme Court of the United States sustained the denial in Ex parte Yerger. Yerger was taken into the custody of civilian law enforcement following a negotiation, but he left the state after he was released on bail and was never tried.
Carter Harrison III
Democratic
October 28, 1893
Mayor of Chicago
Chicago, Illinois
Patrick Eugene Prendergast
Assailant was rejected for appointment to a patronage post as corporation counsel
Main article: Assassination of Carter Harrison III Harrison was shot four times by Prendergast with a pistol. Prendergast had claimed to be "a city official" and was allowed to enter the home to meet with Harrison. Harrison's coachman came to the scene and engaged in a gunfight with Prendergast, but no one was hit and Prendergast got away. Harrison died from his wounds about 30 minutes later. Prendergast turned himself in to the police shortly after. He explained that Harrison refused to appoint him as corporation counsel. After a trial centered on whether he was sane when committing the crime, Prendergast was sentenced to death. After a further proceeding on to Prendergast's fitness to be executed, he was hanged the following July.
Hale Johnson
Prohibition
November 4, 1902
Mayor of Newton, Illinois; vice presidential candidate
Bogota, Illinois
Harry Harris
Killed while attempting to collect a debt owed to him by Harris
Johnson had gone to collect a debt following a court case that he had prosecuted against Harris. When the deputy sheriff accompanying him seized Harris's wagon, Harris killed Johnson with a shotgun. Harris was apprehended by the Newton city marshal, but he poisoned himself and died and before he could be taken to jail.
Anton Cermak
Democratic
February 15, 1933 (incident)March 6, 1933 (death)
Mayor of Chicago
Miami, Florida
Giuseppe Zangara
Anti-capitalism; intended attack on Franklin D. Roosevelt
Cermak met with president-elect Franklin D. Roosevelt during a speech in Miami when Zangara fired five gunshots at them from the crowd. Missing Roosevelt, Zangara hit Cermak and four other people. Cermak was hospitalized and began to recover, but he died of sepsis weeks later. The other four victims survived, and Zangara was executed by electric chair on March 20.
Louis F. Edwards
Democratic
November 15, 1939
Mayor of Long Beach, New York
Long Beach, New York
Alvin Dooley
Retaliation for disciplinary action and losing reelection
Edwards came into conflict with Dooley, president of the police union, after Dooley criticized his heavy-handed approach on crime. Edwards responded by demoting Dooley from his position on the motorcycle squad and ensuring Dooley lost his reelection as union president to Edwards' bodyguard James Walsh. When Dooley was assigned to a police booth outside of Edwards' house, Edwards smiled as he and Walsh walked by. Dooley responded by shooting Edwards with a revolver. Walsh tried to stop Dooley and was shot and injured during the scuffle. Dooley then went to where Edwards lay and shot him two more times in the back. He turned himself in and served ten years in prison.
George Moscone
Democratic
November 27, 1978
Mayor of San Francisco
San Francisco, California
Dan White
Moscone's refusal to reinstate White
Main article: Moscone–Milk assassinations Moscone was killed by former city supervisor Dan White, who had resigned days prior. White changed his mind and wished to be reappointed, but Moscone was considering other candidates. White went into Moscone's office, spoke to him briefly, then shot him three times with a revolver. White then killed city supervisor Harvey Milk and turned himself in. He was sentenced to seven years in prison and paroled after five.
Russell G. Lloyd Sr.
Republican
March 19, 1980 (incident)March 21, 1980 (death)
Former Mayor of Evansville, Indiana
Evansville, Indiana
Julia Van Orden
Mental illness, hostility toward the city
Lloyd was shot at his home by Van Orden following an argument, months after his term ended. Van Orden believed that Lloyd was still the incumbent mayor and was angry with the city government. Lloyd died after spending two days comatose, while Van Orden was declared insane and sentenced to 40 years.
Mike Swoboda
February 7, 2008 (incident)September 6, 2008 (death)
Mayor of Kirkwood, Missouri
Kirkwood, Missouri
Charles Lee "Cookie" Thornton
Retaliation for municipal fines
Main article: Kirkwood City Council shooting Swoboda was killed during an attack on the Kirkwood City Council. Thornton had accumulated numerous fines and believed that the council was discriminating against him on the basis of race. He opened fire on the council with two handguns. He killed five people, while Swoboda and a reporter were injured. Thornton was then killed by police. Swoboda was shot in the jaw and the back of his head, and he died of his injuries seven months later.
· Local offices › County officers
John Quincy Dickinson
John Quincy Dickinson
Politician
John Quincy Dickinson
Party
Republican
Date
April 3, 1871
Office
Clerk of Court of Jackson County, Florida
Location
Marianna, Florida
Assassin
Unknown
Motive
White supremacy
Main article: Jackson County War Dickinson was walking home from work when a group of unknown assassins, widely believed to be Klansmen, fired 13-14 buckshot rounds at him before one assassin approached Dickinson's body and shot him in his heart.
Main article: Jackson County War Dickinson was walking home from work when a group of unknown assassins, widely believed to be Klansmen, fired 13-14 buckshot rounds at him before one assassin approached Dickinson's body and shot him in his heart.
Politician
Main article: Jackson County War Dickinson was walking home from work when a group of unknown assassins, widely believed to be Klansmen, fired 13-14 buckshot rounds at him before one assassin approached Dickinson's body and shot him in his heart.
Politician
Portrait
Party
Date
Office
Location
Assassin
Motive
Ref
John Quincy Dickinson
Republican
April 3, 1871
Clerk of Court of Jackson County, Florida
Marianna, Florida
Unknown
White supremacy
Main article: Jackson County War Dickinson was walking home from work when a group of unknown assassins, widely believed to be Klansmen, fired 13-14 buckshot rounds at him before one assassin approached Dickinson's body and shot him in his heart.
· Local offices › City council members
Harvey Milk
Harvey Milk
Politician
Harvey Milk
Party
Democratic
Date
November 27, 1978
Office
City Supervisor of San Francisco
Location
San Francisco, California
Assassin
Dan White
Mmotive
Milk's objection to White's reinstatement
Main article: Moscone–Milk assassinations Milk was killed by former city supervisor Dan White after discouraging mayor George Moscone from reinstating him. White had resigned from the position and then changed his mind, but Milk suggested a different candidate to Moscone. White entered city hall and shot Moscone with a revolver. Before anyone realized that Moscone was dead, White asked Milk for a private conversation and then shot him as well. White then turned himself in. He was sentenced to seven years in prison and paroled after five.
Main article: Moscone–Milk assassinations Milk was killed by former city supervisor Dan White after discouraging mayor George Moscone from reinstating him. White had resigned from the position and then changed his mind, but Milk suggested a different candidate to Moscone. White entered city hall and shot Moscone with a revolver. Before anyone realized that Moscone was dead, White asked Milk for a private conversation and then shot him as well. White then turned himself in. He was sentenced to seven years in prison and paroled after five.
Politician
Main article: Moscone–Milk assassinations Milk was killed by former city supervisor Dan White after discouraging mayor George Moscone from reinstating him. White had resigned from the position and then changed his mind, but Milk suggested a different candidate to Moscone. White entered city hall and shot Moscone with a revolver. Before anyone realized that Moscone was dead, White asked Milk for a private conversation and then shot him as well. White then turned himself in. He was sentenced to seven years in prison and paroled after five.
James E. Davis
James E. Davis
Politician
James E. Davis
Party
Democratic
Date
July 23, 2003
Office
New York City Councilman
Location
New York City, New York
Assassin
Othniel Askew
Mmotive
Assailant was a prospective electoral challenger
Davis had befriended Askew after convincing him not to run for Davis's seat on the city council. Davis invited Askew to join him at city hall in the visitor's gallery, where Askew smuggled in a pistol and shot Davis, killing him. A security officer then shot and killed Askew.
Davis had befriended Askew after convincing him not to run for Davis's seat on the city council. Davis invited Askew to join him at city hall in the visitor's gallery, where Askew smuggled in a pistol and shot Davis, killing him. A security officer then shot and killed Askew.
Politician
Davis had befriended Askew after convincing him not to run for Davis's seat on the city council. Davis invited Askew to join him at city hall in the visitor's gallery, where Askew smuggled in a pistol and shot Davis, killing him. A security officer then shot and killed Askew.
Eunice Dwumfour
Eunice Dwumfour
Politician
Eunice Dwumfour
Party
Republican
Date
February 1, 2023
Office
Member of the Sayreville Borough Council
Location
Sayreville, New Jersey
Assassin
Rashid Ali Bynum
Dwumfour was found dead in her car with gunshot wounds. Bynum, a former member of Dwumfour's congregation as a priest, was arrested for her murder four months later. Bynum was found guilty in June 2025.
Dwumfour was found dead in her car with gunshot wounds. Bynum, a former member of Dwumfour's congregation as a priest, was arrested for her murder four months later. Bynum was found guilty in June 2025.
Politician
Dwumfour was found dead in her car with gunshot wounds. Bynum, a former member of Dwumfour's congregation as a priest, was arrested for her murder four months later. Bynum was found guilty in June 2025.
Politician
Portrait
Party
Date
Office
Location
Assassin
Mmotive
Ref
Harvey Milk
Democratic
November 27, 1978
City Supervisor of San Francisco
San Francisco, California
Dan White
Milk's objection to White's reinstatement
Main article: Moscone–Milk assassinations Milk was killed by former city supervisor Dan White after discouraging mayor George Moscone from reinstating him. White had resigned from the position and then changed his mind, but Milk suggested a different candidate to Moscone. White entered city hall and shot Moscone with a revolver. Before anyone realized that Moscone was dead, White asked Milk for a private conversation and then shot him as well. White then turned himself in. He was sentenced to seven years in prison and paroled after five.
James E. Davis
Democratic
July 23, 2003
New York City Councilman
New York City, New York
Othniel Askew
Assailant was a prospective electoral challenger
Davis had befriended Askew after convincing him not to run for Davis's seat on the city council. Davis invited Askew to join him at city hall in the visitor's gallery, where Askew smuggled in a pistol and shot Davis, killing him. A security officer then shot and killed Askew.
Eunice Dwumfour
Republican
February 1, 2023
Member of the Sayreville Borough Council
Sayreville, New Jersey
Rashid Ali Bynum
Dwumfour was found dead in her car with gunshot wounds. Bynum, a former member of Dwumfour's congregation as a priest, was arrested for her murder four months later. Bynum was found guilty in June 2025.
· Local offices › Law enforcement
William J. Brady
William J. Brady
Politician
William J. Brady
Date
April 1, 1878
Office
Lincoln County Sheriff
Location
Lincoln, New Mexico
Assassin
Lincoln County Regulators and Billy the Kid
Motive
Revenge for John Tunstall's death
Tunstall, an ally of the Lincoln County Regulators and Billy the Kid, was shot and killed by Lincoln County deputies for his role in the Lincoln County War on February 18, 1878 at his ranch. Brady and four of his deputies were ambushed by the Regulators and Billy the Kid as they walked down the main street of Lincoln, killing Brady and deputy George W. Hindman.
Tunstall, an ally of the Lincoln County Regulators and Billy the Kid, was shot and killed by Lincoln County deputies for his role in the Lincoln County War on February 18, 1878 at his ranch. Brady and four of his deputies were ambushed by the Regulators and Billy the Kid as they walked down the main street of Lincoln, killing Brady and deputy George W. Hindman.
Politician
Tunstall, an ally of the Lincoln County Regulators and Billy the Kid, was shot and killed by Lincoln County deputies for his role in the Lincoln County War on February 18, 1878 at his ranch. Brady and four of his deputies were ambushed by the Regulators and Billy the Kid as they walked down the main street of Lincoln, killing Brady and deputy George W. Hindman.
David Hennessy
David Hennessy
Politician
David Hennessy
Date
October 16, 1890
Office
Police Chief of the New Orleans Police Department
Location
New Orleans, Louisiana
Assassin
Mafia (suspected)
Motive
Retaliation for Hennessy's anti-Mafia work (suspected)
Main article: 1891 New Orleans lynchings Hennessy was walking home when he was ambushed and fatally shot by multiple assailants. Hennessy had reportedly whispered a derogatory slur for Italians when asked who had shot him before he succumbed to his injuries. Police rounded up hundreds of men of Italian heritage, and ultimately 19 of them were convicted for Hennessy's death. However, when nine of the convicted went on trial, six were acquitted and three had mistrials. The following day, a mob assembled outside of the prison where the men were being held and stormed it, lynching 11 of them.
Main article: 1891 New Orleans lynchings Hennessy was walking home when he was ambushed and fatally shot by multiple assailants. Hennessy had reportedly whispered a derogatory slur for Italians when asked who had shot him before he succumbed to his injuries. Police rounded up hundreds of men of Italian heritage, and ultimately 19 of them were convicted for Hennessy's death. However, when nine of the convicted went on trial, six were acquitted and three had mistrials. The following day, a mob assembled outside of the prison where the men were being held and stormed it, lynching 11 of them.
Politician
Main article: 1891 New Orleans lynchings Hennessy was walking home when he was ambushed and fatally shot by multiple assailants. Hennessy had reportedly whispered a derogatory slur for Italians when asked who had shot him before he succumbed to his injuries. Police rounded up hundreds of men of Italian heritage, and ultimately 19 of them were convicted for Hennessy's death. However, when nine of the convicted went on trial, six were acquitted and three had mistrials. The following day, a mob assembled outside of the prison where the men were being held and stormed it, lynching 11 of them.
John A. Holmes
John A. Holmes
Politician
John A. Holmes
Date
September 18, 1929
Office
Hutchinson County District Attorney
Location
Borger, Texas
Assassin
Unknown
Motive
Suspected retaliation for campaign against organized crime and bootlegging
Holmes was shot and killed by an unknown assailant during a period in which organized crime had a large influence in the city of Borger. As a result of his death, Governor Dan Moody ordered Hutchinson County placed under martial law and sent in the Texas Rangers to restore order.
Holmes was shot and killed by an unknown assailant during a period in which organized crime had a large influence in the city of Borger. As a result of his death, Governor Dan Moody ordered Hutchinson County placed under martial law and sent in the Texas Rangers to restore order.
Politician
Holmes was shot and killed by an unknown assailant during a period in which organized crime had a large influence in the city of Borger. As a result of his death, Governor Dan Moody ordered Hutchinson County placed under martial law and sent in the Texas Rangers to restore order.
Jack Burris
Jack Burris
Politician
Jack Burris
Date
June 1952
Office
Mayes County District Attorney
Location
Locust Grove, Oklahoma
Assassin
Unknown
Motive
Retaliation for crackdown on illegal gambling and bootlegging (suspected)
Burris was ambushed outside of his home and killed with a shotgun blast. Burris' wife said she heard a vehicle fleeing from their home after he had been shot, but investigators were unable to determine who killed Burris and for what reason, although they did suspect it was in retaliation for Burris' crackdown on illegal gambling and bootlegging in the area.
Burris was ambushed outside of his home and killed with a shotgun blast. Burris' wife said she heard a vehicle fleeing from their home after he had been shot, but investigators were unable to determine who killed Burris and for what reason, although they did suspect it was in retaliation for Burris' crackdown on illegal gambling and bootlegging in the area.
Politician
Burris was ambushed outside of his home and killed with a shotgun blast. Burris' wife said she heard a vehicle fleeing from their home after he had been shot, but investigators were unable to determine who killed Burris and for what reason, although they did suspect it was in retaliation for Burris' crackdown on illegal gambling and bootlegging in the area.
William Cann
William Cann
Politician
William Cann
Date
June 11, 1974
Office
Union City Police Chief
Location
Union City, California
Assassin
Leonard Baca
Motive
Revenge for the death of Alberto Terrones
Main article: Assassination of William Cann During a community meeting at a Catholic church to address unrest, Cann was shot through a window by Leonard Baca, fatally wounding him. After shooting Cann, Baca continued to fire and injured three others.
Main article: Assassination of William Cann During a community meeting at a Catholic church to address unrest, Cann was shot through a window by Leonard Baca, fatally wounding him. After shooting Cann, Baca continued to fire and injured three others.
Politician
Main article: Assassination of William Cann During a community meeting at a Catholic church to address unrest, Cann was shot through a window by Leonard Baca, fatally wounding him. After shooting Cann, Baca continued to fire and injured three others.
Sam Catron
Sam Catron
Politician
Sam Catron
Date
April 13, 2002
Office
Pulaski County Sheriff
Location
Stab, Kentucky
Assassin
Danny Shelley
Motive
Attempt to replace Catron with Jeff Morris
Main article: Murder of Sam Catron As Catron left a political rally Danny Shelley sniped Catron, killing him. Shelley was apprehended while attempting to flee and it was determined that former deputy Jeff Morris and drug-dealer Kenneth White had conspired with Shelley to have Catron assassinated.
Main article: Murder of Sam Catron As Catron left a political rally Danny Shelley sniped Catron, killing him. Shelley was apprehended while attempting to flee and it was determined that former deputy Jeff Morris and drug-dealer Kenneth White had conspired with Shelley to have Catron assassinated.
Politician
Main article: Murder of Sam Catron As Catron left a political rally Danny Shelley sniped Catron, killing him. Shelley was apprehended while attempting to flee and it was determined that former deputy Jeff Morris and drug-dealer Kenneth White had conspired with Shelley to have Catron assassinated.
Politician
Portrait
Party
Date
Office
Location
Assassin
Motive
Ref
William J. Brady
April 1, 1878
Lincoln County Sheriff
Lincoln, New Mexico
Lincoln County Regulators and Billy the Kid
Revenge for John Tunstall's death
Tunstall, an ally of the Lincoln County Regulators and Billy the Kid, was shot and killed by Lincoln County deputies for his role in the Lincoln County War on February 18, 1878 at his ranch. Brady and four of his deputies were ambushed by the Regulators and Billy the Kid as they walked down the main street of Lincoln, killing Brady and deputy George W. Hindman.
David Hennessy
October 16, 1890
Police Chief of the New Orleans Police Department
New Orleans, Louisiana
Mafia (suspected)
Retaliation for Hennessy's anti-Mafia work (suspected)
Main article: 1891 New Orleans lynchings Hennessy was walking home when he was ambushed and fatally shot by multiple assailants. Hennessy had reportedly whispered a derogatory slur for Italians when asked who had shot him before he succumbed to his injuries. Police rounded up hundreds of men of Italian heritage, and ultimately 19 of them were convicted for Hennessy's death. However, when nine of the convicted went on trial, six were acquitted and three had mistrials. The following day, a mob assembled outside of the prison where the men were being held and stormed it, lynching 11 of them.
John A. Holmes
September 18, 1929
Hutchinson County District Attorney
Borger, Texas
Unknown
Suspected retaliation for campaign against organized crime and bootlegging
Holmes was shot and killed by an unknown assailant during a period in which organized crime had a large influence in the city of Borger. As a result of his death, Governor Dan Moody ordered Hutchinson County placed under martial law and sent in the Texas Rangers to restore order.
Jack Burris
June 1952
Mayes County District Attorney
Locust Grove, Oklahoma
Unknown
Retaliation for crackdown on illegal gambling and bootlegging (suspected)
Burris was ambushed outside of his home and killed with a shotgun blast. Burris' wife said she heard a vehicle fleeing from their home after he had been shot, but investigators were unable to determine who killed Burris and for what reason, although they did suspect it was in retaliation for Burris' crackdown on illegal gambling and bootlegging in the area.
William Cann
June 11, 1974
Union City Police Chief
Union City, California
Leonard Baca
Revenge for the death of Alberto Terrones
Main article: Assassination of William Cann During a community meeting at a Catholic church to address unrest, Cann was shot through a window by Leonard Baca, fatally wounding him. After shooting Cann, Baca continued to fire and injured three others.
Sam Catron
April 13, 2002
Pulaski County Sheriff
Stab, Kentucky
Danny Shelley
Attempt to replace Catron with Jeff Morris
Main article: Murder of Sam Catron As Catron left a political rally Danny Shelley sniped Catron, killing him. Shelley was apprehended while attempting to flee and it was determined that former deputy Jeff Morris and drug-dealer Kenneth White had conspired with Shelley to have Catron assassinated.
· Tribal government
An armed group of Cherokee attacked Boudinot's home and killed him in retaliation for Boudinot and other Treaty Party members signing the Treaty of New Echota without the support of Cherokee chief John Ross and the majority support of the Cherokee Nation Tribal Council. The treaty facilitated the Cherokee removal.
An armed group of Cherokee attacked Boudinot's home and killed him in retaliation for Boudinot and other Treaty Party members signing the Treaty of New Echota without the support of Cherokee chief John Ross and the majority support of the Cherokee Nation Tribal Council. The treaty facilitated the Cherokee removal.
Elias Boudinot
An armed group of Cherokee attacked Boudinot's home and killed him in retaliation for Boudinot and other Treaty Party members signing the Treaty of New Echota without the support of Cherokee chief John Ross and the majority support of the Cherokee Nation Tribal Council. The treaty facilitated the Cherokee removal.
John Ridge
John Ridge
Elias Boudinot
John Ridge
Col 2
Treaty Party
Treaty Party
June 22, 1839
June 22, 1839
Member of the Cherokee Nation Tribal Council
Member of the Cherokee Nation Tribal Council
Park Hill, Oklahoma
McIntosh County, Oklahoma
Supporters of John Ross
Supporters of John Ross
Retaliation for signing the Treaty of New Echota
Retaliation for signing the Treaty of New Echota
Ridge was killed by an armed group of Cherokee for signing off on the Treaty of New Echota.
Ridge was killed by an armed group of Cherokee for signing off on the Treaty of New Echota.
Elias Boudinot
Ridge was killed by an armed group of Cherokee for signing off on the Treaty of New Echota.
Major Ridge
Major Ridge
Elias Boudinot
Major Ridge
Col 2
Treaty Party
Treaty Party
June 22, 1839
June 22, 1839
Member of the Cherokee Nation Tribal Council
Member of the Cherokee Nation Tribal Council
Park Hill, Oklahoma
Washington County, Arkansas
Supporters of John Ross
Supporters of John Ross
Retaliation for signing the Treaty of New Echota
Retaliation for signing the Treaty of New Echota
Ridge was ambushed by a group of armed Cherokee as he rode along a road in retaliation for signing off on the Treaty of New Echota. Ridge was shot five times and killed.
Ridge was ambushed by a group of armed Cherokee as he rode along a road in retaliation for signing off on the Treaty of New Echota. Ridge was shot five times and killed.
Elias Boudinot
Ridge was ambushed by a group of armed Cherokee as he rode along a road in retaliation for signing off on the Treaty of New Echota. Ridge was shot five times and killed.
Elias Boudinot
Treaty Party
June 22, 1839
Member of the Cherokee Nation Tribal Council
Park Hill, Oklahoma
Supporters of John Ross
Retaliation for signing the Treaty of New Echota
An armed group of Cherokee attacked Boudinot's home and killed him in retaliation for Boudinot and other Treaty Party members signing the Treaty of New Echota without the support of Cherokee chief John Ross and the majority support of the Cherokee Nation Tribal Council. The treaty facilitated the Cherokee removal.
John Ridge
Treaty Party
June 22, 1839
Member of the Cherokee Nation Tribal Council
McIntosh County, Oklahoma
Supporters of John Ross
Retaliation for signing the Treaty of New Echota
Ridge was killed by an armed group of Cherokee for signing off on the Treaty of New Echota.
Major Ridge
Treaty Party
June 22, 1839
Member of the Cherokee Nation Tribal Council
Washington County, Arkansas
Supporters of John Ross
Retaliation for signing the Treaty of New Echota
Ridge was ambushed by a group of armed Cherokee as he rode along a road in retaliation for signing off on the Treaty of New Echota. Ridge was shot five times and killed.
· Non-officeholding politicians
George W. Ashburn
George W. Ashburn
Politician
George W. Ashburn
Party
Republican
Date
March 31, 1868
Location
Columbus, Georgia
Assassin
Several unknown assailants
Motive
Ashburn's support for African American rights
Ashburn was shot in his home after several masked assailants broke in. Multiple groups were accused, including the Ku Klux Klan, conservatives, or spurned allies who wished to seize influence from Ashburn. He had been preparing to campaign for a seat in the United States Senate, and he was previously a delegate to the Georgia Constitutional Convention of 1867–1868.
Ashburn was shot in his home after several masked assailants broke in. Multiple groups were accused, including the Ku Klux Klan, conservatives, or spurned allies who wished to seize influence from Ashburn. He had been preparing to campaign for a seat in the United States Senate, and he was previously a delegate to the Georgia Constitutional Convention of 1867–1868.
Politician
Ashburn was shot in his home after several masked assailants broke in. Multiple groups were accused, including the Ku Klux Klan, conservatives, or spurned allies who wished to seize influence from Ashburn. He had been preparing to campaign for a seat in the United States Senate, and he was previously a delegate to the Georgia Constitutional Convention of 1867–1868.
George Lincoln Rockwell
George Lincoln Rockwell
Politician
George Lincoln Rockwell
Party
American Nazi
Date
August 25, 1967
Location
Arlington, Virginia
Assassin
John Patler
Motive
Retaliation for the assailant's expulsion from the Nazi Party
Main article: Assassination of George Lincoln Rockwell Rockwell was shot twice by Patler while getting in his car at a laundromat. Patler, who was firing a pistol from a shopping mall roof, was a Nazi Party member whom Rockwell had expelled months before. Rockwell's body was stolen by the Nazi Party and cremated, and Patler was sentenced to 20 years in prison for the murder and released after 10.
Main article: Assassination of George Lincoln Rockwell Rockwell was shot twice by Patler while getting in his car at a laundromat. Patler, who was firing a pistol from a shopping mall roof, was a Nazi Party member whom Rockwell had expelled months before. Rockwell's body was stolen by the Nazi Party and cremated, and Patler was sentenced to 20 years in prison for the murder and released after 10.
Politician
Main article: Assassination of George Lincoln Rockwell Rockwell was shot twice by Patler while getting in his car at a laundromat. Patler, who was firing a pistol from a shopping mall roof, was a Nazi Party member whom Rockwell had expelled months before. Rockwell's body was stolen by the Nazi Party and cremated, and Patler was sentenced to 20 years in prison for the murder and released after 10.
Derwin Brown
Derwin Brown
Politician
Derwin Brown
Party
Non-partisan
Date
December 15, 2000
Location
Decatur, Georgia
Assassin
Melvin Walker
Motive
Defeat in sheriff's election
The former DeKalb County sheriff, Sidney Dorsey, arranged to have sheriff-elect Brown, a captain in the DeKalb County Police Department, killed out of bitterness for Brown defeating Dorsey in the county sheriff's election. Dorsey promised former sheriff's deputy Melvin Walker a promotion to deputy sheriff if he carried out the murder and promised the getaway driver and backup shooter, David Ramsey, a job as a detention officer. Walker shot Brown 12 times with a TEC-9 outside Brown's home, killing him.
The former DeKalb County sheriff, Sidney Dorsey, arranged to have sheriff-elect Brown, a captain in the DeKalb County Police Department, killed out of bitterness for Brown defeating Dorsey in the county sheriff's election. Dorsey promised former sheriff's deputy Melvin Walker a promotion to deputy sheriff if he carried out the murder and promised the getaway driver and backup shooter, David Ramsey, a job as a detention officer. Walker shot Brown 12 times with a TEC-9 outside Brown's home, killing him.
Politician
The former DeKalb County sheriff, Sidney Dorsey, arranged to have sheriff-elect Brown, a captain in the DeKalb County Police Department, killed out of bitterness for Brown defeating Dorsey in the county sheriff's election. Dorsey promised former sheriff's deputy Melvin Walker a promotion to deputy sheriff if he carried out the murder and promised the getaway driver and backup shooter, David Ramsey, a job as a detention officer. Walker shot Brown 12 times with a TEC-9 outside Brown's home, killing him.
Politician
Portrait
Party
Date
Location
Assassin
Motive
Ref
George W. Ashburn
Republican
March 31, 1868
Columbus, Georgia
Several unknown assailants
Ashburn's support for African American rights
Ashburn was shot in his home after several masked assailants broke in. Multiple groups were accused, including the Ku Klux Klan, conservatives, or spurned allies who wished to seize influence from Ashburn. He had been preparing to campaign for a seat in the United States Senate, and he was previously a delegate to the Georgia Constitutional Convention of 1867–1868.
Franklin Sinclair
Republican
April 16, 1868
Morehouse Parish, Louisiana
James Payne (alleged)
To stop Sinclair's election to the Louisiana House of Representatives
Sinclair, who was running for a seat in the Louisiana House of Representatives, was returning home on horseback from a political rally a day before the election when he was allegedly shot and killed near Bonita by Payne, a white plantation owner who had been working to elect Sinclair's Democratic opponent. Payne admitted to shooting Sinclair, but claimed that it was in self-defense and a kangaroo court found him not guilty. After that, however, Payne was arrested by the Marshals Service, but he was released on bond and subsequently disappeared. O. H. Brewster was selected to replace Sinclair and won the seat.
George Lincoln Rockwell
American Nazi
August 25, 1967
Arlington, Virginia
John Patler
Retaliation for the assailant's expulsion from the Nazi Party
Main article: Assassination of George Lincoln Rockwell Rockwell was shot twice by Patler while getting in his car at a laundromat. Patler, who was firing a pistol from a shopping mall roof, was a Nazi Party member whom Rockwell had expelled months before. Rockwell's body was stolen by the Nazi Party and cremated, and Patler was sentenced to 20 years in prison for the murder and released after 10.
Derwin Brown
Non-partisan
December 15, 2000
Decatur, Georgia
Melvin Walker
Defeat in sheriff's election
The former DeKalb County sheriff, Sidney Dorsey, arranged to have sheriff-elect Brown, a captain in the DeKalb County Police Department, killed out of bitterness for Brown defeating Dorsey in the county sheriff's election. Dorsey promised former sheriff's deputy Melvin Walker a promotion to deputy sheriff if he carried out the murder and promised the getaway driver and backup shooter, David Ramsey, a job as a detention officer. Walker shot Brown 12 times with a TEC-9 outside Brown's home, killing him.

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  64. Texas Legislators: Past & Present
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  65. "Bold, Bad, Notorious" Hal Geiger: Politics, Violence, and Defiance in Reconstruction Era East Texas
  66. Ballots and Bullets: The Bloody County Seat Wars of Kansas
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  67. Chico Record
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  68. Los Angeles Herald
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  69. The Press Democrat
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  70. Enterprise
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  71. JoinCalifornia
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  72. Omaha World-Herald
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  73. Great Falls Tribune
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  74. The News Tribune
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  75. The Montana Standard
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  76. Casper Star-Tribune
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  77. The Rawlins Republican
  78. The Butte Daily Post
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  79. The Montana Record-Herald
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  80. New York Times
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  81. Kenosha News
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  82. Chicago Tribune
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  83. Encyclopedia of Alabama
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  84. "'70s slaying of KC politician a mob hit? - KansasCity.com"
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  85. Honolulu Star-Bulletin
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  86. Rocky Mountain News
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  87. The Baltimore Sun
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  88. The Baltimore Sun
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  89. The Baltimore Sun
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  90. The Baltimore Sun
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  91. Lentz 2002, p. 253.
  92. NBC News
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  93. ABC News
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  94. apnews.com
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  95. LBC
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  96. KTSP
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  97. Ohio Capital Journal
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  98. Death Comes for the Chief Justice: The Slough-Rynerson Quarrel and Political Violence in New Mexico
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  99. Famous Kentucky Tragedies and Trials: A Collection of Important and Interesting Tragedies and Criminal Trials Which Have Taken Place in Kentucky
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  102. Prison Legal News
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  104. WDKY-TV
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  105. The Filson Club Quarterly
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  106. Encyclopedia of Oregon
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  107. Texas State Historical Association
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  108. No Man Knows My History: The Life of Joseph Smith, the Mormon Prophet
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  109. Of Long Memory: Mississippi and the Murder of Medgar Evers
  110. Landmark Decisions of the United States Supreme Court
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  111. Journal of the Illinois State Historical Society
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  112. The Effingham Democrat
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  113. History of the Disciples of Christ in Illinois 1819–1914
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  116. Smithsonian Magazine
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  117. The Indianapolis Star
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  118. STLPR
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  119. WKTimes LLC
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  121. Smithsonian Magazine
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  122. Intelligencer
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  123. ABC7 New York
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  124. My Central Jersey
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  125. Edwards, Daniel A., "Billy the Kid - An Autobiography", chapter 2.
  126. Utley, Robert M., Billy the Kid: A Short and Violent Life, chapters 15–17. ISBN 0-8032-9558-8
  127. Encyclopædia Britannica
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  128. Texas State Historical Association
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  129. "TEXAS PUTS BORGER UNDER MARTIAL LAW; Mayor Is Arrested Charged With Driving Out Witness in Murder Case. GUARDSMEN ON THE WAY 100 Troopers Sent by Moody to Oil Town Where District Attorney Was Killed. Town Under Tension. Mayor Out on Bond. Guardsmen on Way. (Published 1929)"
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  130. Murder & Mayhem in Northeast Oklahoma
  131. Assassination in Decoto : the shooting of Union City police chief William Cann
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  132. LEX 18 News - Lexington, KY (WLEX)
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  133. www.wymt.com
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  134. Lexington Herald-Leader
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  135. Wilkins, Thurman. Cherokee Tragedy: The Story of the Ridge Family and the Decimation of a People, pp. 229–339. Norman:
  136. Peyer, Bernd C. "Elias Boudinot and the Cherokee Betrayal," in The Tutor’d Mind: Indian Missionary-Writers In Antebellum
  137. Elias Cornelius Boudinot: A Life on the Cherokee Border
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  138. PBS
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  139. cherokeephoenix.org
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  140. The Georgia Historical Quarterly
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  141. The Big Eddy Club: The Stocking Stranglings and Southern Justice
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  142. The South-Western
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  143. New Orleans Republican
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  144. New Orleans Republican
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  145. New Orleans Republican
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  146. United States Congressional Serial Set
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  147. House Documents, Otherwise Publ. as Executive Documents: 13th Congress, 2d Session-49th Congress, 1st Session
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  148. New Orleans Republican
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  149. The Washington Post
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  150. Los Angeles Times
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  151. CNN
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  152. "Dorsey Confesses to Ordering Murder"
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