Thomas Crooks : “8 US Presidents: Assassination Attempts and Survivors”

Obituary – Death – Cause of Death News :

The office of the U.S. President, a symbol of power and influence, has sadly been a target for violence throughout history. Assassination attempts have been fueled by political ideologies, personal grudges, and societal tensions. Recently, former President Donald Trump narrowly escaped an assassination attempt during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, where shots were fired.

Abraham Lincoln, James A. Garfield, William McKinley, and John F. Kennedy are four U.S. presidents who were tragically assassinated while in office. On the other hand, Donald Trump, Ronald Reagan, Gerald Ford, and Theodore Roosevelt miraculously survived attempts on their lives.

Donald Trump, wounded in an assassination attempt by 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, joins the list of survivors. Ronald Reagan, shot by John Hinckley Jr., and Gerald Ford, targeted by Lynette “Squeaky” Fromme and Sara Jane Moore, also escaped harm. Theodore Roosevelt, saved by his eyeglass case and a thick speech in his pocket, thwarted an assassination attempt by John Schrank.

Assassination attempts on U.S. leaders like Robert F. Kennedy and George C. Wallace serve as reminders of the dangers faced by those in positions of power.

US Presidents hold one of the most important and powerful positions in the world. With that power comes great risk, as there have been numerous assassination attempts on US Presidents throughout history. Some Presidents tragically lost their lives to these attempts, while others miraculously survived. In this article, we will explore 8 US Presidents who were either killed or survived assassination attempts. Let’s delve into the details and uncover the harrowing stories behind these tragic events.

Which US Presidents were killed by assassination?

Abraham Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States, was tragically assassinated on April 14, 1865. He was attending a play at Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C., when John Wilkes Booth, a Confederate sympathizer, shot him in the head. Lincoln passed away the following day, making him the first US President to be assassinated while in office.

John F. Kennedy

John F. Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States, was assassinated on November 22, 1963, in Dallas, Texas. Lee Harvey Oswald was charged with the assassination, but there have been numerous conspiracy theories surrounding the events of that fateful day. Kennedy’s death shocked the nation and the world, leaving a lasting impact on American history.

Which US Presidents survived assassination attempts?

Ronald Reagan

Ronald Reagan, the 40th President of the United States, survived an assassination attempt on March 30, 1981. He was leaving a speaking engagement at the Washington Hilton Hotel when John Hinckley Jr. opened fire, hitting Reagan and three others. Reagan was rushed to the hospital and underwent surgery to remove the bullet. Despite the close call, Reagan made a full recovery and went on to serve two terms as President.

Theodore Roosevelt

Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th President of the United States, survived an assassination attempt on October 14, 1912. While campaigning for a third term in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Roosevelt was shot in the chest by John Schrank, a disgruntled saloonkeeper. The bullet was slowed down by Roosevelt’s folded-up speech and glasses case, preventing it from penetrating his lung. Roosevelt went on to deliver his 90-minute speech before seeking medical attention.

Gerald Ford

Gerald Ford, the 38th President of the United States, survived two assassination attempts in the span of 17 days. The first attempt took place on September 5, 1975, in Sacramento, California, when Lynette "Squeaky" Fromme, a member of the Manson Family, pointed a gun at Ford but did not fire. The second attempt occurred on September 22, 1975, in San Francisco, California, when Sara Jane Moore fired a shot at Ford, but it was deflected by a bystander. Ford escaped unharmed in both incidents.

Andrew Jackson

Andrew Jackson, the 7th President of the United States, survived an assassination attempt on January 30, 1835. Richard Lawrence, a house painter, approached Jackson at the Capitol Building and fired two pistols at him, but both guns misfired. Jackson, a war hero known for his toughness, proceeded to beat Lawrence with his cane before being restrained. The incident became known as the first known assassination attempt on a US President.

Harry S. Truman

Harry S. Truman, the 33rd President of the United States, survived an assassination attempt on November 1, 1950. Two Puerto Rican nationalists, Oscar Collazo and Griselio Torresola, attempted to storm the Blair House, where Truman was staying while the White House underwent renovations. A shootout ensued between the assailants and Secret Service agents, resulting in Torresola being killed and Collazo being captured. Truman remained unharmed during the attack.

Richard Nixon

Richard Nixon, the 37th President of the United States, survived an assassination attempt on February 22, 1974. Samuel Byck, a disillusioned man, attempted to hijack a plane and crash it into the White House to kill Nixon. Byck’s plan was foiled, and he was shot by police before he could carry out the attack. Nixon was unaware of the attempt until after Byck’s death, as the Secret Service had intercepted his threatening letters.

Franklin D. Roosevelt

Franklin D. Roosevelt, the 32nd President of the United States, survived an assassination attempt on February 15, 1933. Giuseppe Zangara, an Italian immigrant, fired five shots at Roosevelt while he was giving a speech in Miami, Florida. Although Roosevelt was not hit, the bullets struck several bystanders, including Chicago Mayor Anton Cermak, who later died from his injuries. Zangara was swiftly apprehended and sentenced to death for his actions.

In conclusion, the office of the US President is one that comes with immense responsibility and risk. Throughout history, several Presidents have faced assassination attempts, with some tragically losing their lives and others narrowly escaping death. These stories serve as a reminder of the dangers that come with holding such a prominent position in the world. As we reflect on the lives of these 8 US Presidents, let us honor their legacies and remember the sacrifices they made in service to their country.

Sources:

• History.com – Assassination of Abraham Lincoln
• John F. Kennedy Presidential Library – Assassination Overview
• Ronald Reagan Presidential Library – Assassination Attempt
• Theodore Roosevelt Association – Assassination Attempt
• Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library – Assassination Attempts
• Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage – Assassination Attempt
• Harry S. Truman Library & Museum – Assassination Attempt
• Richard Nixon Presidential Library & Museum – Assassination Attempt
• Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library – Assassination Attempt