America’s Most Shocking Political Assassinations Explained

Political assassinations and attempted assassinations in American history reveal motivations ranging from nationalist causes and personal grudges to ideological extremism and political conspiracies, often leaving lasting impacts on the nation.

• Political assassinations are a recurring feature in American history, often linked to major ideological conflicts and social unrest.

• Motives for these acts range from nationalist aspirations and personal vendettas to deep-seated racial hatred and systemic political grievances.

• Many high-profile cases are shrouded in controversy and conspiracy theories, with questions about official narratives persisting for decades.

America has a long history of political violence, with assassinations and attempts often linked to significant national events and societal tensions. These acts, driven by various motives such as Puerto Rican independence, anti-corruption efforts, populist movements, racial hatred, and political rivalries, have profoundly shaped the country. Many cases involve complex conspiracies, raising questions about official narratives and the true extent of involvement by powerful entities.

Truman Assassination Attempt

• 00:00:29 On November 1, 1950, two Puerto Rican nationalists, Grisselio Torresola and Oscar Colazzo, attempted to assassinate President Harry Truman at Blair House. Their motive was to draw attention to their demand for Puerto Rican independence, protesting the drafting of islanders for the Korean War amid homeland poverty. The chaotic 20-second shootout resulted in the death of Officer Leslie Cuffelt and Torresola, while Colazzo was captured and later paroled.

Huey Long's Assassination

• 00:04:51 Huey Long, a controversial 40th governor of Louisiana and a populist, was assassinated on September 8, 1935, by Dr. Carl Weiss at the Louisiana State Capitol. Long, known for his 'Share Our Wealth' program and his challenge to the status quo, had many enemies among political elites, oil barons, and bankers. While the official motive pointed to Weiss seeking revenge for Long's maneuvering against his father-in-law, a conspiracy by Long's powerful opponents is often speculated, though never proven.

Malcolm X's Murder Reexamined

• 00:10:57 On February 21, 1965, Malcolm X was assassinated at Harlem's Audubon Ballroom by members of the Nation of Islam, following his break from the organization. His message had shifted toward international human rights and solidarity, aligning him closer to Martin Luther King Jr. Decades later, new evidence revealed that the NYPD and FBI had withheld crucial information from defense lawyers and the public, leading to the exoneration of two men in 2021, highlighting a significant miscarriage of justice.

Harvey Milk and George Moscone Killings

• 00:21:02 On November 27, 1978, San Francisco Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk were shot and killed by former supervisor Daniel James White. White, furious after his resignation was accepted and his request to be reappointed was denied, smuggled a revolver into City Hall. Harvey Milk, the first openly gay elected official in the United States, was a hero to many fighting for human rights, and his assassination, along with Moscone's, shocked the nation and sparked riots after White was convicted of voluntary manslaughter instead of murder.