A Deadly Legacy: Assassinations and Attempted Assassinations of US Presidents

From Lincoln to Trump: A History of Political Violence

Assassinations

Abraham Lincoln, the first president to die by assassination, was shot by John Wilkes Booth in 1865. James A Garfield was killed in 1881 by Charles J. Guiteau. William McKinley was assassinated in 1901 by Leon Czolgosz. John F. Kennedy was shot and killed in 1963 by Lee Harvey Oswald.

Attempts on Presidents' Lives

In addition to the four sitting presidents who were assassinated, several other presidents have faced serious attempts on their lives. Andrew Jackson was the first president to survive an assassination attempt, in 1835. Ronald Reagan was shot and wounded in 1981 by John Hinckley Jr. George W. Bush was targeted with a shoe thrown by an Iraqi journalist in 2008. And in 2010, a man fired shots at the White House while President Barack Obama was inside.

The Threat of Political Violence

The recent apparent attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump is a reminder that political violence remains a serious threat in the United States. The country has a long history of assassinations and plots to kill the president or those who want to enter the White House. This violence is a stain on our nation's history and a threat to our democracy.

Impactful Storytelling

The assassinations and attempted assassinations of US presidents are tragic stories that have had a profound impact on the nation. They have left a legacy of fear, mistrust, and anger. They have also raised important questions about the nature of power, the safety of our leaders, and the limits of free speech.

The story of these assassinations is a complex one, and there are no easy answers. However, by understanding the history of political violence in the United States, we can better understand the challenges we face today. We can also work to create a more just and peaceful society where violence is not tolerated.