On July 13, 2024, there was an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The shooter, identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, fired eight rounds, one of which grazed Trump’s ear. Tragically, a firefighter named Corey Comperatore was killed, and two others were injured before Secret Service agents neutralized the gunman.
Former Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle resigned less than two weeks after the shooting and after giving her initial testimony about the event before members of Congress. Various lawmakers have called on the Secret Service to make personnel changes and fire employees in the wake of the deadly incident
In the aftermath, five Secret Service agents were placed on leave as part of an ongoing investigation. This includes members from Trump’s protective detail and agents from the Pittsburgh field office.
The scrutiny surrounding the event has intensified due to concerns over potential lapses in security, as there were reports that some security measures, like counter-sniper teams, were not adequately deployed.
The incident remains under investigation by both the FBI and the Secret Service, and various agencies are reviewing the security protocols that led to the event’s tragic outcome.
Here is a list of the most notable assassinations in the United States.
These are among the most prominent assassinations in U.S. history. Several of these incidents had profound impacts on American society and politics, leading to major legislative changes and shifts in public policy.
Abraham Lincoln – April 14, 1865
Assassinated by John Wilkes Booth while attending a play at Ford’s Theatre in Washington, D.C.
James A. Garfield – July 2, 1881
Shot by Charles J. Guiteau at the Baltimore and Potomac Railroad Station in Washington, D.C. Garfield died on September 19, 1881, due to infection.
William McKinley – September 6, 1901
Shot by anarchist Leon Czolgosz at the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, New York. McKinley died on September 14, 1901.
John F. Kennedy – November 22, 1963
Assassinated by Lee Harvey Oswald in Dallas, Texas, during a presidential motorcade.
Martin Luther King Jr. – April 4, 1968
Civil rights leader assassinated by James Earl Ray in Memphis, Tennessee, while standing on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel.
Robert F. Kennedy – June 5, 1968
Assassinated by Sirhan Sirhan at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles, California, shortly after winning the California Democratic primary for the presidential election.
Malcolm X – February 21, 1965
Civil rights activist shot by members of the Nation of Islam while giving a speech in New York City.
Huey Long – September 8, 1935
Louisiana Senator assassinated by Dr. Carl Weiss at the Louisiana State Capitol in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
George Moscone – November 27, 1978
Mayor of San Francisco assassinated by Dan White at San Francisco City Hall.
Harvey Milk – November 27, 1978
San Francisco City Supervisor also assassinated by Dan White on the same day as George Moscone.
