Throughout history, the United States has seen its fair share of assassinations, including those targeting its presidents. These acts of violence have left a lasting impact on American society and have shaped the course of the country's history. In this article, we will explore the number of presidents assassinated and the details surrounding these tragic events.
Abraham Lincoln
Perhaps the most well-known assassination of a US president is that of Abraham Lincoln. On April 14, 1865, Lincoln was shot by John Wilkes Booth while attending a play at Ford's Theatre in Washington D.C. He died the following day from his injuries, becoming the first US president to be assassinated.
James A. Garfield
On July 2, 1881, James A. Garfield was shot by Charles J. Guiteau at the Baltimore and Potomac Railroad Station in Washington D.C. Garfield died 11 weeks later from infection caused by his wounds, making him the second US president to be assassinated.
William McKinley
William McKinley was assassinated on September 6, 1901, by Leon Czolgosz while attending the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, New York. McKinley died eight days later from gangrene caused by his wounds, becoming the third US president to be assassinated.
John F. Kennedy
On November 22, 1963, John F. Kennedy was assassinated while riding in a motorcade in Dallas, Texas. Lee Harvey Oswald was arrested and charged with the murder, but was himself assassinated before he could stand trial. Kennedy's death remains one of the most controversial events in US history.
Conclusion
In total, four US presidents have been assassinated: Abraham Lincoln, James A. Garfield, William McKinley, and John F. Kennedy. Each of these events had a profound impact on the country, and their legacies continue to be felt to this day.