Assassination Attempt on President Franklin D. Roosevelt

On February 15, 1933, President-elect Franklin D. Roosevelt narrowly escaped an assassination attempt by Giuseppe Zangara while giving an impromptu speech from the back of an open car at Bayfront Park in Miami, Florida. Zangara, an Italian immigrant and unemployed bricklayer, fired five shots at Roosevelt from about 25 feet away. Although Roosevelt was not hit, five other people were injured, including Chicago Mayor Anton Cermak, who was standing near Roosevelt. Cermak was seriously wounded and later died from his injuries on March 6, 1933.

Roosevelt's calm and composed response during the chaotic event earned him widespread praise and bolstered public confidence in his leadership as he prepared to take office during the Great Depression. Zangara was immediately apprehended, confessed to his crime, and expressed his hatred for all leaders. He was quickly tried and convicted of murder after Cermak's death and was executed in Florida's electric chair on March 20, 1933. The assassination attempt highlighted the ever-present risks faced by public figures and led to increased security measures for the President and other high-ranking officials.

Sources:

1. History.com Editors. "President-elect Franklin D. Roosevelt survives assassination attempt." History.com. https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/fdr-escapes-assassination-in-miami
2. Miller Center, University of Virginia. "Franklin D. Roosevelt: Assassination Attempt." Miller Center. https://millercenter.org/president/fdroosevelt/assassination-attempt