George Moscone served as the mayor of San Francisco, a role that he embraced with progressive policies, particularly in support of the LGBTQ+ community. Harvey Milk, an openly gay member of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, became a prominent political figure in advocating for gay rights, working tirelessly to create a more inclusive society. The relationship between Moscone and Milk exemplified a broader struggle for equal rights during a time when discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community was rampant.

The assassin, Dan White, was a former supervisor who had resigned from his position. He harbored personal grievances and felt marginalized by the changing political landscape in San Francisco. On the day of the assassinations, White entered City Hall with a revolver, first confronting Moscone and fatally shooting him. He then proceeded to find Milk, who was in a meeting. White shot Milk multiple times, resulting in his death. This violent act sent shockwaves through the community and sparked a fierce backlash against the existing climate of intolerance and violence.

In the aftermath of the assassinations, public outrage surged, particularly among LGBTQ+ advocates who viewed these killings as a stark reminder of the dangers they faced. White was subsequently convicted of voluntary manslaughter, which many felt was insufficient for his crimes, resulting in the White Night riots in 1979. These events underscored a critical turning point in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights and ignited activism throughout the United States.