Assassination of Billy Wright in Northern Ireland

December 27th, 1997

December 27th, 1997

Assassination of Billy Wright in Northern Ireland
How Long Ago?

27 years, 2 months, 16 days ago

Location

Maze Prison, Northern Ireland

Category

Crime & Law

People
  • Billy Wright
  • Irish National Liberation Army (INLA)
Links & References
Tags

Assassination of Billy Wright in Northern Ireland

Billy Wright, a Protestant paramilitary leader, was assassinated in a prison in Northern Ireland. He was shot dead by members of a rival terrorist organization, the Irish National Liberation Army (INLA), while serving a life sentence for several murders. The assassination heightened tensions between loyalist and republican factions and had significant implications for Northern Ireland's ongoing conflict.

Billy Wright led the Loyalist Volunteer Force.

He was killed by the Irish National Liberation Army.

The assassination escalated sectarian tensions.

Wright was serving a life sentence at the time.

What Happened?

Billy Wright was a prominent figure in the loyalist paramilitary community, known for his leadership of the Loyalist Volunteer Force (LVF). His actions during the Troubles, a period of conflict in Northern Ireland from the late 1960s until the Good Friday Agreement in 1998, were marked by violence and controversy. Wright was convicted of several murders and was serving a life sentence at the time of his death. On December 27, 1997, he was shot dead by INLA members while in the Maze Prison, an institution notorious for housing many of the region's paramilitary prisoners.

Wright's assassination was not merely the death of a militant; it symbolized the deep-seated violence that characterized Northern Ireland during the Troubles. The INLA, a group committed to ending British rule in Ireland, targeted Wright as part of the ongoing long-standing feud between loyalist and republican factions. Following his death, there were significant repercussions, including reprisals by the LVF and escalated tensions within the prison and broader community.

The aftermath of Wright's assassination further complicated the peace process that was ongoing at the time. His death brought about fears of a resurgence in militant activity from loyalist groups, demonstrating the fragility of the peace negotiations that were being pursued. The fact that he was killed while incarcerated indicated the extent to which paramilitary rivalries persisted, even among those behind bars, and foreshadowed ongoing conflict and violence in Northern Ireland over the following years.

Why Does it Matter?

Billy Wright's assassination captured global attention and highlighted the persistent sectarian violence that plagued Northern Ireland. It underscored the ongoing challenges facing peace negotiations by illustrating that even within the structures meant to facilitate peace, violence remained prevalent. This incident could be viewed as a turning point that solidified the rivalry between loyalist and republican factions, influencing the dynamics of paramilitary activity in the region for years to come.

Discover More Historic Events from December 27th

Accidents & Tragedies

Bek Air Flight 2100 Crash in Kazakhstan

December 27th, 2019 5 years ago

Bek Air Flight 2100 crashed shortly after takeoff from Almaty International Airport, resulting in the deaths of 13 passengers. The aircraft, a Fokker 100, lost altitude and reportedly hit a concrete fence before coming to rest in a nearby hillside. Aviation authorities began an immediate investigation into the causes of the accident, focusing on potential technical failures and pilot error. The crash marked a significant tragedy in Kazakhstan's aviation history, raising concerns about safety standards.

Continue Reading
Social Movements & Civil Rights

Ashura Protests in Tehran Suppressed by Security Forces

December 27th, 2009 15 years ago

On Ashura, protests erupted in Tehran as demonstrators gathered to voice their dissent against the Iranian government. Security forces responded with live ammunition, resulting in casualties among protesters. The protests were part of a broader movement triggered by the disputed 2009 presidential elections, which raised significant questions about the legitimacy of the electoral process and governance in Iran. Tensions escalated as demonstrators commemorated the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, an event deeply significant in Shia Islam, leading to a potent mixture of religious and political fervor.

Continue Reading
Military & Warfare

Israel Launches Military Operation in Gaza

December 27th, 2008 16 years ago

Israel initiated Operation Cast Lead, a military campaign against Gaza, aimed at stopping rocket fire into southern Israel and dismantling Hamas' infrastructure. The operation began with extensive airstrikes targeting Hamas and other militant groups. Ground forces were later deployed, leading to intense urban combat, significant displacement, and civilian casualties. The conflict garnered widespread international attention and condemnation, highlighting the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

Benazir Bhutto Assassinated in Shooting Incident

December 27th, 2007 17 years ago

Benazir Bhutto, former Prime Minister of Pakistan, was assassinated in a shooting incident after a rally in Rawalpindi. After addressing a crowd, she was attacked as she was leaving the event in her vehicle. The violence erupted in a tense period of political campaigning, prompting chaos and fear across the nation. Her assassination shocked the people and raised questions about safety in Pakistan's political landscape.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

Mombasa Riots Following Election Results

December 27th, 2007 17 years ago

Riots erupted in Mombasa, Kenya after Mwai Kibaki was declared the winner of the presidential election, inciting unrest among opposition supporters. Protesters took to the streets, expressing rage over what they viewed as a flawed electoral process. The conflict quickly escalated, leading to violence, arson, and widespread looting in several neighborhoods. Law enforcement struggled to manage the situation, prompting an international outcry over the need for political dialogue and intervention.

Continue Reading
Space Exploration

Brightest Extrasolar Radiation Event Observed

December 27th, 2004 20 years ago

In December, an enormous burst of X-ray radiation emanated from the magnetar SGR 1806-20, reaching Earth with unmatched brightness. This remarkable cosmic occurrence dazzled astronomers and provided unprecedented insights into magnetars, which are neutron stars with incredibly strong magnetic fields. The explosion is noted for being the brightest extrasolar event ever recorded, captivating scientists globally due to its intensity and rarity, highlighting the extraordinary power of such celestial phenomena.

Continue Reading