Attempted Assassination of FDR in Miami
On February 15, 1933, Giuseppe Zangara attempted to assassinate President-elect Franklin D. Roosevelt while he was speaking in Miami, Florida. Zangara fired multiple shots at Roosevelt but missed, instead hitting Chicago Mayor Anton J. Cermak, who was seated near Roosevelt. Cermak succumbed to his injuries several weeks later, raising questions about political safety during a time of national transition.
Giuseppe Zangara fired multiple shots at FDR.
Chicago Mayor Anton J. Cermak was hit instead.
Cermak died weeks later from gunshot wounds.
Zangara was executed swiftly after his arrest.
What Happened?
In Miami, Florida, on February 15, 1933, Giuseppe Zangara attempted to assassinate President-elect Franklin D. Roosevelt as he addressed a crowd from the back of a car. Zangara, an Italian immigrant, was discontent with the state of the economy and political conditions in the United States, and believed that eliminating Roosevelt would bring about change. As Zangara fired a revolver at Roosevelt, he missed and instead struck several individuals in the crowd, including Chicago Mayor Anton J. Cermak. Roosevelt, unharmed in the attack, continued to deliver his speech, unaware of the severity of the situation.Cermak was critically wounded and rushed to the hospital where he underwent surgery. Despite initial hopes for recovery, Cermak's condition worsened, and he ultimately died from his wounds on March 6, 1933. The attack highlighted the vulnerabilities of political leaders, setting off a wave of discussions about the need for better security measures and impacting Roosevelt’s views on public safety. Zangara was arrested, tried, and subsequently executed in the electric chair within a few weeks of the incident, reflecting the urgency of the response to political violence during the period. His actions and their consequences underscored the tensions present in American society during the Great Depression era and the importance of stable political leadership.
Why Does it Matter?
This incident is interesting as it marked a significant moment in American political history, emphasizing the need for heightened security for elected officials. The assassination attempt on Roosevelt, who would soon play a critical role in guiding the nation through the Great Depression, alerted lawmakers and the public to the realities of political violence and the importance of safeguarding democracy. The swift execution of Zangara also reflected societal intolerance for threats against governmental authority during a tumultuous time.