King Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud was shot and killed by his nephew, Prince Faisal bin Musaid, during a private meeting in the royal palace in Riyadh. Faisal bin Musaid approached his uncle under the pretense of discussing familial issues and then drew a gun, firing multiple shots and fatally wounding the king. This shocking act was reportedly fueled by Prince Faisal's dissatisfaction with the king's policies, including modernization efforts and relations with Western nations, particularly as they pertained to Islam's governance and the Arab world.

Faisal had been instrumental in rewriting Saudi Arabia's role on the international stage, enhancing its political leverage, particularly through the oil embargo of 1973, which empowered OPEC and elevated the country’s status. His assassination sparked debates regarding the stability of the Saudi crown and the future governance of the nation. Following the assassination, Prince Faisal bin Musaid was arrested, tried, and executed, leading to increased tensions within the royal family and the broader society.

Faisal's reign had seen many transformative changes, including significant educational, economic, and social reforms in Saudi Arabia. As a devout Muslim, he also emphasized Islamic law in his governance, which further complicated interpersonal relationships within and outside the royal family. The assassination not only marked a tragic personal loss for the family and the kingdom but also set a precedent for political violence in the region.