Conrad of Montferrat had recently been elected King of Jerusalem, an important position in the Crusader states, which required strong leadership amidst ongoing conflicts. His election was supported by both the local nobility and international allies, as they hoped to restore stability to a kingdom plagued by internal strife and external threats. However, just two days after his title was confirmed, he fell victim to assassination in Tyre. The Hashshashin, a secretive and feared sect known for their political assassinations, were believed to be behind the murder. Their motives often included the removal of leaders who threatened their own interests or the balance of power in the region.

The assassination occurred in a public square, which sent shockwaves through the community and the broader political landscape. It highlighted the fragile nature of leadership in the Crusader states and the constant threat posed by the Hashshashin, whose activities were alarming to both Christian and Muslim leaders. This incident did not just eliminate a monarch, but it also set off a chain of events that would further destabilize the Kingdom of Jerusalem, affecting alliances and power dynamics for years to come.