Rafael Trujillo had ruled the Dominican Republic with an iron fist since 1930, establishing a regime marked by severe human rights abuses, political repression, and a strong cult of personality. His rule was characterized by an intense focus on maintaining control over the country, suppressing dissent, and promoting nationalism through a mix of propaganda and fear. By the late 1950s, opposition to his regime had begun to grow, fueled by a combination of political, economic, and social grievances among the Dominican people. Various opposition groups were formed, some backed by exiled Dominicans and even external forces, turning the country into a breeding ground for resistance against Trujillo's leadership.The assassination took place when a group of dissidents, motivated by the rampant corruption, oppression, and violence of Trujillo’s government, used a well-coordinated plot to ambush the dictator. On the evening of May 30, 1961, Trujillo was driving in his car along a road in Santo Domingo when assailants opened fire, killing him instantly. The attack was meticulously planned, involving former military officers and members of the opposition who believed that his removal was necessary for the future of the Dominican Republic. With his assassination, the perceived invincibility of Trujillo was shattered, leading to immediate chaos in political circles and eventually resulting in a transitional government that moved away from his authoritarian rule. The vacuum left by his death prompted several power struggles, radical shifts in governance, and considerable instability in the years that followed.