On June 24, 1960, Rómulo Betancourt, the President of Venezuela, was targeted in a violent assassination attempt while traveling in Caracas. Betancourt had been a pivotal figure in Venezuelan politics, advocating for democracy and social reforms after years of authoritarian rule under earlier governments. As a leader of the Acción Democrática party, he faced fierce opposition from various political groups, many of which sought to undermine his administration. The attack unfolded as gunmen opened fire on the vehicle carrying the president, leading to a chaotic scene on the streets. Betancourt sustained injuries but survived the attack, demonstrating both his resilience and the precarious nature of his presidency in a turbulent political climate.

The assassination attempt illustrated the extreme political divide within the country and was emblematic of the violent struggles that marked Latin American politics during that era. Betancourt's government had implemented various reforms aimed at economic development and social equity, which received harsh backlash from conservative and military factions. Following the attack, there was increased instability in the region, heightened repression of opposition groups, and a surge in both domestic and international tensions surrounding Venezuela's political future. In the aftermath, security measures around Betancourt were intensified, but the incident served as a stark reminder of the ongoing threats to democratic governance in the country.

This event further escalated the challenges faced by Betancourt's administration as he sought to consolidate power and address the underlying socio-political issues that plagued Venezuelan society. While the attempt on his life was unsuccessful, it raised awareness both nationally and internationally about the volatile political landscape in Venezuela, setting the stage for future conflicts and the eventual rise of authoritarianism in the years that followed.