Assassination of George Lincoln Rockwell

August 25th, 1967

August 25th, 1967

Assassination of George Lincoln Rockwell
How Long Ago?

57 years, 6 months, 18 days ago

Location

Arlington, Virginia, USA

Category

Crime & Law

People
  • George Lincoln Rockwell
  • John Patler
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Assassination of George Lincoln Rockwell

George Lincoln Rockwell, the founder of the American Nazi Party, was assassinated in Arlington, Virginia, by a former member of his organization. Rockwell had been a controversial figure in American politics, known for his promotion of white supremacist ideology. His assassination was a culmination of growing tensions within the far-right movements at the time, and it drew significant media attention due to his notoriety and the violent circumstances of his death.

Rockwell founded the American Nazi Party in 1959.

He was known for his extreme right-wing views.

John Patler shot him over leadership disputes.

The assassination highlighted far-right tensions.

What Happened?

George Lincoln Rockwell was a prominent figure in the American far-right movement and the founder of the American Nazi Party in 1959. He gained notoriety for his outspoken advocacy of white supremacy, anti-Semitism, and his attempts to rehabilitate the image of Nazi ideology within the United States. On August 25, 1967, while preparing to enter a Volkswagen Beetle parked near a shopping center in Arlington, Virginia, Rockwell was shot and killed by John Patler, a former member of his own party. Patler had previously clashed with Rockwell over leadership and philosophical differences within the organization.

The assassination shocked many, highlighting both internal discord among far-right factions and the heightened tensions during the civil rights movement era. Rockwell’s death at the hands of a former ally underscored the volatility within extremist movements, where personal disputes could escalate into violence. Patler was later arrested and subsequently sentenced to serve time in prison for the murder, citing Rockwell's oppressive leadership as a catalyst for his actions.

This event raised questions about the future of extremist groups in America and drew media scrutiny to the far-right, often creating a façade of in-fighting and reducing their legitimacy in the eyes of supporters. Rockwell's assassination illustrated the dangers associated with extremist political ideologies and the potential consequences of their internal conflicts.

Why Does it Matter?

The assassination of George Lincoln Rockwell is interesting as it marked a significant moment in the history of American extremism. It highlighted the fractures within far-right movements and illustrated how personal conflicts can lead to violence, ultimately destabilizing organizations that thrive on aggressive ideologies. The event also served as a warning about the potential for violence associated with radical political movements, reminding society of the underlying tensions that can exist within such groups.

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