On February 15, 1933, Franklin D. Roosevelt, the president-elect of the United States, narrowly escaped an assassination attempt in Miami, Florida. This dramatic event unfolded just 17 days before Roosevelt's inauguration, marking a significant moment in American history. The attempt was made by Giuseppe Zangara, an Italian immigrant, who fired five shots with a handgun, missing Roosevelt but mortally wounding Chicago Mayor Anton Cermak and injuring
four others. This article explores the timeline and key events surrounding this assassination attempt.
The Lead-Up to the Attempt
The backdrop to the assassination attempt was the Great Depression, a period of severe economic hardship in the United States. Roosevelt had recently won the presidency in a landslide victory against incumbent Herbert Hoover, promising a "New Deal" to revive the American economy. As Roosevelt traveled to Miami, Florida, he was delivering an impromptu speech from the back of an open car in Bayfront Park. Giuseppe Zangara, who had been living off his savings and working odd jobs, joined the crowd with a .32-caliber revolver he had purchased days earlier.
Zangara, standing on a wobbly bench to get a clear aim, fired five shots. His intended target, Roosevelt, was unharmed, but the shots hit several bystanders, including Mayor Anton Cermak, who was standing next to Roosevelt. The quick actions of Lillian Cross, a woman in the crowd who pushed Zangara's arm, likely prevented further tragedy.
Immediate Aftermath and Legal Proceedings
Following the assassination attempt, Zangara was quickly apprehended. He confessed to the crime, stating his hatred for all rulers and capitalists. Zangara pleaded guilty to four counts of attempted murder and was sentenced to 80 years in prison. However, after Cermak died from his injuries 19 days later, Zangara was indicted for first-degree murder under the doctrine of transferred intent.
Zangara's trial was swift, and he was sentenced to death. He spent only 10 days on death row before being executed in Florida's electric chair on March 20, 1933. His final words expressed defiance and a farewell to the poor people of the world.
Roosevelt's Presidency and Legacy
Despite the assassination attempt, Roosevelt went on to become the longest-serving president in American history, serving four terms until his death in 1945. His presidency was marked by significant domestic and international achievements, including the New Deal and leadership during World War II.
The attempted assassination highlighted the vulnerabilities of public figures and led to increased security measures for U.S. presidents. Roosevelt's survival and subsequent leadership helped shape the course of American history during a time of great challenge and change.
