10 Infamous Assassinations Done in Broad Daylight

10-Infamous-Assassinations-Done-in-Broad-Daylight

Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re examining 10 Infamous Assassinations Done in Broad Daylight.

For this list, we will be taking a look at instances where leaders, journalists, or prominent figures were slain in broad daylight.

Archduke Franz Ferdinand (1914)

On June 28, 1914, Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Hungary was assassinated in Sarajevo by Gavrilo Princip, a Bosnian Serb nationalist. Riding in an open car, the Archduke and his wife, Sophie, were shot by Princip as they traveled through the city. The killing was a catalyst for World War I, as it heightened existing tensions in Europe. The event revealed the profound consequences a single act could have on global politics, triggering a chain reaction of alliances, declarations of war, and ultimately reshaping the course of history with devastating consequences.

Julius Caesar (44 BCE)

On the Ides of March in 44 BCE, Julius Caesar, the renowned Roman general and statesman, faced a gruesome assassination in the Theatre of Pompey. A group of Roman senators, including notable figures like Brutus and Cassius, orchestrated the conspiracy to prevent what they perceived as Caesar's tyrannical rule. As Caesar entered the Senate, he was attacked and stabbed multiple times. His death was a pivotal moment in Roman history, triggering a series of civil wars and ultimately leading to the end of the Roman Republic. The conspirators' actions forever etched the phrase "Beware the Ides of March" into literary lore.

Olof Palme (1986)

On February 28, 1986, Olof Palme, the Prime Minister of Sweden, was assassinated in Stockholm. Palme and his wife were walking home from a cinema when an assailant shot him on a busy street. The slaying shocked Sweden and the broader international community, as Palme was a prominent and controversial political figure. The motive behind the killing remains unclear, and despite extensive investigations, the case has not been definitively solved. Palme's death changed Swedish politics, leading to increased security measures.

Aldo Moro (1978)

On March 16, 1978, Italian Prime Minister Aldo Moro was abducted and assassinated by the Red Brigades, a far-left militant group. Moro was kidnapped in Rome, and his body was later discovered in the trunk of a car. The Red Brigades demanded the release of imprisoned comrades in exchange for Moro's life, but the Italian government refused to negotiate. The killing upended Italy's politics in a European era rife with acts of violence committed by a broad panoply of extremist groups.

Harvey Milk (1978)

On November 27, 1978, Harvey Milk, the pioneering openly gay San Francisco city supervisor, was assassinated at City Hall. His life and activism aimed to champion LGBTQ+ rights. Dan White, a fellow city supervisor disgruntled over political disputes, shot and killed Milk along with Mayor George Moscone. The murders sent shockwaves through the LGBTQ+ community, highlighting the challenges of those advocating for equality. White's subsequent trial, where he received a lenient sentence for voluntary manslaughter, fueled outrage and led to the coining of the term "Twinkie defense," reflecting the era's discriminatory attitudes towards the LGBTQ+ community within the legal system.

Anna Politkovskaya (2006)

On October 7, 2006, Russian journalist and human rights activist Anna Politkovskaya was murdered in Moscow. Shot in the lobby of her apartment building, Politkovskaya's fearless reporting on the Chechen conflict and government abuses had made her a target. Her murder exemplified the dangers faced by journalists critical of the Kremlin. Politkovskaya's investigative work, often exposing human rights violations, corruption, and brutality, had earned her both international acclaim and powerful enemies. The perpetrators behind her assassination remain elusive, underscoring the risks of journalistic freedom and the risks associated with uncovering inconvenient truths in the complex political landscape of Russia.

Yitzhak Rabin (1995)

On November 4, 1995, Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin was assassinated in Tel Aviv during a peace rally. Yigal Amir, an extremist opposed to the Oslo Accords, fired shots at Rabin, creating a tragic turn in the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. The daylight killing shocked the nation and strained prospects for reconciliation. Rabin's death became a pivotal point in Middle Eastern history, altering the political landscape and peace negotiations. The event reflected the deep divisions within Israeli society and the challenges faced by leaders pursuing peace in a region marred by long-standing conflicts and ideological tensions.

Ahmad Shah Massoud (2001)

On September 9, 2001, Ahmad Shah Massoud, the Afghan resistance leader and key opponent of the Taliban, was assassinated in a bombing in northern Afghanistan, just days before the 9/11 attacks. Two assailants posing as journalists detonated explosives during an interview. Massoud's death served as a prelude to the broader conflict that unfolded, with the Taliban harboring Al-Qaeda operatives responsible for the subsequent terrorist attacks. His murder highlighted the complex geopolitical dynamics in the region and the escalating threat of radical extremism, ultimately contributing to the unfolding events that reshaped the world in the aftermath of 9/11.

Martin Luther King Jr. (1968)

On the fateful evening of April 4, 1968, civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee. Standing on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel, King, a fervent advocate for racial equality, was struck down by a sniper's bullet. His death sent shockwaves throughout the nation, triggering an outpouring of grief and anger. James Earl Ray, a fugitive with a past steeped in racism, was later apprehended and pleaded guilty to the crime. King's murder was a tragic and critical moment in the Civil Rights Movement. His eloquent speeches, nonviolent activism, and tireless dedication to dismantling systemic racism had made him a symbol of hope for millions.

President John F. Kennedy (1963)

On November 22, 1963, the United States witnessed a watershed moment as President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas. Riding in a motorcade, Kennedy was fatally shot while passing through Dealey Plaza. Lee Harvey Oswald was arrested but denied involvement. The assassination fueled numerous conspiracy theories. Kennedy's death had profound consequences — it was the end of the era known as ‘Camelot.’ The event prompted increased security measures for future presidents and shaped public perception, symbolizing the fragility of leadership and the enduring intrigue surrounding the circumstances of JFK's tragic demise. The Warren Commission investigated, concluding that Oswald acted alone.

Which assassination do you think changed history the most? Let us know in the comments.