Failed assassination attempt on FDR

[Dave Grubb]

This story was part of a historical article in our weekly local paper. I was not aware--or forgot--this event in 1933'

FDR was unhurt but Mayor Cermak of Miami died as a result of his wound--and apparent medical malpractice.

One of the most interesting aspects of this story---because it is so alien to what we currently do--is the following:

The assassination attempt happened on 2/15/33
Mayor Cermak died on 3/6/33
Zangara (the assassin) was sentenced to death on 3/11/33
Zangara went to the electric chair on 3/20/33

[Mike]

I don't remember ever hearing of that. Thanks!

[wacojoe]

I, too, missed that one in my education. The time frame cited by Dave is astounding by today’s standards even though the killer, Italian immigrant, Giuseppe "Joe" Zangara, asked to be executed because he was suffering from stomach pain, which he blamed on rich people prompting his attack on rich FDR.

... On March 20, 1933, Zangara strode to the electric chair unaided and then plunked himself down. His last words were "Pusha da button!"...

https://www.thoughtco.com/assassinat...on-fdr-1779297

...which they promptly dida.

[Dave Grubb]

As another interesting aspect---the focus of this article was a local pastor. Rev Kistler, who was pastor of three local churches in this area at the same time, was in the crowd when this event took place.

My long time beloved doctor who retired at least 30 years ago and since died was his son. Another, now retired, local medical doctor is his grand daughter.

[Truckman]

I've read of that several times before, including the account including Goodwin's No Ordinary Time (an excellent read for those that missed it)...I'm surprised it's not more well known......Ben

[wacojoe]

This event seems to have captured my continuing interest and more research found a more complete description of events —

http://miami-history.com/attempted-a...bayfront-park/

The scroll of history as it plays out has fascinated many of us. I even majored in the subject, but the study of it is endless.

[Truckman]

FDR was unhurt but Mayor Cermak of Miami died as a result of his wound

Just to clarify, the assassination took place in Miami, Florida, but Cermak was the mayor of Chicago, Illinois at the time......Ben

[Truckman]

More clarification...Joe's article above lists Redmond B. Gautier, a member of the Republican Party, as the Mayor of Miami who accompanied Roosevelt to the area where his one minute speech was delivered...He was in the procession seated ahead of Roosevelt, but at that time Gautier was the former mayor of Miami, having been replaced two weeks earlier by Everest George Sewell, another Republican who served three terms as Miami's mayor, none successively...His whereabouts at the time of the assassination is unaccounted for in any of the articles I read......Ben