Assassination Attempts and Deaths of US Presidents

A History of Tragic Events

Throughout the annals of American history, the presidency has been marked by both triumph and tragedy. Tragically, eight US presidents have died in office, with four falling victim to assassinations. These heinous acts have left an enduring mark on the nation, forever etched into the collective memory of Americans.

Presidential Assassination Victims

The four sitting presidents who were assassinated are:

• Abraham Lincoln, killed in 1865 by John Wilkes Booth
• James A. Garfield, killed in 1881 by Charles J. Guiteau

Assassination Attempts

In addition to the four successful assassinations, there have been numerous attempts on the lives of US presidents. The most notable attempts include:

• Andrew Jackson, subject of an assassination attempt in 1835
• Theodore Roosevelt, shot and wounded in 1912

Impact on the Nation

Each assassination or attempted assassination of a US president has had a profound impact on the nation. These events have not only resulted in the loss of lives but have also shaken the public's trust, tested the resilience of the government, and highlighted the challenges of protecting those in positions of power.