World Leader Assassinations and Attempts

Forty-seven years ago today, the nation mourned the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. (Read more about his life and see the iconic photo captured at his funeral. Watch some of Kennedy's speeches.) We take a look at other world leaders who were assassinated or survived attempts made in the name of a nation, a religion or a cause.
Anwar Sadat

The Egyptian president was killed (how old was he?) after receiving this international award for an agreement with this former political enemy. The historic meetings were arranged by this man. Read some of Sadat's speeches.

Benazir Bhutto

This former prime minister of Pakistan (see photos of her) was killed after this event. How old was she? When she was elected, she was the first woman to accomplish this in modern times. Read some of Bhutto's speeches.

Archduke Franz Ferdinand

This European heir apparent was assassinated (how old was he?) in this capital city by this terrorist group. He died with this person, and their deaths were the catalyst for this world event. Read some of the archduke's famous quotes.

Julius Caesar

This Roman dictator, who was killed by these men on this date, supposedly said these infamous words to one his assassins. Read some more of his famous words.

Mahatma Gandhi

This well-known leader of India's independence movement, who advocated for this type of resistance to this empire, was killed by this person.

Pope John Paul II

The leader of the Catholic Church survived an assassination attempt by this man during this public event. The pope died several years later due to illness.

Yitzhak Rabin

The Israeli prime minister was killed in this manner for participating in this political process. How old was he when he died?

Fidel Castro

Assassination attempts on the life of this longtime Cuban dictator have become the stuff of legends, such as this one discussed in this film. The leader's failing health also has spawned death rumors.

Indira Gandhi

The prime minister of India was shot by these men while she was on her way to see this actor.

Pancho Villa

When this Mexican Revolutionary leader was killed in this year, photos of his death were widely circulated to confirm his demise.

Agathe Uwilingiyimana

The first female prime minister of Rwanda was assassinated along with her husband just before this incident, which horrified the world. A member of this tribe, she lived for only a day after these two men.

Michael Collins

The Irish revolutionary leader was assassinated in this manner during this national conflict.

Ronald Reagan

Shortly after he took office, an assassination attempt on the U.S. president was made by this man because of his obsession with this Hollywood star. The failed attempt critically injured this man, whose wife became an advocate for this cause.

Nicholas II

The last tsar of Russia was killed by this group during this period of conflict, but what continues to rivet the world is the killing of these members of the Romanov family.