Early Life and Background
Giuseppe Zangara was born on September 7, 1900, in the small town of Ferrazzano in the region of Molise, Italy. Growing up in a poor family, he faced many hardships from a young age. Zangara was known to be a troubled child, often getting into fights and causing trouble in his neighborhood. Despite his difficult upbringing, he managed to find work as a bricklayer and eventually immigrated to the United States in search of a better life.
Life in America
Upon arriving in America, Zangara settled in Paterson, New Jersey, where he continued working as a bricklayer. However, his life took a dark turn when he was involved in a serious accident that left him disabled and unable to work. This event marked the beginning of Zangara’s descent into a life of crime and violence.
The Attempted Assassination of Franklin D. Roosevelt
On February 15, 1933, Giuseppe Zangara made headlines around the world when he attempted to assassinate President-elect Franklin D. Roosevelt during a speech in Miami, Florida. Zangara fired five shots at Roosevelt, missing him but hitting several others, including Chicago Mayor Anton Cermak.
Motive for the Assassination Attempt
Zangara claimed that his actions were motivated by his anger and frustration over the Great Depression and the government’s failure to address the suffering of the American people. He believed that killing Roosevelt would somehow bring about social change and improve the lives of the poor and downtrodden.
The Aftermath of the Assassination Attempt
Zangara was quickly apprehended by authorities and charged with attempted murder. He was sentenced to 80 years in prison for his crime, but his fate would ultimately be decided by another tragic event.
Death Sentence and Execution
While serving his sentence at the Union Correctional Institution in Florida, Giuseppe Zangara’s fate took a final turn on March 20, 1933. He was executed by electrocution for his attempted assassination of Franklin D. Roosevelt. Zangara’s death marked the end of a troubled life filled with violence and despair.
Controversy Surrounding the Execution
Zangara’s execution sparked controversy and debate among legal experts and human rights activists. Some argued that his punishment was too harsh given his mental health issues and troubled past. Others believed that justice had been served and that Zangara had received a fair trial.
Lingering Questions and Legacy
Even decades after Giuseppe Zangara’s death, questions remain about his motives and mental state at the time of the assassination attempt. His legacy as an assassin from Italy continues to intrigue historians and criminologists who study the psychology of political violence.
