A history of political violence

Assassinations and attempts on the lives of presidents or political leaders have played a role in American politics from the earliest days. Like the shooting of former President Donald Trump on Saturday, these acts of violence stunned the nation and often left unanswered questions. Out of 46 U.S. presidents, four have been assassinated while in office. Their tragic deaths changed the course of history. The first president to be assassinated was Abraham Lincoln and the most recent was John F. Kennedy. His 1963 shooting in Dallas is still recalled with horror and grief by many Americans living today. 

Click through the photo slideshow below to learn more about some of the most well-known instances of assassinations or assassination attempts in American history.