Leon Czolgosz

Name: Leon Czolgosz
Played by: Brandon Keller
Lived: May 1873 – October 29, 1901
Known for: Assassinated President William McKinley on August 31, 1901

What Happened: Leon Czolgosz assassinated President William McKinley because he believed that the rich people of America exploited the working man, and he blamed the structure of the government for this injustice. Czolgosz aligned himself with the anarchist movement and was greatly inspired by Emma Goldman. Goldman was an anarchist who lectured in Cleveland in 1901, Czolgosz heard her speak and even met her at the train station. Czolgosz was said to have been further influences by Gaetano Bresci, who shot King Umberto I of Italy stating he was taking matters into his own hands for the sake of the common man.

Also: Czolgosz remained silent during his trial, refusing to even speak with his own lawyers. It was said that he showed no emotion when his conviction and death sentence were read. His last words were “I killed the President because he was the enemy of the good people – the good working people. I am not sorry for my crime.”