The attempted assassination of Bill Clinton occurred on October 29, 1994, when Francisco Martin Duran, a 26-year-old man from New Mexico residing in Colorado, opened fire on the White House in Washington, D.C., with the intention of assassinating then-U.S. president Bill Clinton.
Background
editFrancisco Martin Duran, a 26-year-old from New Mexico, had a history of legal issues. He had served in the U.S. Army but was court-martialed and found guilty of drunk driving, aggravated assault, drunken and disorderly conduct, and leaving the scene of an accident after he had gotten drunk with his friends and started an argument with civilians, after which he drove his car and ran into a woman he had sparred with. Duran held anti-government sentiments and was reportedly influenced by conspiracy theories and extremist ideologies.[1] He was released after two and a half years in 1993.[2]
Attempt
editOn October 29, 1994, Duran drove to Washington, D.C., and positioned himself on a public sidewalk across the street from the White House. At approximately 1:45 PM, he began firing 7.62×39mm rounds from a Type 56 semi-automatic rifle at the building, shooting a total of 29 rounds. Duran aimed at tourists – in particular one whose hair resembled Clinton's – at the North Lawn, which was the side facing Pennsylvania Avenue. At the time of the attack, Clinton was inside the White House watching a football game, and he was not in the immediate vicinity of the windows that were being targeted and as such was not harmed. Secret Service agents apprehended Duran after a brief standoff.[3]
Aftermath
editDuran was arrested charged with attempted murder, as well as multiple counts of assault with a deadly weapon. Duran's defense team argued that he was not criminally responsible for his actions due to mental illness. The prosecution argued that Duran was fully aware of the nature of his actions and had deliberately attempted to kill Clinton. Previously, John Hinckley Jr., who attempted to assassinate Ronald Reagan, had been found not guilty by reason of insanity and spared a harsh punishment. Nonetheless, the jury found Duran guilty and he was sentenced to 40 years in prison.[4][3]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ Rimer, Sara (7 November 1994). "Few Knew of White House Suspect's Turmoil". The New York Times. Retrieved 3 May 2021.
- ^ "Francisco Martin Duran". PBS News. Retrieved 24 July 2025.
- ^ a b Kimberly Wehle, opinion contributor (2 August 2024). "Lessons from a forgotten presidential assassination attempt". The Hill. Archived from the original on 23 August 2024. Retrieved 24 July 2025.
{{cite news}}:|last=has generic name (help) - ^ Press, The Associated (30 June 1995). "Court Sentences Man to 40 Years For Trying to Kill the President". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 24 July 2025.