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William McKinley Assassination

Published June 22, 2026Updated June 20, 2026

People

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William McKinley

Victim1843-1901

The 25th president of the United States, shot at the Pan-American Exposition on September 6, 1901, and dead eight days later after a failed recovery.

6 linked events1 sourceBuffalo +5 more
Narrative notes
Narrative notes across 6 linked events

The 25th president of the United States, shot at the Pan-American Exposition on September 6, 1901, and dead eight days later after a failed recovery.

BuffaloPan-American Exposition GroundsTemple of Music, Pan-American ExpositionExposition Emergency HospitalJohn G. Milburn HouseMcKinley National Memorial
Linked events
Sep 1, 1901• Buffalo

Czolgosz arrives in Buffalo steeped in anarchist grievance

Before the attack, Leon Czolgosz brought a volatile mix of isolation, anti-state politics, and admiration for anarchist violence into Buffalo, where McKinley’s public schedule gave him an accessible target.

  1. Czolgosz had become increasingly drawn to anarchist ideas and to the belief that political violence could answer social and economic injustice.
  2. McKinley’s open appearance schedule at the Pan-American Exposition gave him a chance to act against the most visible symbol of national authority he could reach.
Sep 5, 1901• Pan-American Exposition Grounds

McKinley visits the Pan-American Exposition and gives his Buffalo address

On the day before the shooting, McKinley toured the Pan-American Exposition and delivered a major speech endorsing reciprocity and expanding American trade.

  1. McKinley appears before large crowds on the exposition grounds and delivers a speech emphasizing commerce, industry, and international reciprocity.
  2. He remains in Buffalo for another day of public appearances, including the Temple of Music reception scheduled for September 6.
Sep 6, 1901• Temple of Music, Pan-American Exposition

Temple of Music reception turns into the assassination attack

During a public receiving line inside the Temple of Music, Leon Czolgosz approached with a revolver hidden beneath a handkerchief and shot President McKinley at close range.

  1. As McKinley greets members of the public, Czolgosz steps forward with his right hand wrapped in a handkerchief concealing a .32-caliber Iver Johnson revolver.
  2. Czolgosz fires twice. One shot appears to glance off McKinley; the second enters his abdomen and causes the wound that proves fatal.
  3. James B. Parker and others seize Czolgosz. McKinley reportedly tells the crowd not to injure the captured gunman.
  4. McKinley is rushed across the exposition grounds to the emergency hospital for surgery.
Sep 6, 1901• Exposition Emergency Hospital

Emergency surgery begins at the exposition hospital

Doctors opened McKinley’s abdomen, repaired visible damage to the stomach and intestines, and failed to locate the bullet during an operation performed under improvised fairground conditions.

  1. Matthew D. Mann leads the operation with Herman Mynter and other Buffalo physicians assisting at the temporary exposition hospital.
  2. The surgeons close perforations in the stomach and intestines, but the bullet cannot be found and remains inside McKinley’s body.
  3. An X-ray machine on the grounds is not used, and Roswell Park does not arrive in time to direct the initial operation.
Sep 14, 1901• John G. Milburn House

President McKinley dies at the Milburn House

After several days of guarded optimism, McKinley’s condition worsened from infection and gangrenous deterioration, and he died at 2:15 a.m. on September 14, 1901.

  1. McKinley is moved to the Milburn House and at first appears to improve, encouraging public hopes that he may recover.
  2. His condition collapses as infection and gangrene spread around the wound track, ending the brief period of optimism.
  3. McKinley dies with family and attendants nearby, triggering national mourning and the transfer of executive power.
Sep 30, 1907• McKinley National Memorial

The McKinley National Memorial is dedicated

A memorial and tomb for McKinley was dedicated in Canton, Ohio, preserving the assassination as part of the public memory of his presidency.

  1. Public ceremonies in Canton dedicate the memorial that becomes the president’s burial site and a focal point of remembrance.

Leon Czolgosz

Suspect1873-1901

The anarchist steelworker who shot McKinley in the Temple of Music, was captured immediately, convicted of murder, and executed at Auburn Prison.

6 linked events2 sourcesBuffalo +2 more
Narrative notes
Narrative notes across 6 linked events

The anarchist steelworker who shot McKinley in the Temple of Music, was captured immediately, convicted of murder, and executed at Auburn Prison.

BuffaloTemple of Music, Pan-American ExpositionAuburn Correctional Facility (Auburn Prison)
Linked events
Sep 1, 1901• Buffalo

Czolgosz arrives in Buffalo steeped in anarchist grievance

Before the attack, Leon Czolgosz brought a volatile mix of isolation, anti-state politics, and admiration for anarchist violence into Buffalo, where McKinley’s public schedule gave him an accessible target.

  1. Czolgosz had become increasingly drawn to anarchist ideas and to the belief that political violence could answer social and economic injustice.
  2. McKinley’s open appearance schedule at the Pan-American Exposition gave him a chance to act against the most visible symbol of national authority he could reach.
Sep 6, 1901• Temple of Music, Pan-American Exposition

Temple of Music reception turns into the assassination attack

During a public receiving line inside the Temple of Music, Leon Czolgosz approached with a revolver hidden beneath a handkerchief and shot President McKinley at close range.

  1. As McKinley greets members of the public, Czolgosz steps forward with his right hand wrapped in a handkerchief concealing a .32-caliber Iver Johnson revolver.
  2. Czolgosz fires twice. One shot appears to glance off McKinley; the second enters his abdomen and causes the wound that proves fatal.
  3. James B. Parker and others seize Czolgosz. McKinley reportedly tells the crowd not to injure the captured gunman.
  4. McKinley is rushed across the exposition grounds to the emergency hospital for surgery.
Sep 23, 1901• Buffalo

Czolgosz goes on trial for McKinley’s murder

Just over a week after the president’s death, Leon Czolgosz was tried in Buffalo on a first-degree murder charge in a remarkably compressed proceeding.

  1. The court appoints counsel for Czolgosz, who refuses to cooperate fully with the defense and offers little resistance to the case against him.
  2. Prosecutors present eyewitness, medical, and confession evidence tying the shooting directly to McKinley’s death.
Sep 24, 1901• Buffalo

Jury convicts Czolgosz of murder

After only a brief deliberation, the jury found Czolgosz guilty of murdering President McKinley.

  1. Closing arguments end quickly, and the case goes to the jury with little factual dispute about the shooting itself.
  2. Jurors return a guilty verdict, rejecting any attempt to separate the gunshot wounds from the death that followed.
Sep 26, 1901• Buffalo

Death sentence is pronounced

Two days after the verdict, the court formally sentenced Czolgosz to die in the electric chair.

  1. The court fixes execution for the week beginning October 28, leaving almost no gap between conviction and punishment.
  2. Czolgosz shows little outward reaction as the legal aftermath of the assassination moves with unusual speed.
Oct 29, 1901• Auburn Correctional Facility (Auburn Prison)

Leon Czolgosz is executed at Auburn Prison

Czolgosz was executed by electric chair at Auburn Prison less than eight weeks after the shooting.

  1. Czolgosz is put to death in the electric chair at Auburn Prison after the state rejects efforts to delay the sentence.
  2. Prison officials destroy and bury the remains in a way intended to prevent the assassin from becoming a public martyr.

Theodore Roosevelt

Other1858-1919

Vice president who rushed back to Buffalo after McKinley’s decline and took the oath as president at the Ansley Wilcox House on September 14, 1901.

1 linked event2 sourcesTheodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site (Ansley Wilcox House)
Narrative notes
Narrative notes across 1 linked event

Vice president who rushed back to Buffalo after McKinley’s decline and took the oath as president at the Ansley Wilcox House on September 14, 1901.

Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site (Ansley Wilcox House)
Linked events
Sep 14, 1901• Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site (Ansley Wilcox House)

Theodore Roosevelt is sworn in as president

Later the same day, Vice President Theodore Roosevelt took the oath of office at the Ansley Wilcox House in Buffalo and became the 26th president.

  1. Roosevelt returns to Buffalo after learning that McKinley’s condition has become hopeless and then fatal.
  2. At the Ansley Wilcox House, Roosevelt is sworn in and pledges continuity after the national shock of McKinley’s death.

Ida McKinley

Witness1847-1907

First lady Ida Saxton McKinley remained at her husband’s side during his final week in Buffalo and became part of the national mourning that followed his death.

1 linked event1 sourceJohn G. Milburn House
Narrative notes
Narrative notes across 1 linked event

First lady Ida Saxton McKinley remained at her husband’s side during his final week in Buffalo and became part of the national mourning that followed his death.

John G. Milburn House
Linked events
Sep 14, 1901• John G. Milburn House

President McKinley dies at the Milburn House

After several days of guarded optimism, McKinley’s condition worsened from infection and gangrenous deterioration, and he died at 2:15 a.m. on September 14, 1901.

  1. McKinley is moved to the Milburn House and at first appears to improve, encouraging public hopes that he may recover.
  2. His condition collapses as infection and gangrene spread around the wound track, ending the brief period of optimism.
  3. McKinley dies with family and attendants nearby, triggering national mourning and the transfer of executive power.

John G. Milburn

Other1851-1930

President of the Pan-American Exposition; McKinley was taken to and later died at his Buffalo residence, the Milburn House.

2 linked events1 sourcePan-American Exposition Grounds +1 more
Narrative notes
Narrative notes across 2 linked events

President of the Pan-American Exposition; McKinley was taken to and later died at his Buffalo residence, the Milburn House.

Pan-American Exposition GroundsJohn G. Milburn House
Linked events
Sep 5, 1901• Pan-American Exposition Grounds

McKinley visits the Pan-American Exposition and gives his Buffalo address

On the day before the shooting, McKinley toured the Pan-American Exposition and delivered a major speech endorsing reciprocity and expanding American trade.

  1. McKinley appears before large crowds on the exposition grounds and delivers a speech emphasizing commerce, industry, and international reciprocity.
  2. He remains in Buffalo for another day of public appearances, including the Temple of Music reception scheduled for September 6.
Sep 14, 1901• John G. Milburn House

President McKinley dies at the Milburn House

After several days of guarded optimism, McKinley’s condition worsened from infection and gangrenous deterioration, and he died at 2:15 a.m. on September 14, 1901.

  1. McKinley is moved to the Milburn House and at first appears to improve, encouraging public hopes that he may recover.
  2. His condition collapses as infection and gangrene spread around the wound track, ending the brief period of optimism.
  3. McKinley dies with family and attendants nearby, triggering national mourning and the transfer of executive power.

James Benjamin Parker

Witness1857-1907

Fair attendee who lunged at Czolgosz and helped stop him seconds after the shots were fired.

2 linked events2 sourcesTemple of Music, Pan-American Exposition +1 more
Narrative notes
Narrative notes across 2 linked events

Fair attendee who lunged at Czolgosz and helped stop him seconds after the shots were fired.

Temple of Music, Pan-American ExpositionBuffalo
Linked events
Sep 6, 1901• Temple of Music, Pan-American Exposition

Temple of Music reception turns into the assassination attack

During a public receiving line inside the Temple of Music, Leon Czolgosz approached with a revolver hidden beneath a handkerchief and shot President McKinley at close range.

  1. As McKinley greets members of the public, Czolgosz steps forward with his right hand wrapped in a handkerchief concealing a .32-caliber Iver Johnson revolver.
  2. Czolgosz fires twice. One shot appears to glance off McKinley; the second enters his abdomen and causes the wound that proves fatal.
  3. James B. Parker and others seize Czolgosz. McKinley reportedly tells the crowd not to injure the captured gunman.
  4. McKinley is rushed across the exposition grounds to the emergency hospital for surgery.
Sep 23, 1901• Buffalo

Czolgosz goes on trial for McKinley’s murder

Just over a week after the president’s death, Leon Czolgosz was tried in Buffalo on a first-degree murder charge in a remarkably compressed proceeding.

  1. The court appoints counsel for Czolgosz, who refuses to cooperate fully with the defense and offers little resistance to the case against him.
  2. Prosecutors present eyewitness, medical, and confession evidence tying the shooting directly to McKinley’s death.

Matthew D. Mann

Expert1845-1921

Lead surgeon who opened McKinley’s abdomen at the exposition hospital, repaired the visible damage, and left one bullet unrecovered.

2 linked events2 sourcesExposition Emergency Hospital +1 more
Narrative notes
Narrative notes across 2 linked events

Lead surgeon who opened McKinley’s abdomen at the exposition hospital, repaired the visible damage, and left one bullet unrecovered.

Exposition Emergency HospitalBuffalo
Linked events
Sep 6, 1901• Exposition Emergency Hospital

Emergency surgery begins at the exposition hospital

Doctors opened McKinley’s abdomen, repaired visible damage to the stomach and intestines, and failed to locate the bullet during an operation performed under improvised fairground conditions.

  1. Matthew D. Mann leads the operation with Herman Mynter and other Buffalo physicians assisting at the temporary exposition hospital.
  2. The surgeons close perforations in the stomach and intestines, but the bullet cannot be found and remains inside McKinley’s body.
  3. An X-ray machine on the grounds is not used, and Roswell Park does not arrive in time to direct the initial operation.
Sep 23, 1901• Buffalo

Czolgosz goes on trial for McKinley’s murder

Just over a week after the president’s death, Leon Czolgosz was tried in Buffalo on a first-degree murder charge in a remarkably compressed proceeding.

  1. The court appoints counsel for Czolgosz, who refuses to cooperate fully with the defense and offers little resistance to the case against him.
  2. Prosecutors present eyewitness, medical, and confession evidence tying the shooting directly to McKinley’s death.

Herman Mynter

Expert1853-1903

Buffalo surgeon who assisted during McKinley’s emergency operation and later described the president’s wounds and postoperative course.

1 linked event2 sourcesExposition Emergency Hospital
Narrative notes
Narrative notes across 1 linked event

Buffalo surgeon who assisted during McKinley’s emergency operation and later described the president’s wounds and postoperative course.

Exposition Emergency Hospital
Linked events
Sep 6, 1901• Exposition Emergency Hospital

Emergency surgery begins at the exposition hospital

Doctors opened McKinley’s abdomen, repaired visible damage to the stomach and intestines, and failed to locate the bullet during an operation performed under improvised fairground conditions.

  1. Matthew D. Mann leads the operation with Herman Mynter and other Buffalo physicians assisting at the temporary exposition hospital.
  2. The surgeons close perforations in the stomach and intestines, but the bullet cannot be found and remains inside McKinley’s body.
  3. An X-ray machine on the grounds is not used, and Roswell Park does not arrive in time to direct the initial operation.

Roswell Park

Expert1852-1914

Prominent Buffalo surgeon summoned after the shooting; he was away operating elsewhere and did not arrive in time to direct the initial procedure.

1 linked event1 sourceExposition Emergency Hospital
Narrative notes
Narrative notes across 1 linked event

Prominent Buffalo surgeon summoned after the shooting; he was away operating elsewhere and did not arrive in time to direct the initial procedure.

Exposition Emergency Hospital
Linked events
Sep 6, 1901• Exposition Emergency Hospital

Emergency surgery begins at the exposition hospital

Doctors opened McKinley’s abdomen, repaired visible damage to the stomach and intestines, and failed to locate the bullet during an operation performed under improvised fairground conditions.

  1. Matthew D. Mann leads the operation with Herman Mynter and other Buffalo physicians assisting at the temporary exposition hospital.
  2. The surgeons close perforations in the stomach and intestines, but the bullet cannot be found and remains inside McKinley’s body.
  3. An X-ray machine on the grounds is not used, and Roswell Park does not arrive in time to direct the initial operation.