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13 High-Profile 21st Century Assassinations
The 21st century is only a few decades old, but it’s already seen many assassinations of political figures. From presidential assassination attempts to the killing of parliamentarians and former officials, these politically motivated murders have shocked the world.
In many cases, political rivals or partisans will make an assassination attempt on a leader whom they are trying to depose so that they can consolidate power for themselves. Other times, assassins are lone wolves who target certain leaders in specific locations to make a political statement - or simply to get attention.
Of course, not every assassination attempt is successful, and some assassinations are lesser known than others. Still, each one carries historical weight, and the consequences of even a failed attempt can be far-ranging.
These 21st century assassinations prove that even though the 20th century - one of the bloodiest in human history - has ended, political violence hasn’t.
British Politician David Amess Was Stabbed While Meeting With Voters
When: 2021
Where: United Kingdom
What Happened: David Amess' career in Parliament began in 1983, when the Conservative politician was elected to represent Basildon. Multiple terms representing multiple constituencies followed. By late 2021, he was representing Southend West in southeastern England.
In October of that year, Amess held a surgery, a forum wherein he could hear directly from constituents. Among the people there was a 25-year-old extremist who wanted to murder a British politician. And so he made an appointment to meet with Amess during the surgery. But instead of raising his concerns, the man stabbed Amess to death with 21 blows.
Aftermath: Amess's murderer was apprehended, sent to trial, and received a lifetime prison sentence.
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- Office of US Ambassador to UN
- Wikimedia Commons
- Public domain
Gunmen Raided Haitian President Jovenel Moïse's Home
When: 2021
Where: Haiti
What Happened: Jovenel Moïse's presidency began in 2017, and it was not especially successful. Allegations of corruption fueled protests in Haiti. And in early 2020, Haiti's Parliament shuttered, and Moïse took the full reins of government. Some believed he was no better than a dictator.
In the early morning hours of July 7, 2021, a group of assassins killed Moïse in his home in Port-au-Prince.
Aftermath: Moïse's assassination was yet another wrench in Haiti's path to stability. Though Prime Minister Ariel Henry quickly stepped in to lead Haiti, his premiership sparked protests across the country. In 2024, Henry resigned, and a new presidential council assumed power.
That same year, further indictments in Moïse's assassination fell on his widow and several aides.
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Idriss Déby Itno, President Of Chad, Was Killed While Fighting Rebels Just Hours After Being Reelected
When: 2021
Where: Chad
What Happened: Idris Déby Itno first became president of Chad in 1990. He would go on to serve 31 years, longer than anyone else in the country's history.
Though Déby claimed to promote democracy in Chad, the elections he sponsored faced claims of corruption and fraud. Nonetheless, the United States and other countries partnered with him to curb the rise of extremism in Africa.
In 2021, rebels were fighting against Déby's regime in the northern part of Chad. Nonetheless, Déby provisionally won reelection on April 19 that year. Hours later, he was visiting the front - only to be shot and killed.
Aftermath: In the immediate aftermath of Déby's assassination, his son Mahamat quickly took the reins of power.
When: 2011
Where: Libya
What Happened: Revolutionary-turned-dictator Muammar Gaddafi first consolidated power as the leader of Libya in 1969, when he launched a successful coup against the reigning king. For the next 42 years, he ruled over Libya, aggressively clamping down on any dissent.
But in early 2011, protests against his regime intensified. By March, NATO was intervening in the conflict.
Gaddafi and his allies sought refuge in Sirte, Libya. After a NATO attack, he escaped in a drainage pipe in an attempt to flee. But anti-Gaddafi forces caught up with him and killed the former dictator.
Aftermath: After his assassination, Gaddafi's corpse was displayed in a meat store for several days.
When: 2007
Where: Pakistan
What Happened: Benazir Bhutto made history in 1988 when she became the first woman to be elected prime minister in Pakistan. Allegations of corruption dogged her administration, however, leading to a brief exile.
By 2007, she was back in Pakistan and again in the political spotlight, seeking another term, much to the discontent of the military.
Bhutto appeared at a rally that year at Rawalpindi. A 15-year-old boy came up to her - with a bomb strapped to his body. He shot at Bhutto and detonated the bomb, killing her.
Aftermath: The Taliban claimed they had directed the teenager to murder Bhutto. The assassination incited political violence and civil unrest in Pakistan, as her supporters demanded justice.
Laurent-Désiré Kabila, President Of Congo, Was Killed By One Of His Bodyguards
When: 2001
Where: Democratic Republic of Congo
What Happened: When the First Congo War, a bloody civil conflict, ended in 1997, Laurent-Désiré Kabila consolidated control of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
A new war soon began, and Kabila had broken with some of the very same allies who had helped him come to power. His regime committed human rights violations on a massive scale.
On January 16, 2001, Kabila was in his palace when one of his bodyguards shot and killed him.
Aftermath: The plot to kill Kabila was likely bigger than the one man who pulled the trigger. Though over 30 soldiers went to prison due to their alleged connection to the assassination, 23 of them were pardoned and released in 2021.
