Events on January 30 in history

In the first assassination attempt against a President of the United States, Richard Lawrence attempts to shoot president Andrew Jackson, but fails and is subdued by a crowd, including several congressmen as well as Jackson himself.

Richard Lawrence: The First Attempted Presidential Assassination in U.S. History

Richard Lawrence, an English-American house painter born around 1800 and passing away on June 13, 1861, holds a distinctive and somber place in American history. He is widely recognized as the first known individual to attempt the assassination of a sitting President of the United States. This unprecedented event, which sent shockwaves through the nascent republic, targeted President Andrew Jackson on January 30, 1835, directly outside the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. His subsequent trial concluded with a verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity, leading him to spend the remainder of his life confined in psychiatric institutions.

The Target: President Andrew Jackson and the Political Climate of the 1830s

The attempted assassination unfolded during the highly contentious presidency of Andrew Jackson, often referred to as "Old Hickory." Jackson's tenure (1829-1837) was marked by fierce political battles, including the "Bank War" against the Second Bank of the United States, debates over states' rights, and the forced relocation of Native Americans. He was a figure of strong convictions, both revered and reviled, making him a lightning rod for extreme opinions. On the day of the attack, Jackson had just attended the funeral of Representative Warren R. Davis of South Carolina and was exiting the East Portico of the Capitol Building, a public and highly visible location, when the assault occurred.

The Unprecedented Event: January 30, 1835, at the U.S. Capitol

As President Jackson walked through the Capitol grounds, Richard Lawrence emerged from the crowd, drew a Derringer pistol, and aimed it at the President. In a moment of high drama, the pistol misfired, failing to discharge its projectile. Witnesses observed Lawrence then drawing a second pistol, also a Derringer, and attempting to fire it at the President. Astoundingly, this second weapon also misfired, presenting an extraordinary stroke of luck for Jackson and a pivotal moment in U.S. history.

The remarkable failure of both pistols was later attributed to the humid weather conditions of the day, which likely dampened the percussion caps necessary for firing the flintlock mechanisms. President Jackson, known for his fiery temperament and military background, reacted instantly and forcefully. He reportedly lunged at Lawrence with his walking cane, intent on striking his assailant, before being restrained by aides and bystanders. Notable figures present, including Congressman Davy Crockett of Tennessee, helped subdue Lawrence, ensuring the President's safety and preventing further attempts.

The Assailant's Delusions and the Insanity Defense

Following his immediate apprehension, Richard Lawrence's erratic behavior and bizarre claims quickly became apparent, setting the stage for one of the nation's earliest and most prominent applications of the insanity defense. During his interrogation and subsequent trial, Lawrence articulated a range of elaborate delusions. He genuinely believed himself to be a deposed monarch, specifically an English king, and claimed that President Jackson was personally responsible for denying him money that he believed was owed to him. Lawrence was convinced that Jackson's policies prevented him from receiving a vast fortune, which he felt was rightfully his, and that by eliminating Jackson, he would ascend to his perceived rightful place and restore the American economy.

His defense team, recognizing the profound nature of his mental illness, argued that Lawrence was not legally culpable for his actions due to his profound detachment from reality. The prosecution, led by Francis Scott Key (author of "The Star-Spangled Banner"), did not dispute Lawrence's mental state but rather focused on the dangerous nature of his actions. However, the compelling evidence of his delusions ultimately swayed the jury.

The Trial and Its Verdict: Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity

The trial of Richard Lawrence was a landmark case, drawing significant public attention and legal scrutiny. It became one of the first high-profile instances in American jurisprudence where the concept of "not guilty by reason of insanity" was successfully invoked for such a grave offense against a public figure. On April 11, 1835, the jury delivered its verdict, finding Lawrence "not guilty due to insanity." This ruling established a precedent, acknowledging that individuals suffering from severe mental illness may lack the criminal intent necessary for conviction.

Life After the Attempt: Confinement and Death

Following his acquittal, Richard Lawrence was committed to institutional care, effectively spending the rest of his life in various insane asylums. Initially, he was held at the Washington Asylum and later transferred to the newly established Government Hospital for the Insane in Washington, D.C., which would eventually become known as St. Elizabeths Hospital. This institution, founded in 1855, was a pioneering facility for the humane treatment of the mentally ill in the United States. Lawrence remained confined there, living out his days under medical supervision, until his death on June 13, 1861, at the age of approximately 61. His confinement ensured he posed no further threat to the public, while providing a degree of care for his severe mental health condition.

Historical Impact and Legacy

While the assassination attempt on Andrew Jackson did not immediately result in widespread changes to presidential security protocols, it served as a stark and unprecedented warning. It highlighted the vulnerability of the nation's highest office and initiated conversations about the need for greater protection for the Chief Executive. Over time, as subsequent threats and assassinations occurred, the Secret Service's role evolved to include comprehensive presidential protection. Richard Lawrence's act remains a significant, albeit dark, footnote in American presidential history, marking the first time the leader of the free world was directly targeted in such a manner on U.S. soil.

Frequently Asked Questions About Richard Lawrence and the 1835 Assassination Attempt

Who was Richard Lawrence?

Richard Lawrence was an English-American house painter, notorious for being the first known person to attempt the assassination of a U.S. President, specifically President Andrew Jackson, in 1835.

When and where did the assassination attempt take place?

The attempt occurred on January 30, 1835, outside the East Portico of the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C., as President Andrew Jackson was leaving a funeral service.

How did the assassination attempt fail?

Richard Lawrence used two pistols, both of which misfired when he attempted to shoot President Jackson. The failures were later attributed to the humid weather conditions that likely affected the weapons' percussion caps.

What were Richard Lawrence's motives?

Lawrence suffered from severe mental delusions, believing he was an English king and that President Jackson was personally preventing him from receiving a large sum of money and his rightful position. He thought assassinating Jackson would restore his wealth and status.

What was the outcome of Richard Lawrence's trial?

Lawrence was found "not guilty by reason of insanity" in April 1835, making it one of the earliest high-profile applications of this defense in American legal history.

What happened to Richard Lawrence after the trial?

He spent the remainder of his life, approximately 26 years, confined in psychiatric institutions, including the Government Hospital for the Insane (now St. Elizabeths Hospital), until his death in 1861.

Did this event change presidential security?

While it did not immediately lead to comprehensive changes like the creation of the Secret Service's protective role, it served as a critical historical precedent, highlighting the vulnerability of the presidency and contributing to the eventual development of robust security measures in later decades.