Armed Puerto Rican nationalists attack the United States Capitol building, injuring five Representatives.
The pursuit of political self-determination for Puerto Rico has been a persistent thread throughout the island's history, commonly referred to as the Puerto Rican independence movement. This enduring struggle aims to secure full sovereignty for the island, initially from the Spanish Empire from 1493 to 1898, and subsequently from the United States since 1898. Over the centuries, a diverse array of groups, ranging from grassroots movements to organized political parties and other organizations, have continuously championed Puerto Rico's independence.
On the island, a complex political landscape features a spectrum of sentiments, including those advocating for greater autonomy, fervent nationalism, and outright independence. Since the dawn of the 19th century, proponents of independence have employed a dual approach, attempting both peaceful political negotiations and, at times, resorting to revolutionary actions to achieve their cherished goal.
The Shifting Tides of Public Support
Despite the long-standing efforts, the independence movement has not garnered widespread public support among Puerto Ricans, particularly since the latter half of the 20th century. This lack of broad traction has been evident in multiple referendums and general elections, where the independence option consistently received only a small fraction of the votes.
For instance, in a significant status referendum held in 2012, only 5.5% of voters opted for independence, starkly contrasting with the 61.1% who supported U.S. statehood. Similarly, prior status referendums in 1967, 1993, and 1998 saw independence receive less than 4.5% of the vote, making it the least favored option among the populace.
A fourth referendum in 2012 indicated that 54% of participants wished to alter Puerto Rico's political status, yet no concrete action was taken by the federal government. The fifth plebiscite, conducted on June 11, 2017, recorded an exceptionally low voter turnout of just 23%—the lowest for any status referendum in Puerto Rico's history. In this instance, the independence option secured a mere 1.5% of the vote.
Recent Electoral Performance
However, the 2020 Puerto Rican general election presented a notable shift in support for independence-aligned parties. The Puerto Rican Independence Party (PIP) saw a significant increase in its share, achieving 13.6% of the vote, a substantial rise from the 2.1% it received in the 2016 general election. Concurrently, the anti-colonial Movimiento Victoria Ciudadana (Citizens' Victory Movement) party garnered an additional 14% of the vote in the same 2020 elections, suggesting a growing, albeit still minority, sentiment for change.
The 1954 United States Capitol Shooting
A stark and violent chapter in the struggle for Puerto Rican independence unfolded on March 1, 1954, with an attack on the United States Capitol. This infamous event was perpetrated by four Puerto Rican nationalists determined to propel the cause of the island's independence from U.S. rule into the national consciousness.
From the Ladies' Gallery, a designated balcony for visitors within the House of Representatives chamber, the nationalists unleashed a volley of approximately 30 rounds from semi-automatic pistols onto the legislative floor. The 83rd Congress was in session, debating an immigration bill, when Lolita Lebrón, Rafael Cancel Miranda, Andrés Figueroa Cordero, and Irvin Flores Rodríguez unfurled a Puerto Rican flag and began their assault, directly targeting the Representatives below.
The ambush resulted in five Representatives being wounded, one quite seriously, though all ultimately recovered from their injuries. The assailants were swiftly apprehended, subsequently tried, and convicted in federal court. They received lengthy sentences, effectively amounting to life imprisonment. However, their sentences were later commuted by President Jimmy Carter in 1978 and 1979, allowing all four individuals to return to Puerto Rico.