On October 14, 1912, Theodore Roosevelt survived an assassination attempt in Milwaukee while running for a third term as president. Despite being shot in the chest, he went on to deliver an 84-minute campaign speech with the bullet still lodged inside him. The force of the bullet was deadened by a metal eyeglass case and a 50-page speech in Roosevelt’s pocket. He had previously lost the Republican nomination to President William Howard Taft and was running under the Progressive Party, solidifying its nickname as the Bull Moose Party.
The attempted assassination helped shape Roosevelt’s image as a rugged and politically muscular figure in American history. After being shot, Roosevelt managed to regain his footing and prevent further harm to the assailant. The man who attempted to kill him, John Schrank, was ruled insane and committed to an asylum in Wisconsin until his death in 1943. Despite the trauma of the event, Roosevelt continued campaigning after a week of recovery and ultimately lost the election to Democrat Woodrow Wilson.
Roosevelt’s defiant reaction to the assassination attempt further solidified his reputation as a fearless leader. He later expressed that he was prepared to “die with his boots on” if the wound had been mortal. Although he only received 42% of the popular vote, Roosevelt easily won 40 states and 435 electoral votes in the general election. This split in the Republican Party allowed Wilson to win the presidency, marking the end of Roosevelt’s political career.
The assassination attempt remains a sensational yet forgotten event in American history, showcasing Roosevelt’s resilience and determination. Despite the traumatic experience, Roosevelt lived for another six-and-a-half years after the shooting before passing away in January 1919 at the age of 60. The incident left a lasting impact on Roosevelt’s legacy, emphasizing his strength and perseverance in the face of adversity.
