Attempted assassination of Rómulo Betancourt
Explosion in Paseo Los Próceres during Betancourt's assassination attempt, 24 June 1960 | |
| Native name | Intento de asesinato de Rómulo Betancourt |
|---|---|
| Date | June 21, 1960 |
| Time | 09:20 (Frmr. Venezuela legal time) |
| Location | Paseo Los Próceres, Caracas, Republic of Venezuela |
| Target | Rómulo Betancourt |
| Perpetrator | Groups financed by Rafael Trujillo |
| Deaths | 2 |
| Non-fatal injuries | 4 |
On 24 June 1960, Venezuelan President Rómulo Betancourt was wounded in an assassination attempt allegedly ordered by the Dominican dictator Rafael Leónidas Trujillo.
The assassination attempt gained worldwide coverage and would boost Betancourt's image in both Venezuela and the greater Latin community in South America. While there was no definitive link to Trujillo, the failed attempt would be a major blow to his reputation and to relations between the Dominican Republic the USA, with the latter effectively cutting ties with the dictator by the end of the year.