Richard Lawrence (failed assassin)
Richard Lawrence | |
|---|---|
Depiction of Lawrence, 1835 | |
| Born | c. 1800 England, Great Britain |
| Died | June 13, 1861 (aged 60–61) Washington, D.C., U.S. |
| Resting place | Rock Creek Cemetery, Washington, D.C., U.S. |
| Other names | King Richard |
| Occupation | House painter |
| Known for | Attempt to assassinate Andrew Jackson |
| Motive |
|
| Criminal charge | Assault upon the president of the United States with intent to murder |
| Verdict | Not guilty by reason of insanity |
| Penalty | Involuntary commitment |
| Details | |
| Date | January 30, 1835 |
| Locations | Outside the United States Capitol, Washington, D.C., U.S. |
Richard Lawrence (c. 1800 – June 13, 1861) was a British-born American unemployed house painter who was the first known person to attempt the assassination of a sitting president of the United States. Lawrence attempted to shoot President Andrew Jackson outside the United States Capitol on January 30, 1835, however both of his pistols misfired and he was taken into custody. At trial, Lawrence was found not guilty by reason of insanity and spent the remainder of his life in insane asylums.