10 Assassination Attempts That Were Shown On Television

Shocking footage that was deemed suitable for broadcast.

Marita Lorenz is shown at a press conference, Nov. 9, 1977, New York. She had Affair with Fidel Castro in 1959 at the age of 19 was involved in CIA plot to assassinate Castro in 1960. She testified about supported JFK Assassination Plot. (AP Photo/Dave Pi
Dave Pickoff/AP

An assassination typically refers to a controversial figure being killed for political reasons. Throughout history, political assassinations have taken place due to differences in ideological, military or religious beliefs, and occasionally through a simple desire for notoriety. Assassinations are a common tool for insurgents, in an attempt to force political figures to stand down.

Where these killings have gained heavy media coverage, it can also bring an international spotlight onto an insurgency's cause. With the rise of mass media, many assassins have aimed to carry out their killings during live broadcasts or during major events. These assassinations are rarely impulsive acts and are generally planned for months, even years, in advance. Several pieces of footage from these various murders have gone on to be iconic in popular culture and placed under great public scrutiny.

This list takes a look at ten of the most famous political assassination attempts that were shown on television. From botched murders during live broadcasts to evidential footage that was repeatedly aired in the aftermath, each of these assassinations had an audience of millions. Many of the clips shown here were deemed suitable for broadcast by various channels across the world, but please note that there is disturbing content ahead...

 
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Tom Butler hasn't written a bio just yet, but if they had... it would appear here.