Battlestar Galactica: 10 WORST Things To Happen In The Colonial Fleet
4. Gunned Down By Marines
After President Roslin is arrested for staging what Adama and Tigh interpret as a coup, the fleet begins to descend into chaos. This is precipitated by Boomer shooting Adama, putting Colonel Tigh in charge of the military at the worst possible time.
Though a seasoned officer, Tigh has no experience in handling the civilian fleet. He sees them as subserviant to the military - as it is the military who keep them safe from attack. So, when the Gideon boycotts the dispatch of supplied to Galactica, in protest of Roslin's arrest, Tigh sends in the marines.
He has already declared martial law and this is an extension of his inexperience. The marines who are present to accompany the removal of supplies from the Gideon get caught up in scuffles and protests, which leads to the accidental shooting and killing of several civilian people.
The incident becomes known as the Gideon Massacre - and is followed with a number of attempts on Tigh's life.