On this day, July 22, in 1934, John Dillinger was fatally shot by FBI agents.
Although Dillinger was a dangerous robber responsible for the deaths of several police officers, many people considered him a hero. His sensational exploits made great copy for the press. Dillinger twice escaped from jail, helped stage another breakout and had numerous shootouts with police, including one in which he was struck by a bullet.
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FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover named him “Public Enemy No. 1.”
After chasing Dillinger to Florida, Wisconsin and Arizona, special agents learned he was back in Chicago. A prostitute threatened with deportation told the agents that she was attending a movie with Dillinger. She agreed to wear a red dress so police could easily identify them. When the movie ended, Special Agent Melvin Purvis stood by the exit and signaled Dillinger’s presence by lighting a cigar.
Dillinger noticed the G-Men closing in and reached for a gun. Three agents opened fire, and Dillinger was killed.
– Scott McCabe
