On this day, March 1, in 1954, four Puerto Rican nationalists opened fire in the U.S. Capitol building, injuring five congressmen.
The attackers, seeking independence for Puerto Rico from the United States, began shooting pistols from the balcony at the 240 representatives on the floor.
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The attackers were immediately arrested.
The terrorists, led by Lolita Lebron, were sentenced to 70 years in prison, after their death sentences were commuted by President Eisenhower. They were pardoned by President Carter after they had served 25 years in prison.
As a result of the attack, the back of the chairs on the floors of the House and Senate chambers are bulletproof.
– Scott McCabe
