Giuseppe Zangara

Coming To The U.S.

Zangara emigrated to the United States in 1923, leaving behind his rural village in Ferruzzano with his uncle. America was hailed as a land of opportunity to many Italian immigrants, and he had high hopes of developing a better path to the life he wanted to life. The journey itself was much harder than originally thought-- Italian immigrants were the poorest in the transatlantic crossing, and were put into overcrowded third-class steerage. In this movement, Zangara and company were faced with unsanitary conditions and food scarcity. 

When the group arrived to America, Zangara likely passed through Ellis Island, where he would have experienced strenuous trial and inspection before being allowed to enter. Most agree that it is likely he barely passed these screenings due to his abdominal pain and U.S. officials' tendency to turn away those who could not work.

Once he had entered the country, Zangara settled in Paterson, New Jersey. Paterson held a slew of immigrant populations, and was known for its silk mills and various manufacturing jobs. He took whatever position he could find, continuing his trade as a bricklayer. Again, this position only continued to worsen his condition, requiring long hours of lifting and working in extreme weather. WIth no alternatives due to his lack of education, he was forced to endure this work.

During this period, Zangara’s sense frustrations and disillusionment worsened. The "American Dream", which had seemed so promising from across the ocean, turned out to be cruel and unforgiving, just as the life he had left behind had been. While wealthy folk had enjoyed a prosperous lifestyle, the impoverished had to endure dangerous positions to make a living, a fault which immigrants were disproportionately placed in. Zangara believed that the world was against him, and began to rebel against those who were more powerful than him.

In 1929, he had earned U.S. citizenship, a milestone for many immigrants in finding their place in America. Rather than pride, however, Zangara continued to be resentful. His life was crowded with failures: his chronic pain abrupted much of his situation, he had little economic prosperity, and he continued to grow in intense feelings towards the ruling class. 

Gaps In The Story

The life of Giuseppe Zangara is marked by several gaps and inconsistencies, similar to that of other immigrant and impoverished assassins mentioned. Much of this account is pieced together from secondhand accounts or witnesses from his life. Much of this information also comes from writings he had completed in prison before his execution, where he reflected on the larger pieces of his life and his motivations. Some of these accounts are colored by inconsistencies and leave us with an incomplete view of what his life was actually like. 

This paints a larger picture on society's dealings, placing those who are less fortunate in the background while amplifying the lives of those who fit the majority. Often, these marginalized identities are neglected in the preserving of society. This pattern would reduce these individuals to almost nothing without the acts that they had performed.

Trial, Conviction, & Death

Zangara was captured almost immediated and charged with attempted murder, and the murder of Mayor Cermak. His trial began nine days after the shooting, on Februayr 23, 1933, and lasted only a few hours. Represented by court-appointed lawyers, he was found guilty. Zangara's defense argued that his chronic pain and resentment towards the political establishment may have influenced him deeply, while the prosecution maintained that he had acted with a clear malicious intent. He was sentenced to the death penalty by electrocution.

The trial and media coverage, too, became a spectacle. Zangara was reported to have enjoyed the attention, often posing for photographers and reporters swarming the court. He infamously stated "Where are the photographers?" hen on the witness stand during the trial. This quote attested to his defiant and cunning attitude towards his trial and conviction, displaying a desire to be seen. His words captured throughout the trial also attested to this intense need for spectacle and attention.

Giuseppe Zangara was killed by electrocution on March 10, 1933-- just less than a month after the shooting-- at Florida State Prison in Raiford. As he was being prepared for the act, he shouted "Viva Italia!" as his final words, a demonstration of his nationalist pride. Some accounts also state that he muttered "I die for my country", but these are unconfirmed. His final moments are marked with a chilling theatricality. Mirroring the story of his life, his death was vastly overshadowed by the shock of the attempt and the reports of Anton Cermak's final words.