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Today’s edition of “Shit the Government Has Done”:
The Kent State Shooting
On April 30th, 1970, President Richard Nixon announced the US involvement in Eastern Cambodia with the Cambodian Incursion.
In response to this and the US’s continued involvement in Vietnam,
(1/X)
The Kent State Shooting
On April 30th, 1970, President Richard Nixon announced the US involvement in Eastern Cambodia with the Cambodian Incursion.
In response to this and the US’s continued involvement in Vietnam,
(1/X)
several hundred demonstrators began to protest at Kent State University in Ohio.
On May 2nd, began to spread that multiple locations were being targeted by radical groups. The decision was made to bring in the Ohio Army National Guard to act as security in case of an (2/X)
On May 2nd, began to spread that multiple locations were being targeted by radical groups. The decision was made to bring in the Ohio Army National Guard to act as security in case of an (2/X)
attack. By the time they arrived at about 10pm, demonstrations were underway and the campus ROTC building was set on fire.
On May 3rd, Ohio Governor Jim Rhodes revered to the protesters as “Un-American” and discussed using “use every part of the law (3/X)
On May 3rd, Ohio Governor Jim Rhodes revered to the protesters as “Un-American” and discussed using “use every part of the law (3/X)
enforcement agency of Ohio to drive them out of Kent” (referring to the rumored radicals). During this same press conference, he threatened to have further demonstrations banned but never followed through with the threat. This same day, the Mayor issued a curfew for the (4/X)
city. At about 8pm, several students began performing sit-in protests. At 11pm, the curfew went into effect and the National Guard began forcing students back to their dorms.
The final protest began on May 4th. Roughly 2,000 people organized. The Ohio National Guard began (5/X)
The final protest began on May 4th. Roughly 2,000 people organized. The Ohio National Guard began (5/X)
to attempt to disperse the protesters with the threat of arrest. At noon, the NG started deploying tear gas to assist dispersing the crowd. In response, the crowd threw the canisters back and some threw rocks. The NG then fixed their bayonets and began pushing towards the (6/X)
crowd, driving it out of the commons area where the demonstration was being held.
After some time, a large number of protesters had dispersed. There were some remaining angry protesters that continued to throw tear gas canisters back at the NG and throw rocks at them. (7/X)
After some time, a large number of protesters had dispersed. There were some remaining angry protesters that continued to throw tear gas canisters back at the NG and throw rocks at them. (7/X)
At roughy 12:24, sergeant Myron Pryor began firing into a crowd of protesters with his .45 caliber handgun. 29 of the 77 other guardsmen began firing at the students along with him. 67 rounds were fired over 13 seconds by the National Guardsmen. Their claim was that they (8/X)
feared for their life.
4 people were killed and 9 others were injured.
This event led to more than 450 protests on campuses across the country.
24 students and 1 faculty member were indicted on charges related to the demonstration. (9/X)
4 people were killed and 9 others were injured.
This event led to more than 450 protests on campuses across the country.
24 students and 1 faculty member were indicted on charges related to the demonstration. (9/X)
One non-student was charged and two other non-students plead guilty.
5 National Guardsmen were indicted on felony charges. These were dropped as their actions were deemed lawful.
5 National Guardsmen were indicted on felony charges. These were dropped as their actions were deemed lawful.
