The Assassination of George Moscone and Harvey Milk

Name: The Assassination of George Moscone and Harvey Milk
Start: 1929-11-27
Location: Unspecified

The Tragic Events of November 27, 1978

George Moscone: A Visionary Leader

George Moscone, the Mayor of San Francisco, was known for his progressive vision and commitment to civil rights. During his time in office, he championed various reforms aimed at making San Francisco a more inclusive city. His leadership not only brought about significant changes in city governance but also fostered a spirit of community and acceptance.

Harvey Milk: The First Openly Gay Elected Official

Harvey Milk was a groundbreaking figure in American politics as one of the first openly gay elected officials in the United States. Elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, he advocated for LGBTQ+ rights and became a symbol of hope and change for many. His efforts were not only transformative for the gay community but also resonated with broader social movements across the country.

The Assassination: A City Reels in Shock

The Role of Dan White

On November 27, 1978, former supervisor Dan White entered San Francisco City Hall armed with a revolver. Discontented with the political direction Moscone and Milk were taking, White was motivated by a combination of personal and political grievances. He shot Mayor Moscone in his office before finding Harvey Milk in another room, where he also fatally shot him.

The Aftermath and Community Response

The assassinations sent shockwaves throughout San Francisco and sparked a wave of anger and grief among the public. Vigils and protests erupted as the LGBTQ+ community and their allies united to honor the memory of Moscone and Milk while denouncing the violence of their murders. This tragic event heightened the visibility of LGBTQ+ issues and galvanized further activism in the years to come.

Fun Fact

The White Night Riot

In response to the sentencing of Dan White, which many considered lenient, the city erupted in protests, culminating in the White Night Riot on May 21, 1979. Thousands marched and rallied, demonstrating the community's demand for justice and equality.