How Did William McKinley Die

William McKinley, the 25th President of the United States, died in 1901 following an assassination that shocked the nation and marked a turning point in American history. His death not only ended a presidency but also ushered in a new political era led by his vice president, Theodore Roosevelt. McKinley’s assassination was the result of political extremism and inadequate presidential security two issues that would influence future presidential protection. Understanding how William McKinley died reveals the vulnerabilities of leadership at the time and how the American public responded to tragedy at the dawn of the 20th century.

The Setting: Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo

A Popular and Hopeful President

In 1901, William McKinley had just begun his second term as president. He was a widely respected leader known for guiding the U.S. through the Spanish-American War and for overseeing the country’s emergence as a global power. His policies focused on economic growth, protective tariffs, and a strong international presence.

In early September of that year, McKinley traveled to Buffalo, New York, to attend the Pan-American Exposition, a world fair celebrating innovation and Western Hemisphere unity. His presence was meant to symbolize peace, prosperity, and the forward-looking spirit of the United States.

• McKinley was reelected in 1900 alongside Theodore Roosevelt
• The Pan-American Exposition was a high-profile event showcasing American progress
• Presidential appearances were common and often lacked strong security

The Assassination Attempt

On September 6, 1901, McKinley held a public reception at the Temple of Music, one of the main venues at the exposition. Despite warnings from his staff, he insisted on greeting the public without much concern for his personal safety. It was during this receiving line that an anarchist named Leon Czolgosz approached him with a concealed weapon.

Czolgosz, a 28-year-old American-born radical influenced by anarchist ideologies, hid a.32 caliber revolver under a handkerchief in his right hand. As he extended his left hand in greeting, he shot the president twice in the abdomen at point-blank range.

• McKinley was shot at around 4:07 PM
• The first bullet grazed him; the second lodged in his abdomen
• Secret Service protection for presidents was not yet formalized

The Aftermath of the Shooting

Initial Medical Attention

McKinley was rushed to a small hospital on the exposition grounds where doctors attempted to treat him using the limited resources available. Though antiseptic techniques were still developing, surgeons tried to remove the bullet, but failed. They sutured the wounds and declared the president stable, believing he would recover.

At first, McKinley seemed to be healing. He was conscious, coherent, and optimistic. His wife, Ida McKinley, stayed by his side. For several days, the public was reassured that the president was improving, and newspapers reported encouraging updates.

Sudden Decline

By September 13, McKinley’s condition worsened dramatically. Doctors realized too late that gangrene had developed in the tissues around his wounds. The spread of infection was uncontrollable with the medical techniques of the time, and there was little they could do to reverse the damage.

William McKinley died in the early morning hours of September 14, 1901, at 2:15 AM. His final words were reported to be, It is God’s way. His will be done, not ours. The president’s death came as a shock, since many believed he was recovering.

• Cause of death: gangrene and internal infection
• He died eight days after the shooting
• The bullet had not been found, and this complicated the healing process

The Assassin: Leon Czolgosz

Background and Motivation

Leon Czolgosz was a former steelworker who became disillusioned with capitalism and government authority. He had been influenced by anarchist figures such as Emma Goldman, though Goldman herself denied any connection to the assassination plot. Czolgosz believed that by killing McKinley, he was striking a blow against a corrupt and oppressive system.

He had traveled to Buffalo specifically to carry out the assassination. His method of concealment and timing made him difficult to detect, especially in an era before metal detectors or standardized security procedures.

Trial and Execution

Czolgosz was arrested on the spot and later stood trial for the murder of the president. The proceedings moved quickly. Despite claims that he might be mentally unstable, Czolgosz was deemed fit to stand trial and was found guilty.

He was executed by electric chair at Auburn Prison in New York on October 29, 1901. His execution was swift and met with public approval. Authorities refused to return his body to his family, instead burying him in prison and pouring acid over his remains to discourage memorialization.

• Czolgosz never expressed remorse for the killing
• He was executed just over a month after McKinley’s death
• His actions led to increased public fear of anarchism

The Nation Mourns and Reacts

Public Reaction and Funeral

The death of William McKinley was a national tragedy. Mourning ceremonies were held across the country. Thousands lined the streets during his funeral procession, and businesses closed in his honor. His body was transported by train to his hometown of Canton, Ohio, where he was laid to rest.

People from all political backgrounds expressed grief. McKinley was seen as a unifying figure who led with dignity and restraint. His assassination also highlighted the growing threat of political extremism and the need for stronger presidential security measures.

Legacy and Impact on Presidential Protection

McKinley’s assassination led directly to changes in how the president of the United States was protected. The Secret Service, which had been created in 1865 to combat counterfeiting, was assigned permanent responsibility for protecting the president following McKinley’s death.

His successor, Theodore Roosevelt, ushered in a more assertive and modern presidency, but the shadow of McKinley’s assassination lingered for years as a cautionary tale.

• The Secret Service took over presidential protection in 1902
• Public venues began implementing stricter security for high-profile figures
• Presidents became more cautious in public appearances

The End of an Era

William McKinley’s death marked the third presidential assassination in U.S. history, following Abraham Lincoln and James A. Garfield. His assassination ended a presidency focused on prosperity, peace, and international expansion. While his policies laid the groundwork for America’s role as a global power, his death revealed vulnerabilities in a rapidly changing world.

His legacy lives on not only through the memorials built in his honor, such as the McKinley National Memorial, but also in the lessons learned about protecting democratic leaders. The story of how William McKinley died is more than a tragic event it is a reminder of the enduring challenges faced by those in power and the constant need to safeguard democracy.