On February 15, 1933, Chicago Mayor Anton Cermak was shot in an assassination attempt on President-elect Franklin D. Roosevelt in Miami. The attack, carried out by Giuseppe Zangara, sent shockwaves across the nation. As Cermak lay wounded, he famously told Roosevelt, “I’m glad it was me instead of you.”
The Czech-born mayor, known for his rise from humble beginnings to political prominence, had a stronghold in Chicago’s immigrant community. His tenure was marked by fierce battles against organized crime during Prohibition, making him both a hero and a target.
Zangara, driven by a deep hatred for politicians, fired multiple shots, one of which struck Cermak. Though Roosevelt escaped unharmed, Cermak succumbed to his injuries weeks later, solidifying his legacy as a selfless leader.
Cermak’s death reshaped Chicago politics, paving the way for future power shifts. His sacrifice remains a defining moment in the city’s history, symbolizing resilience and duty.
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