Thirtieth Anniversary of Budd Dwyer's Suicide (Penn: schools, live, famous)

[Dole-McCain Republican]

30 years ago today, R. Budd Dwyer--who was the Treasurer of Pennsylvania--shot himself at a televised press conference. His suicide remains one of the most infamous in American history. For those of you who don't know, many children also witnessed his death because schools were closed due to inclement weather.

Shortly before his suicide, Dwyer was convicted for bribery. But based on all the information that I have read, it appears that the prosecutors were far too overzealous, and wanted to give Dwyer a punishment that was far too harsh when compared to any wrongdoing on his part.

Here are two videos that talk more about the Dwyer saga. The first was a retrospective that aired on the 20th Anniversary of his suicide. And the second video is a biography of Dwyer.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUmYewRXCbc


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qg2UU_XT-Bg

[JohnZ963]

I recall some commentary on his decision to kill himself, believing he decided to kill himself before being sentenced the following day in part so his wife would still be eligible to receive his pension, and would receive death benefits of over a million bucks which would go away if he was sent to jail and stripped of his position.

[thedirtypirate]

First guy I ever saw really die. The news conference is available to watch online. Had someone hand him a manila envelope and pulled out a gun. Absolutely horrifying.

[ki0eh]

Good thing now we elect politicians only from the sort of people who are unable to feel shame or guilt.

[wpipkins2]

I will never forget that day. It was shown on the local news live and I was 11 years old at the time. The initial coverage was unedited and I was haunted by it at the time. I never looked at manila envelopes the same again.

[Gerania]

Originally Posted by JohnZ963

I recall some commentary on his decision to kill himself, believing he decided to kill himself before being sentenced the following day in part so his wife would still be eligible to receive his pension, and would receive death benefits of over a million bucks which would go away if he was sent to jail and stripped of his position.

Looking out for the family. I can't blame him for that.