03/14/2025
On March 14, 1891, New Orleans witnessed the largest mass in American history. The tragic event unfolded after the murder of Chief David , who was shot while walking home. As he lay dying, he reportedly identified his attackers with a slur for Italians.
In the aftermath, the city was gripped by anti-Italian sentiment. Hundreds of immigrants were rounded up, and nineteen were indicted for Hennessy's murder. Despite the acquittal of six and a mistrial for three, a mob of thousands, including some of the city's most prominent citizens, stormed the jail where the men were held1.
The mob brutally lynched eleven Italian Americans, believing the jury had been fixed by organized crime. This act of violence was fueled by , reflecting the deep-seated prejudices of the time. The incident had significant national repercussions, straining diplomatic relations between the United States and Italy and leading to increased anti-Italian sentiment and calls for immigration restrictions.
This tragic story highlights the role that fear and propaganda play in public sentiment and
US policy, throughout history and even today.
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