Presidential assassination attempts

Police and spectators crowd around the entrance to Blair House, residence of President Harry S. Truman. A wounded man lies on the steps following a furious gun battle in front of the house, during an attempted assassination of President Truman. Donor: New York Herald Tribune.

President Harry S. Truman and First Lady Bess W. Truman at Arlington National Cemetery, attending funeral services for Private Leslie Coffelt of the White House Police, who was killed while protecting President Truman from an assassination attempt on November 1. Walking behind President and Mrs. Truman are (left to right) General Robert Landry, General Harry Vaughan, and General Wallace Graham. All others are unidentified.

Diagram view of Blair House, scene of the attempt on President Truman's life. Floyd Boring, Secret Service Agent, shot and critically wounded Oscar Collazo and the latter fell at the foot of Blair House steps. Griselio Torresola, co-conspirator, was shot and killed, falling over a hedge beside the entrance to the Lee House (adjoining Blair House). Donald Birdzell, White House policeman, ran to the car tracks to draw the gunfire away from Blair House. Donor: Philadelphia Inquirer.

Extraordinary measures are being taken to protect President Harry S. Truman after yesterday's suicidal attempt by two Puerto Rican fanatics to shoot their way into Blair House. The guard at the home has been doubled and additional police are patrolling the Pennsylvania Avenue block. This view from across the street shows White House police stationed at strategic vantage points.

A 10 x 14 panoramic view of Pennsylvania Avenue showing the Blair House, residence of the President, following the assassination attempt on the life of the President. Crowds are shown gathered with much activity in the street.