Assassination attempt of Rómulo Betancourt

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Explosion in Paseo Los Próceres during Betancourt's assassination attempt, 24 June 1960

On 24 June 1960 there was an assassination attempt against Venezuelan President Rómulo Betancourt, ordered by the Dominican dictator Rafael Leónidas Trujillo.

Background[]

Betancourt had denounced the dictatorship of Dominican Republic's Rafael Leonidas Trujillo. In turn, Trujillo had developed an obsessive personal hatred of Betancourt and supported many plots by Venezuelan exiles to overthrow him. The Venezuelan government took its case against Trujillo to the Organization of American States, turning to diplomacy first over armed response to resolve the political conflict. This infuriated Trujillo, who ordered his foreign agents to assassinate Betancourt in Caracas.

Attempt[]

On 24 June 1960, an incendiary car bomb placed in a parked vehicle was detonated as Betancourt's presidential car drove by Paseo Los Próceres, one of the main avenues of Caracas. Betancourt was badly burned in the assassination attempt, the driver was severely injured and his head of security was killed.

Reactions[]

Betancourt delivers a speech with bandaged hands the day after the assassination attempt against him, 25 June 1960

The assassination attempt shocked the country. Betancourt walked out of the hospital in front of photographers, with both burned hands wrapped in bandages. Photos of a wounded but living Betancourt were distributed around the world as proof he survived. The incident elevated him in the eyes of the public opinion and helped to destroy one of his most stern Caribbean enemies at the same time.

See also[]

• United Nations Security Council Resolution 156