First assassination attempt against US President Andrew Jackson

Background. Richard Lawrence, a British-born American unemployed house painter, became convinced that President Andrew Jackson's opposition to the Second Bank of the United States was preventing the distribution of money he believed he was owed. In the weeks leading up to the incident, Lawrence began observing Jackson's movements, preparing for the assassination attempt.

The Attempt. On Friday, January 30, 1835, Lawrence was seen in his paint shop laughing while holding a book. Later that day, as President Jackson was leaving the United States Capitol, Lawrence aimed a pistol at him. However, both of his pistols misfired, and he was taken into custody.

Aftermath. Lawrence was brought to trial on April 11, 1835, at the District of Columbia City Hall. While nobody denied his involvement, many people, including Jackson, believed that he might have been supported in or put up to carrying out the assassination attempt by the President's political enemies.