Arthur Bremer

Arthur Herman Bremer (born 21 August 1950) shot Democratic presidential candidate George Wallace on 15 May 1972 in Laurel, Maryland, leaving Wallace paralyzed for life.

Related Topics:
21 August - 1950 - Democratic - George Wallace - 15 May - 1972 - Laurel, Maryland

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Bremer was sentenced to 63 years in prison for the shooting.

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At the time of the shooting, the blond-haired Bremer was dressed in patriotic red, white, and blue and wearing a Wallace campaign button. At approximately 4:00 pm, Bremer opened fire, emptying the weapon before he could be subdued. He hit Wallace four times, and wounded three other people: Alabama State Trooper Captain E. C. Dothard (Wallace's personal bodyguard), Dora Thompson, a Wallace campaign volunteer, and Nick Zarvos, a Secret Service agent.

Related Topics:
E. C. Dothard - Dora Thompson - Nick Zarvos - Secret Service

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Before his brush with infamy, the 21-year-old Bremer had worked as a busboy and a janitor's assistant in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In November 1971, only seven months before he would shoot Wallace, Bremer was charged with carrying a concealed weapon.

Related Topics:
Milwaukee, Wisconsin - 1971

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Many media outlets initially reported Bremer to be a "loner." This was inaccurate, as Bremer did have several friends in Milwaukee, including Dennis Cassini. However, authorities were never able to question Cassini, as he was found dead of a heroin overdose, locked inside the trunk of his car.

Related Topics:
Dennis Cassini - Heroin

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Part of Bremer's diary was published as An Assassin's Diary.

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Despite the existence of many conspiracy theories, no one other than Bremer has ever been charged in connection with the shooting.

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Ironically and tragically, Bremer was the inspiration for the character Travis Bickle, played by Robert DeNiro, in Taxi Driver, a movie that would later inspire John Hinckley, Jr. to shoot President Ronald Reagan.

Related Topics:
Travis Bickle - Robert DeNiro - Taxi Driver - John Hinckley, Jr. - Ronald Reagan

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