mar 14, 1891 - Eleven Italian men, referred to in newspapers as members of the mafia, were lynched in New Orleans. The men had previously been acquitted of the murder of the New Orleans Chief of Police. Many citizens firmly believed they were guilty, and that the jury had been corrupted. A mob attacked the prison where the accused were held and shot them to death. Among the men lynched were several Italian citizens, and the Italian minister protested to the US Government.
Added to timeline:
Date:
mar 14, 1891
Now
~ 135 years ago