A Brief History
On May 4, 1970, the M-1 Garand rifles of the Ohio National Guard were used in combat; against college kids!
Digging Deeper
With the United States torn by the War in Vietnam, protests at college campuses became common.
President Nixon had promised to end the War in Vietnam when running for election in 1968, and by 1970 he had sent US forces into Cambodia to eliminate sanctuary for communist Vietnamese forces and disrupt communist supply lines. Many in the US saw this broken promise as an escalation of the unpopular war.
Additional fuel for the anti-war fire was the news of the My Lai massacre of innocent civilians by US soldiers and a change in how the military draft was conducted, eliminating some deferments. New protests erupted at colleges across the country, and Kent State University not far from Cleveland, Ohio was no exception.
The fateful protests started on May 1st, with the entire Kent Police Department activated. The overwhelmed police were pelted with rocks and bottles so the mayor called the governor and requested the National Guard. On May 2nd the unrest continued and the ROTC building was set on fire before a cheering crowd of at least 1000 protesters. Again, firemen, police, and now National Guard troops were taunted and pelted with rocks. On May 3rd the governor made an emotional and inflammatory speech comparing the students to Nazi’s and saying the protesters were the worst people in America.
On May 4th a protest rally scheduled for noon was ordered canceled by authorities and leaflets were passed around informing students not to come. About 2000 protesters came anyway, and National Guard troops armed with rifles and live ammunition were sent to clear the protesters away. After attempts to clear the crowd with tear gas failed due to windy conditions, the soldiers fixed bayonets and advanced on the jeering, rock throwing students. The soldiers, without particularly effective leadership or an effective plan did not efficiently herd the crowd away and seemed somewhat confused themselves.
At about 12:24 pm a Guard sergeant started shooting with his .45 pistol and perhaps 29 (of the 77 soldiers) fired their rifles for a total of 67 rifle shots. What precipitated the decision to fire? Some of the Guard claimed an unknown sniper shot at them first, but this claim is hotly contested and never proven. It does have to be considered pretty normal that when in a group, if one of the group starts shooting at least some of the others are likely to start shooting as well.
Nine students were wounded and 4 were killed. An iconic photo (Pulitzer Prize winning photo) of a 14 year old runaway grieving over the body of a student flashed across the world and became the symbol of the divisive agony that the war had become. Thirteen seconds of shooting had torn apart the American public. It seemed to some the Kent State shootings were proof of a corrupt government engaged in an immoral and illegal war, while others cheered the National Guard and said “About time!” (58% of the public blamed the students for the incident.)
Students at about 900 US universities and colleges went on strikes of varying length and Kent State was closed for 6 weeks. President Nixon referred to student protesters as “bums.” Three protesters were convicted of minor offenses, and indictments against 8 Guardsmen were dismissed. A Federal lawsuit by injured and killed parties was found in favor of the State of Ohio and the National Guard, but on appeal the State of Ohio paid a total of only $675,000 to settle the suit.
The war is long over, the governor and President Nixon are dead and gone, but the scars on the American public remain.
Question for students (and subscribers): Who do you think was at fault? What could authorities have done differently? Will people ever learn to do what others with guns pointed at them tell them to do? Let us know your opinions in the comments section below this article.
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Historical Evidence
For more information, please see…
Barbato, Carole A. and Laura L. Davis. This We Know: A Chronology of the Shootings at Kent State, May 1970. The Kent State University Press, 2013.
Gordon, William A. Four Dead in Ohio: Was There a Conspiracy at Kent State. North Ridge Books, 1995.
The featured image in this article, a printed map detailing the locations of structures, troop movements, bullet hole locations, and locations of casualties at the Kent State shooting of May 4, 1970, is in the public domain in the United States because it is a work prepared by an officer or employee of the United States Government as part of that person’s official duties under the terms of Title 17, Chapter 1, Section 105 of the US Code. This media is available in the holdings of the National Archives and Records Administration, cataloged under the National Archives Identifier (NAID) 596837.
You can also watch a video version of this article on YouTube:
<span class="dsq-postid" data-dsqidentifier="2054 http://www.crackedhistory.com/?p=2054">107 Comments
What a terrible tragedy. My wife’s grandfather was there with the Sheriff’s Dept. and witnessed it.
I believe the students did a good thing, but it obviously went too far. Live ammunition should of not of been used. Thankfully now we have rubber bullets to dont kill people if shot by one.
My 5th grade teacher was supposed to be on kent campus when this event occurred for a class, but that day she woke up sick and didn’t go. Guess she was lucky to not been on campus during all this.
I admit, the way this was handled was a tragedy. But this was at the fault of both Kent State University students as well as the Ohio National Guard. I know the students were trying to get a point across that the war is a horrible thing as well as President Nixon breaking his promise to the American public. But they could have done it in a a peaceful protest. They still would have gotten a point across, just like Ghandi with his peaceful protest. It was also the fault of the Ohio National Guard, as seen, they should not have used live ammunition no matter what was going on. They were trained better then that. All that was thrown towards them were rocks….no grenades.
Such a tragic event in time. I feel the authorities were at fault, they could’ve done something differently as opposed to shooting. Like, maybe take them to the big house. Anything would’ve been better then shooting. But probably not, people think they have so much power with guns in their hands and don’t bother listening.
The students were not at fault. I agree with the students and, in my opinion, the government is still just as corrupt as it was bad then. The only difference is that they know how to cover their tracks better.
The students didn’t have to get violent. I liked how they banded together for one common goal. They could have stayed peaceful and gotten a similar result. Burning down buildings at your own school is disrespectful and at your own risk. I mean children must be punished right? The guard was bound to shoot, either by accident or on purpose, it doesn’t matter. Could the guard have been a little more patient, probably. But, hey children must be punished when they are bad! It just took four permanent timeouts in the process.
Both the students and the National Guard were at fault. Yes, Vietnam was probably a waste of time, but the protest and the way it was handled was not properly. This was a senseless tragedy that could have been avoided with proper training and cool headed thinking. I had also heard that some o the students were throwing urine in the faces of the soldiers.
I think this was simply a breakdown from both sides. The students and the National Guard were at fault in some aspects and, as a result, caused a horrific incident that will live long in the minds of those involved and the following generations.
I did not know this, such a tragedy! And i have to agree that both the students and the National Guard were at fault.
I was very aware of this situation when it happened, I was oarking with a girl, Nellie Tucker, who was attending Kent campus that year. She wasn’t on campus that day but it was a shocking thing all around. And yes, there are many to be blamed, but making a college campus a war-zone was evry extreme on the part of officials.
Police shouldnt have used live ammunition, but if any ammunition woulda been used in the rifles it should only been as severe as pellets or rubber type ammunition, not something lethal.
I did not know about this situation. Definitely a tragedy! I think the students were partly at fault but the police definitely should not have been shooting. Awful decision.
I believe that calling the national guard in, was necessary especially after the protest turned into a riot and the ROTC building was caught on fire. There were leaflets passed out informing the protesters not to come and 2000 showed up any way obviously with the intentions to cause harm as they had in the 3days prior, things just escalated. Is it sad? yes. Could things have handled differently? yes. However, I don’t think a different scenario would have had the same effect curtailing these violent riots as did the shootings. I believe it is a normal reaction that when someone carrying a gun hears shots fired that they return the fire, which is how accidental cross fire occurs. As for Nixon, he was a lying piece of shit who should have been impeached instead of given the opportunity to resign.
I agree with Vickie. I was aware of the situation, but didn’t know the entire details on the case. After reading, i believe the students are at fault, but the National Guard should have shot blanks. But, then again, I could never do what the National Guard does so, I am not in proper standing to judge or criticize.
It is sad that this resulted in lives being lost and I think both sides are at fault. The students were not satisfied to have their voice heard without stirring up trouble and the National Guard should have had better leadership and a plan to properly diffuse the situation.
I can’t believe so many people honestly believe that an arson the day before could warrant the murder of 4 college students..Excessive force IMO…
I think both side were at fault. There may have been a better solution. But, I think if it had been occured by adults (I mean not students), I would have feel it was not at fault of police but adults.
It’s important for America’s youth to speak out, but they should not be throwing rocks at authorities for no reason. That is not something educated young adults should be doing. That makes them “bums” not the fact that they’re protesting.
I had heard of the Kent State Shooting before but this was the first time I read about the reasons behind the shooting.
I think the rock throwing might have help triggered the shooting. If they weren’t throwing rocks, the shooting may not have happened. But who knows…
Being a college student, it is scary to think about this incident.
It is truly saddening that this happened. My eighth grade English teacher went to Kent State so she taught us about this incident.
These students should have never been killed.
They should have followed the orders of the National Guard and the school and gone home. Remember, the troops are also similar in age, throwing rocks and debris did not help the situation and cutting the fire hoses when they burned the ROTC building did not help either.
Such a sad tragedy. I know many people who go and have gone to Kent State. They decorate a rock, which was a location where one the victims died, every year in remembrance of the tragedy.
Having been to and living somewhat close to this campus, it is interesting to read this article. I was honestly unaware that it was caused by protest of the war.
I never heard about the Kent State Shooting. It was interesting to learn the story behind it.
I have been to the spot where this happened on campus. Very sad story about people standing for what they believed in.
“Will people ever learn to do what others with guns pointed at them tell them to do?”
Really? Only in America…and third world countries…
I think both parties are at fault here.
wow this was new to me and just to know my sister attends kent state now and it has a terrible incident that happened there before. i think it is also scary to know that anything could happen even at a college. it was new to me that it was due to protesting
This hots so close home. Not only am I a college student but I am also from Ohio.
This is crazy to hear. College kids starting a riot. I would not do that
I agree that the American people had every right to feel as though they were unfilled promises. The students were not at fault. They were frustrated with our country and we all have the rights to free speech.
I actually learned about this on my Kent State visit (awkward) but i never really got the details and after hearing this i can agree with my mother. This was a terrible tragedy!
It is sad that unnecessary shootings like this are still happening today. For example, the OSU shooting that happened today.
It is sad to see any school shootings especially when the students were not at fault.
This by no means was this a peaceful protest. I think the Guard acted out in frustration, after attempts to stop the protest failed. Throwing rocks should not entice a riot.
The students are adults and as Americans we have the right to voice our opinions. It was very immature to compare students to Nazi’s and saying protestors were the worst people in America because all they wanted to peace.
I was in Junior High School when this shooting happened. I remember some blaming students, while others blamed the Guard. I do remember many of the protests were not peaceful. They protested peace, not war, but caused a lot of property damage. The Guards said they heard a shot, maybe they did, I don’t know. If the students had listened when they received orders from the police and the guard maybe this tragedy could have been prevented.
I remember learning about the Kent State shooting in high school history class. I know there is a lot of controversy on who to blame for the shooting; the guard or the protestors. However, I feel it is inappropriate to compare the students to Nazi’s.
So many rash decisions were made surrounding the events of the Kent State shooting. Everyone involved felt the need to make an immediate decision. History may be very different had those in authority taken a little time to think through their decisions.
I do not believe that the students were at fault, and many quick decisions were made during the Kent State shooting. I feel that it was a little unacceptable to refer to the students as Nazis
I feel that the students should completely be allowed to protest and fight for what they believe. I also feel that what the government did and the actions that they showed in shooting so many students is way out of line.
Ive known about this for very long time for that famous song written about this event. What a poor decision by US troops
This is a bad situation all around, the police were concerned for their lives and did what any person would do with thousands of people throwing rocks, and rioting around them.
This was not a good situation and the shooting was a terrible decision.
These students did not deserve to be shot. Ohio contains so much history!
This event is so well known in history and it happened very close to home!
It is crazy for me to think that something so severe could happen so close to home.
It is very unfortunate that protests have to turn violent like they often do just as it did at the Kent State protest.
my middle school principal actually watched this go down. super scary.
It is never good to tell lies.
As a college student, I still agree that the Kent State students were pretty ridiculous in their protests. Although I do not believe that a massacre was the right move, college students in particular should learn how to close their mouthes.
I think that the way that the students and other protesters handled themselves was unacceptable, but the way the officers opened up fire on a group of innocent people was even worse.
The worst part about the war was that it was also affecting our health here in the US. There were protests and people were killing each other. I cannot believe this happened here in Ohio.
I remember learning about this in high school. I do not think this was handled very well.
A situation that could have been handled with a tactical plan, but instead led to death because of unpreparedness.
I was young when this happened but remember my parents talking about it. I really think the national Guard went in ill prepared for this circumstance. Obviously the students started this mess but it could have been taken care of without shootings.
It is hard to believe that the government leveled a gun at some students. People have the freedom of speech. How could the government kill the innocents for some political purposes?
This something in our history that this generation actually knows about. I don’t think this situation was handled correctly and it’s disheartening that it happened so close to where I’m from.
I don’t think theses students were too fault to be shoot.
The National Guard is still not allowed at Kent to this day.
I have been on kents campus on May 4th before it is a completely surreal experience.
I have also been to Kent State University during the anniversary of this tragic event. Words cannot describe the emotion and the atmosphere.
Protesters think they can get away with anything and won’t get shot. Let’s throw rocks at the National Guard. They don’t have guns or anything. It will be fine.
the first pict it make me sad i dont want this happen in school.
Not many articles depict the students as throwing rocks and being violent. Similarily to today, if you are breaking stuff and being violent, expect violence in an effort to keep control.
Better leadership and training. That would not happen today. There are other options then shooting guns at rioters.
Throwing rocks and violent protesting like that is a recipe for disaster, but when it gets to the point that the military has to come in, what do you expect is going to happen?
At the end of the day when a peaceful protest turns violent and the protestors are assaulting law enforcement officials, the gloves have to come off. If the least force needed to quell the violence is lethal force, then so be it.
The students shouldn’t of gotten violent and everybody would of been Agee if they did not turn to that.
I think this was a senseless tragedy. Surely this could have been handled without guns. Didn’t they have non-lethal crowd control at that time?
This situation could of gone without the use of guns, but the students should of expected some form of violence or punishment for throwing rocks.
It is a shame that protesters had to go through that the military shouldn’t have fired the guns towards the crowd
I think the students had the right to protest but I do not think they had the right to throw rocks or ignore directions by national guard. This could of been a peaceful protest and these lives did not have to be taken too soon.
After the announcement of the Muslim Ban, students from Ashland stood in protest on the corner of Ashland’s campus. I couldn’t imagine how devastated the student body here would be if a similar incident occurred on main campus.
Dear Kacey, I was unaware that we had a protest at our campus. Do you think students will do so again when the new, revised executive order is issued (I think sometime this week?)? Sincerely, Dr. Zar
I do not like the final outcome of the protest, but what do people think is going to come when protesters become violent. I do not understand when people protest against violence then use violence in retaliation.
This is something that we have seen recently in the world. Protesters becoming violent during a protest.
People have the right to a peaceful protest and when a protest turns violence, anything can happen. Don’t judge the police officers or the national guard that had been standing there for days taking thing thrown at them. I was not there so I can’t say who fault it is, but this normally happens when you have a violent protest.
This was a horrid tragedy, it sickens me to know that these 4 students were shot by the National Guard. This is a perfect example of how this war got way out of hand and also shows how badly American citizens wanted to pull out of the Vietnam war. The Neil Young song “Ohio” is iconic and now part of history.
Colleges and Universities should not tolerate such behavior and immediate expulsion should follow any protests that are not peaceful.
I have to agree with the 58% of the public that blamed the students. I do not see how it is the governments fault. What I can not wrap my head around is how people think the students were right. They threw rocks and bottles at the police and the national guard with the intent to harm or even kill and set fire to the ROTC building again throwing rocks, and the first responders who were just trying to put the fire out. How can people expect police, the national guard, and our first responders to just sit their while violent potentially deadly actions are taken against them and do nothing about it. It amazes me how the students played the victim card when they were the ones who incited the violence first. Every action has an equal or greater reaction.
I do not see how this is the government’s fault. It’s sad that it happened, but the students were going on days of destruction. If the government felt they were in danger by being shot at first.
I feel there were faults on both sides. There is no excuse for the protestors to be throwing things at the police and Gaurdsmen.
When the students turned violent our responders did what they were trained and paid to do.
Even though I was not there, I still think that the National Guard could have handled the situation better. They could have used bean bags to break up the crowd. Regardless if they heard shots or not, they had no right to shot at unarmed students. The settlements to the families of the dead students of only $675,000.00 was a freaking joke.
As mentioned in the article the National Guard had no defined plan or leadership. Though, I understand steps needed to be taken due to the students throwing rocks at police, I do not feel shooting anyone was in the best interest. Four innocent lives were lost and many others harmed. I believe one National Guard set fire and others followed behind. Furthermore, there is not amount of money which can be justified for the loss of a family member.
When peaceful protest turn into violent riots then something has to be done. The National Guard had to be called in to assist the police because rocks were being thrown and things were escalating. When the National Guard went in they did not have a plan. Did they hear shots fired from someplace else first or did one of the National Guard members panic and fire the first shot? This will never be known nonetheless, the National Guard or any team gong in to bring order to a crowd that is spiraling out of control must have a plan of action.
I do not understand how people start out by protesting but then riots start and many of the same people start hurting others. The military as well as police have to do their best to control any given situation.
I agree…this shooting showed just how corrupt the government is.
These situations are so tough. As I have said before I support the right to peaceful protest. The second the protestors started throwing rocks at police officers, they instigated violence. What did they think was going to happen? You can’t threaten police officers and National Guard soldiers without consequence. No matter what your cause is. Whether that is right or wrong, it’s a fact.
All decisions we make in life have consequences and the moment the students decided to stay and ignore the orders to leave, the game changed. Students then began throwing rocks which escalated things quickly. Did the National Guard overreact? Maybe, but tension was already their. If you are going to protest something it has to be peaceful.
Such a sad time in history. I feel like both sides were at fault in this situation.
I feel like both parties were at fault here. The students should not have been throwing rocks and such at the guards. I mean, they were doing their job and quite possibly drafted in to those positions. The guards could have at least had a plan of what to do if fired upon.
The students were responsible for their part. They chose to use physical violence on those in authority. After not responding to requests, demands, and physical violence inflicted on them they still did not stop. The guards had no plan and no guidance and that left them feeling they had no choice but to shoot. Happens all the time still today with the police.
I have to agree with some other comments. Both parties were at fault in this situation. You can’t throw rocks, and expect not to get a reaction out of officers.
The students were armed wth rocks, the National Guard troops were armed with pistols and rifles, yet, its the students’ fault that they were killed. Ok…
And that settlement by the state of Ohio was a slap in the face to the victims and their families.
When learning about this in class I was so taken back by the outcome. It didn’t make sense to me. When I went to Kent for a visit, it was such a humble feeling to be there.
The Kent State shooting was a very tragic event in our history. It demonstrates the harmful effects war has on our society. Nevertheless, what I do not agree with is setting a building on fire while protesting. If anti-war protesters were calling for peace, setting a building on fire is no way to peacefully protest. That act escalated the situation, and unfortunately people ended up getting killed as a result.
I was surprised and happy to hear from my sister, who is currently a Kent State student, that the tragic shooting that happened at the university is still observed by the staff and students today. For the sake of protecting people’s rights to peacefully protest, it is important that this event is not forgotten.
being referred to as a bum because you have a opinion of your school is not very acceptable. It is really sad that schools are not safe anymore
I never heard of this incident before, but I think instead of hurting student and people on the street, they can put them into jail as well, the way is much better than hurt them.
I agree with the students. Protesting is a way of fighting for your beliefs. While I don’t agree on the lengths the students took, the government could have handled this situation a hundred different ways. The final compensation awarded is not enough in my opinion for the scars the families will always have from this accident.
I spoke to a former Kent State professor and she said during this time every year, Kent State would honor the fallen. She said now they do not honor them as much before.
agreeing with many comments below me. When protesting against something you believe turns into riots then shootings something needs to be done. Many innocent people again were killed due to stupidity.