Assassination of Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk

On November 27, 1978, a tragic event unfolded in San Francisco that would have profound implications for the city and the wider LGBTQ+ community. On this day, Mayor George Moscone and Supervisor Harvey Milk were assassinated by Dan White, a former city supervisor.

Background

George Moscone

George Moscone was elected Mayor of San Francisco in 1975. An influential figure in progressive politics, he was instrumental in advancing civil rights, housing, and education initiatives. Moscone’s administration was noted for its inclusivity and commitment to diversity, making significant strides in appointing minority and LGBTQ+ individuals to city positions.

Harvey Milk

Harvey Milk was elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1977, becoming one of the first openly gay elected officials in the United States. Milk was a vibrant advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and a charismatic leader whose efforts helped to galvanize the gay rights movement within San Francisco and beyond.

Dan White

Dan White, a conservative on the Board of Supervisors, resigned his position in November 1978, citing financial constraints. Subsequently, he sought to be reinstated, but Mayor Moscone planned to appoint someone else to his position, reflecting the city’s more liberal shift.

The Assassination

On the morning of November 27, 1978, Dan White entered San Francisco’s City Hall through a basement window to avoid metal detectors and made his way to Moscone’s office. After a brief argument, White fatally shot Moscone. He then reloaded his gun and proceeded to Harvey Milk’s office, where he shot and killed Milk as well.

Aftermath

The assassinations sent shockwaves throughout the nation. The city was plunged into mourning, and the LGBTQ+ community lost a significant leader in Milk. That night, tens of thousands of people joined a candlelight vigil in Milk’s honor, demonstrating the deep impact he had on the community.

Dan White was later tried and convicted of voluntary manslaughter, rather than first-degree murder, after his defense team successfully argued a diminished capacity due to depression—a legal reasoning often summarized as the “Twinkie defense.” His seven-year, eight-month sentence sparked outrage and led to the events known as the “White Night riots.”

Legacy

The murders highlighted the volatility in American society concerning issues of civil rights and social change and underscored the violent resistance that activists often faced. Milk’s legacy endures as a symbol of the fight for LGBTQ+ equality, influencing subsequent generations of activists and politicians. Both George Moscone and Harvey Milk are celebrated for their contributions to social justice and continue to be remembered as champions of their communities.

These events significantly shaped San Francisco’s political landscape and added urgency to efforts for equal rights across the nation.