Kent State Uni Shootings, 1970

What happened on 1 May, in Ohio?

A group of Kent state university students buried a copy of the US Constitution in protest at Nixon’s decision to send US troops to Cambodia.

What happened on 2 May?

There were several demonstrations and a military training building on campus was set ablaze.

What happened on 3 May?

The number of protesters swelled to over 1000 and the mayor declared an emergency.

How many were called out on 3 May, and what were they armed with?

900 members of the National Guard were called out, armed with rifles and tear gas.

What was tear gas used?

To disperse several demonstrations.

What happened on 4 May?

Officials stopped a planned demonstration but 2000 people protested anyway.

What did the protesters do to the National Guardsmen on 4 May?

Tear gas didn’t break up the crowd and they hurled empty canisters and debris at the National Guardsmen.

What did the National Guardsmen do in response to the protesters on 4 May?

Opened fire on students, killing 4 and injured 9.