The Tales of a Handlebar Mustache

bundy-ramirez-dahmer:

On January 22, 1987, the day before his sentencing (for bribary), Budd Dwyer called a press conference to “provide an update on the situation.” Many expected Dwyer to announce his resignation from office. At the conference, an agitated and nervous Dwyer once again professed his innocence, and declared that he would not resign as state treasurer. Those attending would hear his final words: “I face a maximum sentence of 55 years in prison and a $300,000 fine for being innocent. Judge Muir has already told the press that he, “felt invigorated” when we were found guilty, and that he plans to imprison me as a deterrent to other public officials. But it wouldn’t be a deterrent because every public official who knows me knows that I am innocent; it wouldn’t be a legitimate punishment because I’ve done nothing wrong. The guilty verdict has strengthened that resolve. But as we’ve discussed our plans to expose the warts of our legal system, people have said: “Why bother?” “No one cares.” “You’ll look foolish.” “60 Minutes, 20/20, the American Civil Liberties Union, Jack Anderson and others have been publicizing cases like yours for years, and it doesn’t bother anyone.” At this point, Dwyer stopped with his prepared text and called to three of his staffers, giving each an envelope. It was later discovered that one contained a suicide note to his wife. The second was an organ donor card and other related materials. The third was a letter to the newly-inaugurated governor Robert P. Casey. After handing out the envelopes, Dwyer opened a manila envelope and withdrew a .357 Magnum revolver, advising those in the crowd, “Please leave the room if this will offend you.” Those in attendance cried out to Dwyer, pleading with him to put the gun down (“Budd, don’t!” was heard on television.) Some tried to approach him. “Stay away, this thing will hurt someone,” he warned. Amid the cry of “Budd, Budd, Budd!” Dwyer put the gun barrel into his mouth and pulled the trigger. He collapsed against a wall in a sitting position, blood pouring from his nose, all in front of five television news cameras. Dwyer was declared dead at the scene at 11:31 a.m.

On January 22, 1987, the day before his sentencing (for bribary), Budd Dwyer called a press conference to “provide an update on the situation.” Many expected Dwyer to announce his resignation from office. At the conference, an agitated and nervous Dwyer once again professed his innocence, and declared that he would not resign as state treasurer. Those attending would hear his final words:

“I face a maximum sentence of 55 years in prison and a $300,000 fine for being innocent. Judge Muir has already told the press that he, “felt invigorated” when we were found guilty, and that he plans to imprison me as a deterrent to other public officials. But it wouldn’t be a deterrent because every public official who knows me knows that I am innocent; it wouldn’t be a legitimate punishment because I’ve done nothing wrong. The guilty verdict has strengthened that resolve. But as we’ve discussed our plans to expose the warts of our legal system, people have said: “Why bother?” “No one cares.” “You’ll look foolish.” “60 Minutes, 20/20, the American Civil Liberties Union, Jack Anderson and others have been publicizing cases like yours for years, and it doesn’t bother anyone.”

At this point, Dwyer stopped with his prepared text and called to three of his staffers, giving each an envelope. It was later discovered that one contained a suicide note to his wife. The second was an organ donor card and other related materials. The third was a letter to the newly-inaugurated governor Robert P. Casey. After handing out the envelopes, Dwyer opened a manila envelope and withdrew a .357 Magnum revolver, advising those in the crowd, “Please leave the room if this will offend you.” Those in attendance cried out to Dwyer, pleading with him to put the gun down (“Budd, don’t!” was heard on television.) Some tried to approach him. “Stay away, this thing will hurt someone,” he warned. Amid the cry of “Budd, Budd, Budd!” Dwyer put the gun barrel into his mouth and pulled the trigger. He collapsed against a wall in a sitting position, blood pouring from his nose, all in front of five television news cameras. Dwyer was declared dead at the scene at 11:31 a.m.