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Life & Times

The Assassination of Huey Long

Long's casket is carried down the steps of the Louisiana State Capitol. The Rev. Gerald Smith stands ready to lead the procession to Long's interment on the grounds of the Capitol.

Long's casket is carried down the steps of the Louisiana State Capitol. The Rev. Gerald Smith stands ready to lead the procession to Long's interment on the grounds of the Capitol. Courtesy of the State Library of Louisiana

By 1935, tensions ran high in Louisiana, as rumors of multiple plots to assassinate Huey Long swirled around the capital. Huey’s consolidation of personal power led to talk of armed insurrection by his enemies. On September 8, Huey was shot by the relative of a political enemy in the State Capitol, and he died two days later at age 42. News of Huey’s death made headlines around the world, and an estimated 200,000 mourners flocked to Baton Rouge to pay their respects.

Key Facts:

  • In 1935, political tensions escalated as Huey’s enemies plotted against him, fearing his growing power.
  • In January, 200 armed members of the Square Deal Association stormed the E. Baton Rouge courthouse.
  • On September 8, Dr. Carl Weiss shot Huey at close range inside the Louisiana State Capitol. Huey’s bodyguards immediately fired, killing Weiss.
  • Emergency surgery failed, and Huey died on September 10 at age 42.
  • Over 200,000 mourners attended his funeral at the Louisiana State Capitol.
  • His widow, Rose Long, was appointed to his U.S. Senate seat and later elected.

God, don’t let me die. I have so much to do.

Huey Long

After the election of Long ally Oscar K. Allen to the governorship in 1932, Huey continued to exercise de facto control of state government and made frequent trips to Baton Rouge to push his bills through the legislature.

Huey Long surrounded by armed guards in the Louisiana State Capitol

Huey Long surrounded by armed guards in the Louisiana State Capitol ~ Courtesy of LSU Libraries Special Collections.

After death threats, arson attempts, and a drive-by shooting at his New Orleans home, Huey beefed up his personal security, surrounding himself with armed bodyguards from the state police. Huey also worried about his family’s safety and was concerned that his children may be kidnapped. The threats only strengthened his resolve to crush his political opponents.

Completely stymied by Long's political maneuvers and legislative victories, his enemies formed a paramilitary organization called the Square Deal Association to plot armed insurrection. The movement likened itself to the 1874 white supremacist uprising against the state’s Reconstruction government.

In January 1935, 200 armed Square Dealers stormed the East Baton Rouge Parish courthouse, prompting Governor Allen to call out the National Guard and declare martial law.

In July, Huey declared that he had discovered an assassination plot against him. Long’s associates had eavesdropped on a secret meeting in New Orleans, which included four Louisiana congressmen, New Orleans Mayor Walmsley, and former Governors Parker and Sanders. Another man, identified as “Dr. Wise,” was introduced at the gathering.

Huey Long Shot and Killed

On September 8, Huey was in the State Capitol in Baton Rouge for a special session of the Louisiana legislature, pushing through a number of bills including a measure to gerrymander opponent Judge Benjamin Pavy out of his job. According to the generally accepted version of events, Pavy’s son-in-law, Dr. Carl Weiss, approached Huey in a corridor and shot him at close range in the abdomen. Huey’s bodyguards immediately opened fired on Weiss as Huey ran to safety.

Weiss was killed instantly, and Huey was rushed to a nearby hospital, where emergency surgery failed to stop internal bleeding.

Huey died two days later on September 10, 1935, eleven days after his 42nd birthday. His last words were, “God, don’t let me die. I have so much to do.”

Mourners process by Huey Long's casket lying in state at the Louisiana State Capitol

Mourners process by Huey Long's casket lying in state at the Louisiana State Capitol ~ Courtesy of LSU Libraries Special Collections.

 

Huey's brother, Earl Long, lays flowers at Huey's gravesite on the Capitol grounds

Huey's brother, Earl Long, lays flowers at Huey's gravesite on the Capitol grounds ~ Courtesy of the State Library of Louisiana.

Flowers at Long's gravesite on the anniversary of his death, before his statue was erected

Flowers at Long's gravesite on the anniversary of his death, before his statue was erected ~ Courtesy of LSU Libraries Special Collections.