45 years ago today, SF Supervisor Harvey Milk and Mayor George Moscone were shot and killed inside city hall by former Supervisor Dan White. Milk was California's first openly gay elected official and a pioneer in the struggle for LGBTQ+ rights worldwide. Moscone was a first-term mayor and former California state senator.
The shootings were a turning point in San Francisco politics, sparking widespread public outcry. Dianne Feinstein, who was then the president of the Board of Supervisors, was subsequently sworn in as the city's first female mayor.
Dan White was charged with first-degree murder, but was ultimately convicted of voluntary manslaughter. This lesser sentence ignited public outcry anew.
Below are captions for the above photos in order of appearance:
1. Mourners hold a candlelight vigil for Moscone and Milk.
2. Left: Dianne Feinstein bows her head for a moment of silence. Right: Dan White is taken into custody by the SFPD.
3. The body of Harvey Milk is carried out from city hall under a white cloth.
4. Mel Wax, press secretary for Mayor Moscone, announces to reporters that Moscone and Milk were shot and killed.
5. Rebecca Moscone is consoled by friends after learning that her father, George Moscone, had been killed.
6. Thousands gather with candles in front of SF City Hall for an impromptu vigil.
7. People hold signs and candles at a vigil.
📸: Getty Images
Thank you for this.