Assassination

This chapter examines the continuation of anti-Mormon sentiments in western Illinois and the rise of hostile dissenters in Nauvoo. Many are committed to killing Joseph Smith. Their opportunity arises when Smith, in his role as mayor, orders the destruction of a printing press used to print an anti-Mormon newspaper. After several days of tense negotiations that include Smith declaring martial law in Nauvoo, Joseph Smith and his brother, Hyrum, submit to arrest. However, the court denies them bail because treason is added to the charge of inciting a riot, and they are forced to stay in the Carthage, Illinois, jail. On June 27, 1844, a mob storms the jail, killing Joseph and Hyrum Smith. The chapter considers the various motivations for the act. Although Joseph Smith is not assassinated because he is running for president, he has the unwanted designation of the first assassinated presidential candidate in United States history.