Key Takeaways
- Robert Budd Dwyer, Pennsylvania’s State Treasurer, was convicted of accepting bribes in a corruption scandal, though he maintained his innocence until the end.
- On January 22, 1987, the day before his sentencing, Dwyer shocked the nation by committing suicide with a handgun during a televised press conference.
- His tragic case continues to spark discussions about political corruption, mental health in public office, and media ethics regarding the broadcast of graphic content.
Robert Budd Dwyer, a former American politician, remains one of the most tragic figures in U.S. political history.
Born on November 21, 1939, Dwyer served as a Republican representative in the Pennsylvania House from 1965 to 1971 before moving to the Pennsylvania State Senate, where he remained until 1981.
35 years ago today, Pennsylvania politician R. Budd Dwyer shot and killed himself at a press conference on live national television. pic.twitter.com/KScYZ6dlpT
— Miles Commodore (@miles_commodore) January 22, 2022
He then took office as the 70th State Treasurer of Pennsylvania, a role that would ultimately lead to his downfall.
The Scandal That Changed Everything
In the early 1980s, Pennsylvania state employees discovered they had overpaid federal taxes due to state withholding errors that predated Dwyer’s tenure as treasurer.
A multimillion-dollar contract was needed to facilitate refunds for affected workers.
In 1986, Dwyer was convicted of accepting a bribe from Computer Technology Associates (CTA), a California-based firm, in exchange for awarding them the lucrative contract.
Robert Dwyer was found guilty of fraud, conspiracy, bribery, and perjury in 1984 while serving in Treasury.
— Thokozane Maloka (@iamtmaloka) March 6, 2025
He was due to serve his sentence from 23 Jan 1987. He called a press conference a day before. After his speech, he pulled out a gun and committed suicide, live on tv. pic.twitter.com/vtqadjNHnK
Despite maintaining his innocence, he was found guilty of conspiracy, mail fraud, perjury, and interstate transportation in aid of racketeering.
Scheduled for sentencing on January 23, 1987, Dwyer faced up to 55 years in prison and a hefty fine. The conviction devastated him, and his legal appeals were repeatedly denied.
A Press Conference Turned Tragic
On January 22, 1987, Dwyer arranged a press conference in the Pennsylvania State Capitol. Many expected him to announce his resignation.
Instead, after delivering a lengthy speech proclaiming his innocence and criticizing the justice system, Dwyer shocked the room by pulling out a .357 Magnum revolver.
On January 22, 1987, Pennsylvania Treasurer Budd Dwyer ended his own life at a televised press conference after being found guilty of taking a bribe. He was scheduled to be sentenced the following day. This footage shows his final moments before pulling the trigger. pic.twitter.com/FsrE1TB2Qf
— Morbid Knowledge (@Morbidful) April 30, 2024
He urged attendees to leave if they felt uncomfortable, but before anyone could react, he placed the gun in his mouth and pulled the trigger.
The horrifying scene was captured by multiple news cameras, and footage of the suicide was aired by several Pennsylvania TV stations.
Aftermath And Public Reaction
Dwyer’s dramatic public suicide left a lasting impact on the media and political landscape.
His family maintained his innocence, arguing that he was a scapegoat in a politically motivated case.
While some viewed his demise as an ultimate protest against a flawed justice system, others saw it as the desperate act of a man unable to face the consequences of corruption charges.
Today we honor American hero and victim of a frame job by liberals, Budd Dwyer, on the 38th anniversary of his passing. Refusing to go out on their terms, Budd’s brave actions allowed his family to keep 1.3 million worth of assets(today valued at 3.6 million) to live on. RIP BUDD pic.twitter.com/eKJ9Amq1hn
— Michael Pawluk (@pawluk_michael) January 22, 2025
His legacy remains controversial. His case has been studied in discussions about political corruption, mental health, and the ethics of broadcasting graphic content.
Dwyer’s demise is also notable as one of the most publicized suicides in American history, raising ongoing debates about the pressures of political life and the consequences of legal battles on public figures.
