10 Photos Taken Only Moments Before Tragedy Struck

R.Budd Dwyer

Rober Budd Dwyer was the Treasurer of Pennsylvania from 1981 to 1987, and during this time he was caught up in a bribery scandal. The day before his sentencing, Dwyer held a press conference where he was expected to resign from his position by many. After a long, drawn-out speech Dwyer then stopped the press conference to hand out envelopes that contained funeral information, letters from Dwyer to his family, an organ donor card, and other related documents. His final envelope contained something different. The press conference suddenly changed from a routine press affair to an absolute nightmare when Dwyer produced a .357 Magnum revolver and calmly stated, "Please, please leave the room if this will... if this will affect you." This photograph is seemingly showing the exact moment when Dwyer is telling people to leave the area. Dwyer then put the gun into his mouth and pulled the trigger, dying just before 11 am. Television cameras were still rolling at this point, and they captured the chaotic scenes that ensued, broadcasting them throughout the state.