The Shocking Political Incident back in 1987, left the world in remorse. Budd Dwyer, the republican Treasurer of Pennsylvania left the world after facing criticism. He left many questions that arose from some shocking reality. The first one being: What is the Truth? Who was behind it all? Was it just a conspiracy? Is that how the media of a Nation is supposed to work out? and More. Well, no one has the answer to it all, but one can get a better idea by understanding and analyzing the complete situation of Budd Dewyer’s life, career, Budd Dwyer Suicide and more.
Who was Budd Dwyer?
Robert Budd Dwyer also known as Budd Dwyer was an American politician and the Treasurer of Pennsylvania. Moreover, Budd gained fame after being trapped and charged with many illegal activities and then shooting himself in front of the media trying to prove his innocence. The prominent state treasurer was well known for his charismatic personality and dedication to public service. Well, his career took a dramatic turn when he faced serious legal challenges. Moreover, he became the focal point when a shocking event marked his forever legacy.
Personal Data of Budd Dwyer
| Full Name | Robert Budd Dwyer |
| Date of Birth | 21 November 1939 |
| Place of Birth | St. Charles, Missouri, USA |
| Profession | Politician and Teacher |
| Position | Pennsylvania State Treasurer |
| Political Party | Republican |
| Educational Qualification | Graduation: A.B. Political Science and Accounting from Allegheny CollegeMasters: Political Science |
| Family | Wife and 2 Childrens (personal details no available) |
| Date of Apprehended | 22 October 1984 |
| Date of Death | 22 January 1987 |
| Cause of Death | Shoott Himself (Suicide) |
| Age (till he died) | 47 Years |
The Key Moments of Budd Dwyer life
Before understanding the complete suicide case and the tragic mishap. Let’s have look into the key moments and that led to incident:
- 1961: He completed his graduation in A.B. Political Science and Accounting from Allegheny College. He was also a member of Beta Chi Chapter and Theta Chi Fraternity.
- 1963: After his Master’s he used to teach social studies and Coach football at Cambridge Springs High School.
- 1964: He was elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from the 65th district. Back in 1966 and 1968 he was re-elected.
- 1970: He campaigned to become a Pennsylvania State Senator for Senate’s 50th district while still being the state representative.
- 1971: He won and became a Senator after resigning as a Representative.
- 1974: He was elected as a Senator for two additional terms 1974 and 1978.
- 1980: He campaigned for and won Pennsylvania Treasurer. Moreover, he won the second and re-election term as well.
- 1984: He was accused of various scandal and illegal activity
- 1987: He shot himself in the presence of the media ending his life and the scandal story.
Budd Dwyer Suicide: The Backstory
The backstory of the Budd Dwyer sucided was the circumstances that surrounded and embroiled his involvement in corruption and allegation of his mismanagement during his time as a Treasurer. It all started when Pennsylvania officials discovered inaccuracies in the state. It all resulted in state employees unintentionally paying millions extra in Federal Insurance Contributions Act taxes (FICA). The top accounting firm across the nation engaged in a competitive bidding process to secure the profitable contract of determining fair compensation for all impacted employees. The contract was awarded to Computer Technology Associates (CTA), a company based in California and owned by a native of Harrisburg.
Well, few months after the contract was done and dusted the Pennsylvania Governor Dick Thornburgh was informed through an anonymous person about the Bribery allegation that took place during the bidding process. The Anonymous also involved the name of Robert Budd Dwyer as a part of the bribery case. After the case came into the media, Dweyer refused any wrongdoings and maintained his innocence. Although charges were ultimately brought against Dwyer.
The Case Trial
At the end the case was filed against Budd Dwyer claiming him to be involved in bribery case and other issues. Moreover, Federal Prosecutors even offered the Treasurer the opportunity to accept the mistake oly for accepting the bribe and step down from his position as well. Also he was said to cooperate with the investigation for better results. Moreover, the acceptance of the bribe would have single handedly offended him into 5 years of Imprisonment. But Dwyer confidently declined the offer in an attitude that the court would confirm his innocence. However, on 18 December 1986, he was found guilty on 11 charges. All this included Conspiracy, mail fraud, perjury and interstate transportation in support of racketeering. Well, the overall punishment could have him facing 55 years long imprisonment behind the bar with the fine of $300,000.
Moreover, the final court statement was set to be or scheduled for 23 January 1987.
Budd Dwyer Suicide: Puzzling Behaviour, then a Gunshot
On 15 January 1987, he held a meeting at his home regarding the case and all the happenings. The meeting was scheduled with his press secretary James Duke Horshock and Deputy Treasurer “Don Johnson”. In the meeting he decided or gave a promise to the two that he would conduct a Press conference where he would thank his Staff and Friends but would not resign. However, the next day he visited his Lawyer “Paul Killion” and narrated his version of events which was to be presented to the judge. There in the meeting he also mentioned about resignation and the press conference to be held before his sentence. Well, he also wrote a letter to Senator Joe Biden and Peter W. Rodino asked them to re-conduct the investigation. Moreover, on 21 January 1987 he then wrote to President Ronald Reagan about his innocence and complete version of his incident or the case. On the same day he asked his secretary Horshock and deputy Press Secretary to schedule a press conference. Moreover, the meeting was arranged for the next day at 10:30 A.M EST.
On 22 January 1987, Budd held a press conference in order to address the allegations against him. He gave a 20 minutes long speech or to be specific a statement that proclaimed his innocence and was against his verdict. Moreover, after criticizing the media and talking about mental health in his speech, he also thanked everyone associated with him. Then he halted his speech to stop the media who were leaving the place saying “Those of you who are putting your cameras away, I think you ought to stay because we’re not, we’re not finished yet.” Well, then he continued his speech ending it with “… and I’m on the last page now, and I don’t have enough to pass out, but Duke, I’ll leave this here, and you can make copies for the people; there’s a few extra copies here right now.” Well, then he talked about 47 years of his life as a recap and gave out three envelopes to his staff: Governor Bob, Organ Donor Card and one for his family with three letters inside.
Once he finished speaking and handing out the notes, he came up with another envelope containing a Model 19 .357 Magnum Revolver in it. The Media stopped him saying that anyone could be harmed and keep the gun aside but he stopped them all and brought the face of the gun in his mouth and said “Please, please leave the room if this will… if this will affect you.” Soon he shot himself to death.
Budd Dwyer Video
However, known to all Budd Dwyer took his life in front of live camera and media in order to prove himself right. Well, the tragic incident was captured in the camera and later on telecasted on various news channels making it the highlight of the political line. In total 9 camera’s recorded the event and one took the close up footage where it clearly showed his body slumped against the wall and a wound coming out from the back of his head, nostril and mouth. He died instantly and was announced dead at 11:31 a.m. Eventually the video can be watched online through other platform sources. Now, one can even watch the biography of Robert Budd Dewyer through a movie streaming platform.
However, the documentary film is available on Amazon Prime Video under the tag of “Honest Man: The Life of R.Budd Dwyer”. The 1 hour 15 minutes documentary mainly consists of the visuals of the important life and career incident surrounding the life of Robert. The film chronicles is all about Dwyer’s meteoric rise to political power and then examines the scandal case, bribary case and the trials around the case which pushed him to the breaking point, ending it up with the Suicide that was telecasted in the press confrence.
Statement in the Suicide Note
Budd Dwyerr gave out three envelopes to his secretary. Where one was his Organ Donor card, one for the Governor Bob and One for his Family. Well, the letters contained some of the strong statements that led people to think about the judgment passed. Moreover, the statement are as follows:
“I’ve repeatedly said that I’m not going to resign as state Treasurer”
“By the time you receive this letter … the office of State Treasurer of Pennsylvania will be vacant. I stress to you that I did not resign but was State Treasurer of Pennsylvania to the end. Casey, will be the great Governor that Pennsylvania needs at this time in our history”.
“Please tell my story on every radio and television station and in every newspaper and magazine in the U.S. … Please make sure that the sacrifice of my life is not in vain.”
Impact of the Tragic Incident
Wel, in the press conference before his suicide Budd expressed his belief in innocence and injustuice he felt he had sufffered. He also talked about the overwhelming situation and how badly it has impacted his mental health. Moreover, his action highlights the devastating impact of public pressure and mental health struggles that can accompany such intense scrutiny especially for the public figure. It teaches about empathy, the importance of mental health wellness and the need for responsible Journalism as well. Dwyer’s sucide remains a reminder of human cost when it comes to political and legal battles.