The Río Piedras Massacre
A critical examination of the 1935 confrontation at the University of Puerto Rico, detailing the events and their historical significance.
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Overview
The Incident
The Río Piedras massacre transpired on October 24, 1935, at the University of Puerto Rico in Río Piedras. Puerto Rican Police officers engaged supporters of the Puerto Rican Nationalist Party, resulting in the deaths of four party members and the wounding of one police officer. This event marked a significant escalation in the tensions between Nationalist movements and colonial authorities.
Location and Date
The confrontation occurred on the grounds of the University of Puerto Rico in Río Piedras, Puerto Rico. The specific date was October 24, 1935. The coordinates place the event within the metropolitan area of San Juan.
Participants
The primary target of the police action was the Puerto Rican Nationalist Party and its supporters. The perpetrators were identified as officers of the Puerto Rico Police, operating under the command of Chief Elisha Francis Riggs. The incident involved a direct confrontation between these two groups.
Prelude to Conflict
Political Climate and University Leadership
In 1931, Theodore Roosevelt Jr., the U.S.-appointed Governor, named Dr. Carlos E. Chardón, the first Puerto Rican Chancellor of the University of Puerto Rico. Chardón initiated a project aligned with President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal initiatives, known as the "Reconstruction of Puerto Rico Project" or "Plan Chardón." This plan aimed to foster economic development but raised concerns among Nationalists regarding potential Americanization and resource exploitation.
Nationalist Opposition
Pedro Albizu Campos, the president of the Puerto Rican Nationalist Party, voiced strong opposition to Plan Chardón. He perceived it as a threat to Puerto Rico's natural resources and believed Chardón was appointed to "Americanize" the university. Albizu Campos publicly denounced Chardón, university deans, and the Liberal Party, labeling them as traitors and agents of the United States.
Student Protests and Escalation
The political tensions spilled onto the university campus. On October 20, 1935, Albizu Campos criticized Chardón and the Liberal Party during a political meeting. Subsequently, on October 23, students supporting Chardón began a petition to declare Albizu Campos "Student Enemy Number One." In response, a pro-Nationalist faction of students protested, denouncing Chardón and the Liberal Party as U.S. agents, setting the stage for direct confrontation.
The Confrontation
Events Unfold
On October 24, 1935, a student assembly declared Albizu Campos persona non grata. Chancellor Chardón requested police presence due to potential violence. Two police officers encountered a vehicle occupied by Ramón S. Pagán and Pedro Quiñones. A struggle ensued, leading to the officers fatally shooting both men. Reports from the newspaper El Mundo indicated that Eduardo Rodríguez Vega and José Santiago Barea were also killed that day amidst explosions and gunfire.
Eyewitness Testimony
Isolina Rondón, an eyewitness, testified that she observed police officers firing upon the victims. She reported hearing an officer shout, "not to let them escape alive." Despite this testimony, no charges were filed against the police officers involved. The incident concluded with the deaths of four Nationalist Party supporters.
Casualties
Nationalist Party Members
The following supporters of the Nationalist Party were killed during the massacre:
- Ramón S. Pagán – Nationalist Party Treasurer
- Eduardo Rodríguez Vega
- José Santiago Barea
- Pedro Quiñones
Civilian Bystander
In addition to the Nationalist supporters, a civilian bystander was also killed:
- Juan Muñoz Jiménez
Wounded
The incident also resulted in injuries:
- Dionisio Pearson, a Nationalist youth later charged with murder in connection with the Río Piedras riots.
- One police officer sustained injuries.
Aftermath and Repression
Police Leadership and Responsibility
The Chief of Police of Puerto Rico at the time was Colonel Elisha Francis Riggs, a U.S. Army veteran appointed in 1933. Riggs was known for his suppression of organized labor and the Nationalist movement, making him a figure of contention. The Nationalist Party held him directly responsible for the massacre.
Assassination and Retaliation
On February 23, 1936, Hiram Rosado and Elías Beauchamp, members of the Cadets of the Republic (the Nationalist Party's paramilitary wing), assassinated Colonel Riggs. They attacked him as he returned home from Mass. Both Rosado and Beauchamp were subsequently arrested and reportedly killed while attempting to escape police custody at headquarters in San Juan. Beauchamp famously posed for a photographer before his death.
Legal Proceedings and Political Fallout
Following Riggs's assassination, numerous Nationalist leaders, including Pedro Albizu Campos and Juan Antonio Corretjer, were arrested and charged with conspiracy to overthrow the U.S. government on the island. Despite a hung jury in the first trial, a second trial with an all-Anglo-American jury resulted in convictions for most defendants. Appeals were ultimately unsuccessful. This period saw increased scrutiny and prosecution of the independence movement.
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References
References
- Nationalist Party of Puerto Rico-FBI files
- "Isolina Rondón", testimony, Peace Host
- Marisa Rosado, Pedro Albizu Campos: Las Llamas de la Aurora, Ediciones Puerto, 2008, pp. 218-224
- Historical Timeline, PR Dream
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Disclaimer
Academic and Historical Context
This document has been generated by an AI, synthesizing information from historical sources to provide an educational overview of the Río Piedras massacre. It is intended for academic and informational purposes, aimed at students pursuing higher education.
This is not a substitute for primary historical research or professional analysis. The events described involve sensitive historical contexts, including political conflict and state-sanctioned violence. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy based on the provided source, the interpretation and presentation of historical events can be complex and multifaceted. Readers are encouraged to consult a wide range of scholarly works and primary sources for a comprehensive understanding.
The creators of this content are not responsible for any interpretations, actions, or conclusions drawn from this information. Critical engagement with historical narratives is always advised.