John Dillinger was an infamous American criminal and bank robber during the early 1930s. He was born on June 22, 1903, in Indianapolis, Indiana. Dillinger grew up in a lower-middle-class family and became involved in petty crimes in his youth. He was first arrested in 1924 for robbery but was eventually released on parole.
Dillinger’s criminal career escalated in 1933 when he formed a gang and started robbing banks across the Midwest. He became known for his audacious and violent robberies, often using Tommy guns and other firearms. Dillinger and his gang were responsible for numerous bank heists, amassing a significant amount of money.
During this time, the United States was in the midst of the Great Depression, and Dillinger gained popularity as a charismatic anti-establishment figure. The media dubbed him “Public Enemy No. 1,” and he became a symbol of rebellion against the banks and the government.
Dillinger’s criminal activities caught the attention of the newly formed Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) led by J. Edgar Hoover. The FBI launched an intensive manhunt to capture him. On July 22, 1934, Dillinger was shot and killed by FBI agents outside the Biograph Theater in Chicago, where he had gone to see a movie.
Dillinger’s death made headlines across the country, and his legend grew even after his demise. He became a folk hero and an enduring figure in American crime history. Numerous books, films, and documentaries have been made about his life, turning him into a pop culture icon.
Death Location: Biograph Theater, Chicago, IL (Manhole Spot)
