When was the last execution in the US for treason?
Asked by: Jerald Jerde | Last update: May 1, 2026Score: 4.9/5 (74 votes)
The last person executed for treason in the U.S. was William Bruce Mumford on June 7, 1862, for tearing down the American flag in occupied New Orleans during the Civil War, though many later espionage cases, like the Rosenbergs' in 1953, are often discussed in the context of treason due to similar acts against national security, even if technically charged as espionage.
When was the last American executed for treason?
Hipolito Salazar, hanged on April 9, 1847. Convicted of treason for rebelling against the military occupation of New Mexico in the Taos Revolt during the Mexican-American War.
Has the U.S. ever executed someone for treason?
Death sentences for treason under the Constitution have been carried out 16 times. The United States executed 15 Taos Revolt insurgents led by Pablo Montoya and Tomás Romero in 1847.
Who was the last person killed for treason in the United States?
In response, Union Army Maj. Gen. Benjamin Butler, the commander of the Union ground forces, had Mumford court-martialed and executed for treason. He was the last person executed for treason against the United States. North Carolina, U.S.
Can a U.S. president be charged with treason?
Article II, Section 4: The President, Vice President and all civil Officers of the United States, shall be removed from Office on Impeachment for, and Conviction of, Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors. President Donald Trump was impeached twice during his single term in office.
All PRISONERS EXECUTED in September 2025 (US): Last Meals & Final Words
What crimes cannot be pardoned by the president?
The President of the United States may pardon anyone who commits a federal offense against the United States. They may also pardon anyone who commits a federal offense against the District of Columbia. The president cannot grant pardons for violations of state laws.
When was the last time the US charged someone with treason?
In modern American history, since 1956, only one person has been indicted for treason, that of Adam Gadahn, in 2006, for making propaganda videos for al-Qaeda.
Is treason still punished by death?
Yes, treason can be punishable by death in the United States and many other countries, though it's a rare prosecution, with U.S. federal law allowing for the death penalty or significant prison time, fines, and a ban on holding office. While treason is a capital offense in U.S. federal law, state laws and enforcement vary, with some states having abolished the death penalty entirely, notes the Death Penalty Information Center.
Which president shot a man for treason?
Answer and Explanation: There has never been a president of the United States who shot a man (or woman) for treason. This belief stems from the movie, Swordfish, in which the event is mentioned; however, it is a total fabrication and never occurred.
How many Americans have been charged with treason?
18 U.S. Code § 2381 - Federal Crime of Treason
It is defined as "levying war against the United States, or adhering to their enemies, giving them aid and comfort." While rarely charged, there have been only 40 cases prosecuted in the history of the United States.
Which U.S. state executes the most?
No state in the Northeast has conducted an execution since Connecticut, now abolitionist, in 2005. The state of Texas alone conducted 596 executions, over 1/3 of the total; the states of Texas, Florida, and Oklahoma make up over half the total. 17 executions have been conducted by the federal government.
Can a U.S. citizen be killed for treason?
Whoever, owing allegiance to the United States, levies war against them or adheres to their enemies, giving them aid and comfort within the United States or elsewhere, is guilty of treason and shall suffer death, or shall be imprisoned not less than five years and fined under this title but not less than $10,000; and ...
What couple was executed for treason?
With the Cold War deepening, a recent war in Korea against Communist forces, and an escalating nuclear arms race, the electrocution of Julius and Ethel Rosenberg for treason and conspiracy to pass nuclear secrets to the Soviet Union was a first for the United States: the execution for espionage during peacetime.
Were the Rosenbergs actually guilty of treason?
Evidence suggests that Ethel was held mainly in an effort to force her husband to reveal further names and information. On March 29, 1951, following a high-profile trial, the Rosenbergs were convicted of treason, in the form of passing atomic secrets to Russia.
Can you still be executed for high treason?
Since the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 became law, the maximum sentence for treason in the UK has been life imprisonment. The last treason trial was that of William Joyce, "Lord Haw-Haw", who was executed by hanging in 1946.
What were Thomas Jefferson's last words before he died?
Thomas Jefferson's last words are famously associated with the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, with reported phrases like "Is it the Fourth?" or "This is the Fourth of July," although his actual final words to his doctor were more prosaic: "No, doctor, nothing more," as he refused a final dose of laudanum. He died on July 4, 1826, the same day as his friend John Adams, and the date held deep significance for him.
Which President killed a man on the White House lawn?
There is a persistent story that, on the White House lawn, Thomas Jefferson personally executed a prisoner for treason. Some sources name the victim as a North Carolina man called Rodney Cox.
What did Thomas Jefferson say about black people?
Jefferson's belief that blacks were racially inferior and “as incapable as children,” coupled with slaves' presumed resentment of their former owners, made their removal from the United States an integral part of Jefferson's emancipation scheme.
What happens if a US president commits treason?
Article II, Section 4: The President, Vice President and all civil Officers of the United States, shall be removed from Office on Impeachment for, and Conviction of, Treason, Bribery, or other high Crimes and Misdemeanors. U.S. Const.
What are the four elements of treason?
The four key elements for a U.S. treason conviction, derived from the Constitution and case law, are: (1) Adherence to enemies (intent to betray), (2) an overt act (a specific action), (3) two witnesses (testifying to the same act), and (4) giving aid and comfort to the enemy, all requiring proof beyond a reasonable doubt. Essentially, you must have the intent to betray, commit a treasonous act, and it must be proven by two witnesses or a confession in court.
What is the US Code 18?
Title 18 of the United States Code is the primary federal law covering Crimes and Criminal Procedure, encompassing federal offenses, court processes, prisons, and witness immunity, divided into five main parts: Crimes, Criminal Procedure, Prisons and Prisoners, Correction of Youthful Offenders, and Immunity of Witnesses, covering everything from espionage and terrorism to fraud and general criminal principles like aiding and abetting.
Has any US citizen been convicted of treason?
If you have been charged with a federal crime, contact them today at (614) 500-3836. Prosecutions for treason are rare in the United States. In fact, there have only been around 40 prosecutions for this crime, which resulted in the convictions of only a handful of individuals.
Can the US government be overthrown?
While the U.S. Constitution acknowledges a right to revolution in extreme cases, overthrowing the government is legally prohibited and practically difficult, requiring overcoming strong military loyalty to civilian command, widespread civilian resistance (due to an armed populace), and control over major centers; however, concerns exist about democratic erosion through "soft coups" or executive overreach, as seen in analyses of events like January 6th and discussions around tools like "Project 2025".
What is the difference between treason and sedition?
Sedition involves inciting rebellion or plotting to overthrow the government, while treason is the more severe crime of actively levying war against the country or giving aid and comfort to its enemies, making it a direct betrayal of allegiance, with treason carrying harsher penalties like death or life imprisonment, whereas sedition typically results in significant fines and up to 20 years in prison.