When was the last person killed for treason in America?
Asked by: Tom Sipes | Last update: March 16, 2026Score: 4.9/5 (20 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 New Orleans during the Civil War; federal treason executions are extremely rare, with only two uses of the federal death sentence for treason since the Constitution, the first being during the 1847 Taos Revolt.
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.
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.
Has the US 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.
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.
John Brown: First Human Executed for Treason in the United States
Can a US citizen be tried for treason?
Section 3 Treason
Treason against the United States, shall consist only in levying War against them, or in adhering to their Enemies, giving them Aid and Comfort. No Person shall be convicted of Treason unless on the Testimony of two Witnesses to the same overt Act, or on Confession in open Court.
How many U.S. citizens have been charged with treason?
While Treason prosecutions are rare today, only 40 cases have been prosecuted in U.S. history. Of the 40 treason cases charged since the founding of the U.S., only 13 resulted in a conviction, and only three people have been executed for it, Eisner Gorin stated.
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.
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 ...
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 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.
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.
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.
Who was the first American hung for treason?
22 John Brown was found “Guilty of treason and murder in the 1st degree” and was hanged in Charles Town, Virginia on December 2, 1859.
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.
What did Thomas Jefferson say about Jews?
Thomas Jefferson championed Jewish religious freedom, ensuring Jews had equal civil rights and were protected from persecution, famously stating "our civil rights have no dependence on our religious opinions" in the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom", "https://www.monticello.org/research-education/thomas-jefferson-encyclopedia/jews-and-judaism/". While he admired their resilience, he held critical views of certain aspects of Jewish religious texts, viewing Moses's character harshly and finding Jewish moral philosophy underdeveloped in some areas, but advocated for education to elevate their standing, ensuring they could be "equal objects of respect and favor".
What three acts are considered treason?
The three acts of treason, as defined by the US Constitution, are:
- Levying War Against the United States. It means actively taking up arms against the US government or military to overthrow it.
- Adhering to the Enemies of the United States. ...
- Giving Aid and Comfort to the Enemies of the United States.
Who is famous for treason?
For more than two centuries, all most Americans have ever known about Benedict Arnold is that he committed treason—yet he was more than a turncoat. He was a superb leader, a brilliant tactician, a supremely courageous soldier and one of the most successful military officers of the early years of the Revolutionary War.
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.
What is the only crime in the US Constitution?
Treason is a unique offense in our constitutional order—the only crime expressly defined by the Constitution, and applying only to Americans who have betrayed the allegiance they are presumed to owe the United States.
What is the 2 witness rule for treason?
"No person shall be convicted of treason unless on the testimony of two (2) witnesses at least to the same over act or on confession of the accused in open court.
What is the most common punishment for treason?
Still, treason is one of the most severe crimes committed against the U.S., carrying a minimum prison sentence of 5 years, fines up to $10,000, and a possible sentence of death. 18 U.S.C.