On This Date In Twin Cities History - December 9, 1935

On this date in 1935, Walter W. Liggett is murdered in a drive-by shooting in Minneapolis. Liggett was an investigative journalist and editor of the newspaper Midwest American.

Before his murder, Liggett wrote a series of articles in the Midwest American that were critical of what he saw as corruption of the newly created Farmer-Labor party and their alleged association with organized crime – specifically Isadore “Kid Cann” Blumenfeld.

In response, Blumenfeld offered a bribe to Ligget in an attempt to stop his articles from being published. Liggett refused and was badly beaten. Blumenfeld’s crime family continued to threaten Liggett who maintained his stance.

On the day of the murder, Liggett’s wife and daughter witnessed the crime and identified Blumenfeld as the shooter.  In a trial that made worldwide headlines, Blumenfeld was acquitted, despite considerable evidence against him. No one else was ever charged for the crime.