Assassination of John Lennon

      In the 1960s, an English band was formed in the city of Liverpool that changed the music scene for the rest of time. "The Beatles" are considered the most influential band of all time. With their revolutionary lyrics and broad musical genres, the Beatles became international sensations within ten years. After their split-up in 1970, all four members continued to make waves in the industry until the unexpected happened. On December 8th, 1980, John Lennon, the former lead vocalist, was fatally shot and killed in front of his apartment, the Dakota.  

       The perpetrator, Mark David Chapman was a very big fan of the Beatles. However, he claimed to have been enraged by Lennon's statement in 1966, where Lennon stated the Beatles were "more popular than Jesus". Also angered by the lyrics Lennon wrote in his solo career and inspired by the protagonist in Catcher in the Rye,  he planned the killing for several months. He originally planned to fly to New York in October, but didn't. He later decided he was ready, and flew into New York in December.

      On December 8th, he spent the whole day in front of the entrance of the Dakota and blended in with other fans who eagerly waited for Lennon's autograph. He had missed seeing Lennon enter the Dakota from a taxi, but was able to meet Lennon's son, Sean who was five at the time. Out on a walk with Lennon's family nanny, Chapman shook his hand and called him a beautiful boy, one of Lennon's songs. Much later in the day, Chapman was able to meet Lennon and got his autograph, quoting in later interviews that "He was very kind to me. Ironically, very kind and was very patient with me". 

      Late at night, around 11:00, John Lennon and his wife Ono returned from a recording session, where Chapman stood in the shadows of the Dakota entrance. The Lennons casually passed by Chapman, acknowledging that they had recognized him from before. As Chapman walked away, he suddenly turned around, pulled out his revolver and shot John Lennon four times, hitting him in the back and shoulder, and puncturing his left lung. The police had arrived moments later and escorted Lennon to the nearest hospital, but when doctors tried to resuscitate him, they were unable to as the bullet had ruptured major blood vessels and vital organs. 

   When informed of his death, Ono began to sob but wanted to keep his death private until their son was informed. Unfortunately, the news had spread to press and was broadcasted on ABC during Monday Night Football where thousands were in shock. The world was stunned, as his death triggered an overwhelming amount of grief. Some reactions were tragic. Two had killed themselves feeling very depressed over his death. 

   Ono had requested the world to pause for ten minutes in silence in honor of John, where millions had respected her wishes. 30,000 convened in his hometown of Liverpool, and over 225,000 in Central Park, which neighbored the Dakota. His body was cremated in a New York cemetery and no funeral was held. Through the rest of history, musicians to normal people honor John Lennon's life, where places like Strawberry Fields allow people to grieve.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murder_of_John_Lennon

https://time.com/4131751/john-lennon-1980-anniversary/