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Today in History: Samuel Byck's Failed Hijacking Attempt on Nixon

2/22/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On February 22, 1974, Samuel Joseph Byck attempted to hijack a plane at Baltimore/Washington International Airport, aiming to crash it into the White House and kill President Richard Nixon. During the incident, Byck shot an airport policeman and the plane's copilot before being wounded by police and ultimately committing suicide.

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Story summary

On February 22, 1974, Samuel Joseph Byck attempted to hijack a plane at Baltimore/Washington International Airport, aiming to crash it into the White House and kill President Richard Nixon. During the incident, Byck shot an airport policeman and the plane's copilot before being wounded by police and ultimately committing suicide.