Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Today in History: Police Open Fire on Protesters, 21 Killed in Puerto Rico

3/21/2026

31 6

Summary

Story summary

On March 21, 1937, the Ponce massacre occurred in Puerto Rico when police, under Governor Blanton Winship's orders, opened fire on a peaceful march organized by the Puerto Rican Nationalist Party. The demonstration, protesting the imprisonment of leader Pedro Albizu Campos, resulted in 21 deaths and over 235 injuries, with many victims shot in the back.

1 of 1

Story summary

On March 21, 1937, the Ponce massacre occurred in Puerto Rico when police, under Governor Blanton Winship's orders, opened fire on a peaceful march organized by the Puerto Rican Nationalist Party. The demonstration, protesting the imprisonment of leader Pedro Albizu Campos, resulted in 21 deaths and over 235 injuries, with many victims shot in the back.