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Today in History: Rajneesh followers convicted in 1985 assassination plot

7/28/2025

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Summary

Story summary

On July 28, 1985, two followers of Indian mystic Rajneesh were convicted for their involvement in a conspiracy to assassinate Charles Turner, the U.S. attorney for the District of Oregon. This plot emerged as Turner investigated illegal activities at the Rajneeshees' community, Rajneeshpuram, including immigration fraud and a previous bioterror attack.

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Story summary

On July 28, 1985, two followers of Indian mystic Rajneesh were convicted for their involvement in a conspiracy to assassinate Charles Turner, the U.S. attorney for the District of Oregon. This plot emerged as Turner investigated illegal activities at the Rajneeshees' community, Rajneeshpuram, including immigration fraud and a previous bioterror attack.