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Today in History: Richardson and Ruckelshaus quit, defying Nixon

By Drooid · Oct 20, 2026, 10:35 AM UTC · How we work

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Summary

Story summary

On October 20 1973, President Nixon ordered Attorney General Elliot Richardson to dismiss Watergate special prosecutor Archibald Cox. Richardson and Deputy Attorney General William Ruckelshaus refused and resigned, triggering the “Saturday Night Massacre.” Their protest deepened the crisis that eventually forced Nixon’s resignation.

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Story summary

On October 20 1973, President Nixon ordered Attorney General Elliot Richardson to dismiss Watergate special prosecutor Archibald Cox. Richardson and Deputy Attorney General William Ruckelshaus refused and resigned, triggering the “Saturday Night Massacre.” Their protest deepened the crisis that eventually forced Nixon’s resignation.