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Today in History: Ngô Dình Nhu’s police attack American journalists

7/7/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On 7 July 1963 in Saigon, Ngô Dình Nhu’s secret police assaulted American journalists covering a Buddhist protest marking the ninth anniversary of President Ngô Dình Diem’s rule. AP reporter Peter Arnett was punched, while New York Times’ David Halberstam pushed back, forcing the agents to flee. Hours later, Arnett and photographer Malcolm Browne were seized for questioning.

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Story summary

On 7 July 1963 in Saigon, Ngô Dình Nhu’s secret police assaulted American journalists covering a Buddhist protest marking the ninth anniversary of President Ngô Dình Diem’s rule. AP reporter Peter Arnett was punched, while New York Times’ David Halberstam pushed back, forcing the agents to flee. Hours later, Arnett and photographer Malcolm Browne were seized for questioning.