1920's Law and Justice | The Saint Valentine's Day Massacre

Gang Rivalry in Chicago.

By early 1929 Al Capone had neutralized most of his major underworld enemies in Chicago. But one gang operating on the North Side, led by George "Bugs" Moran, continued to defy him, and Capone resolved to liquidate all its leadership, especially Moran. Through informants Capone knew that Moran's gang congregated regularly in a garage on North Clark Street to await the arrival of their liquor-truck convoys and that one such shipment was due to arrive at 10:30 A.M. on 14 February 1929. Capone ordered his main "enforcer," Fred "Killer" Burke, to prepare a "surprise" for Moran and company.

Gangsters Disguised as Policemen.

It was decided that three gunmen would gain access to the garage by disguising themselves as Chicago police officers conducting a routine raid. Through cash payoffs Capone procured a police car and several police uniforms. Since the intended victims already knew most of the...