Assassination of Gabriel Narutowicz
Gabriel Narutowicz, the first president of Poland after regaining independence, was assassinated on 16 December 1922, five days after taking office, aged 57. He was fatally shot by Eligiusz Niewiadomski, an artist and art critic, while visiting an exhibition at Warsaw's Zachęta gallery.
Guard of honor at Narutowicz's funeral bier
Narutowicz in 1922
Gabriel Józef Narutowicz was a Polish professor of hydroelectric engineering and politician who served as the first President of Poland from 11 December 1922 until his assassination on 16 December, five days after assuming office. He previously served as the Minister of Public Works from 1920 to 1922 and briefly as Minister of Foreign Affairs in 1922. A renowned engineer and politically independent, Narutowicz was the first elected head of state following Poland's regained sovereignty from partitioning powers.
Narutowicz in 1915
Narutowicz in his office, just days before the assassination
President Gabriel Narutowicz with Marshal Józef Piłsudski in Warsaw, 1922
Narutowicz leaving the Polish Sejm after being proclaimed president, 11 December 1922