Reputed anarchist Giuseppe Alia shot and killed a priest distributing communion at a Denver church on Feb. 23, 1908.
Father Leo Heinrichs, his aorta severed by the bullet, collapsed at the alter of St. Elisabeth of Hungary.
An off-duty Denver police officer arrested the unemployed shoemaker from Sicily.
Explaining his actions, Alia said: "I have a grudge against all priests in general. They are all against the workingman. I went to the communion rail because I could get a better shot."
Fearing he would be lynched, Denver police moved Alia to a jail in Colorado Springs. At his trial, the Italian consul in Denver testified Alia was insane.
Alia was convicted and executed at the state penitentiary in Canon City - after two escape attempts.
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