King Faisal of Saudi Arabia

Shot on 25 March 1975 in Riyadh during a public audience by his nephew Prince Faisal bin Musaid, who was later executed.

Overview

Faisal bin Abdulaziz became king in 1964 after the deposition of his brother Saud and pursued cautious modernization, expanding education including schooling for girls, developing infrastructure, and introducing television. As crown prince and prime minister he had abolished slavery in the kingdom in 1962. He led the 1973 Arab oil embargo against countries supporting Israel in the October War, which sent oil prices soaring and greatly increased Saudi influence. During a majlis audience at the royal palace he was shot by his nephew, whose motive was never clearly established. The prince was publicly executed in June 1975. Faisal was succeeded by his brother Khalid.