Introduction to Violet Gibson's Assassination Attempt
Violet Gibson nearly altered the course of history a century ago when she stepped out from a crowd in Rome and shot fascist dictator Benito Mussolini in the face.
The bullet grazed Mussolini's nose, and although she attempted to fire again, her gun jammed.
She was rescued from the crowd by police, as her great-niece Philippa Gibson explained, "because they [Mussolini's supporters] probably would have killed her."
Following the attack, Violet was imprisoned in Italy before being deported to England, where she was confined to a psychiatric institution in Northampton until her death in 1956.
Among the four documented assassination attempts on Il Duce, Violet's was the closest to success.
Family Background and Early Life
Philippa, from Llangrannog in Ceredigion, Wales, described her great-aunt as coming from a very wealthy and politically influential family.
Her father was the Anglo-Irish aristocrat Baron Ashbourne, who served as Lord Chancellor of Ireland, the highest legal office in the country at the time.
Violet experienced a "typical upbringing for someone of that age and status" but rebelled against her family by converting to Catholicism and adopting socialist beliefs, according to Philippa.
"The family weren't pleased at all but they had a softer approach towards Violet partly because... she had mental health problems but she was also an incredibly intelligent woman."
Violet eventually moved to Italy, where she learned the language and engaged in charitable activities, her great-niece added: "It was that kind of age where rich people gave alms to the poor."
Mental Health and Personal Struggles
Violet experienced episodes of severe mental illness. She suffered a breakdown after the sudden death of her fiancé, was imprisoned for a knife attack, and attempted suicide, Philippa noted.
Motivations Behind the Assassination Attempt
Regarding Violet's attempt on Mussolini's life, Philippa said:
"I think she saw the fascism of Mussolini developing, and the incredible cruelty and violence.
"The socialist leader [Giacomo Matteotti] had been murdered by a fascist mob and that was one of the things that led her to this.
"So, partly a political motivation and partly a faith motivation - martyring herself for an important cause."
On 7 April 1926, three years into Mussolini's rule, Violet made her attempt on his life.
Philippa explained: "She was only 50 but she looked a lot older and no-one took any notice of a little old lady taking out a gun very, very close to him.
"And it was yards between them but, apparently, he turned his head and it [the bullet] just clipped his nose."
Aftermath and Political Implications
Following the attack, both the British government and Violet's family wrote to Mussolini to thank him and congratulate him on surviving, while emphasizing her mental instability.
Philippa said:
"Mussolini also did that [focused on her mental instability] because he didn't want it to appear that a political opponent had got that close.
"There were several attempts on his life and he survived them all.
"All of that kind of plays in to [the perception] he's unbeatable, he's protected by God, he's got a mission and that's what he's here for... so I think [the assassination attempt] was counter-productive."
Mussolini was eventually executed in 1945 by Italian partisans while attempting to flee the Allied advance.
Legacy and Commemoration
Violet's life has inspired numerous cultural works including songs, books, a play, a radio documentary, and the 2021 film Violet Gibson: the Irish woman who shot Mussolini.
In 2022, a plaque commemorating Violet was unveiled in Dublin.
Reflections from Philippa Gibson
Philippa expressed admiration for her great-aunt but did not condone political violence.
"I certainly wouldn't support any kind of political violence whatsoever, it's not the answer," she said.
"But I feel her deep-held beliefs are what led her to that. So, I admire her courage, her willingness to give herself for what she believed in, but I wouldn't endorse any kind of political assassination attempts."
