By: HISTORY.com Editors

1965

Antiwar protestor sets himself afire

HISTORY.com Editors

Published: November 16, 2009Last Updated: May 27, 2025

In the second such antiwar incident within a week, Roger Allen LaPorte, a 22-year-old member of the Catholic Worker movement, immolates himself in front of the United Nations headquarters in New York. Before dying the next day, LaPorte declared, “I’m against wars, all wars. I did this as a religious act.” LaPorte’s act of protest followed that of Norman Morrison, a 32-year-old Quaker from Baltimore, who immolated himself in front of the Pentagon on November 2.

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Citation Information

Article Title: Antiwar protestor sets himself afire
Author: HISTORY.com Editors
Website Name: History
URL: https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/november-9/antiwar-protestor-sets-himself-afire

Date Accessed: April 16, 2026
Publisher: A&E Television Networks
Last Updated: May 27, 2025
Original Published Date: November 16, 2009