King stabbed by Izola Curry in Harlem

On a day marked by a public book signing event in Harlem, Martin Luther King Jr. was attacked by Izola Curry, a woman with a history of mental illness. Curry, who believed that King was part of a conspiracy against her involving communists, approached him while he was engaged with fans at Blumstein's department store. In a sudden act of violence, she stabbed King in the chest with a letter opener. The injury was severe, nearly affecting his aorta, which is a critical artery in the body. Immediate medical attention was provided by police officers present at the scene, who administered first aid before he was transported to a hospital for further treatment. King underwent surgery performed by a team of doctors, including Aubre de Lambert Maynard, Emil Naclerio, and John W. V. Cordice. The operation was critical, and King remained hospitalized for an extended period as he recovered from the life-threatening injury. The incident highlighted the risks faced by prominent civil rights leaders during a time of inten