Kent State shootings: See how May 4, 1970, events played out with interactive story
By the Akron Beacon Journal
May 3, 2020
After a morning of confusing and contradictory meetings at Kent State, Ohio National Guard Gen. Robert Canterbury took matters into his own hands before noon on May 4, 1970.
He put out the word that the noon anti-war rally was illegal, but most students weren’t in a position to receive the news.
When the crowd size continued to grow, he called for a Guard jeep to be driven to the front of the rally and had it announced through a bullhorn.
Students answered the order to disperse with jeers and stones. Canterbury shared with his commanders his plans for breaking up the gathering. If at any time students charged them, he told troop leaders, they had permission to open fire.
Capt. J. Ronald Snyder, commander of Company C of the 145th Infantry, hoped it wouldn’t come to that. He walked down the line of his men, checking every gun to make sure the safeties were on. He didn’t want any accidents.
At 11:59 a.m., Gen. Canterbury gave the order: “Prepare to move out and disperse this mob.”
At his command, 116 men, armed with tear gas and loaded M-1 rifles affixed with bayonets, formed a skirmish line.
