Budd Dwyer - suicide video:
http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=860c9b9f3b
http://encyclopediadramatica.com/Budd_Dwyer
On January 22, 1987, the day before his sentencing, Dwyer called a press conference to "provide an update on the situation." At the conference, an agitated and nervous Dwyer once again professed his innocence, and declared that he would not resign as state treasurer. Those attending heard his final words:[9]
"I thank the good Lord for giving me 47 years of invigorating challenges, stimulating experiences, many happy occasions, and, most of all, the finest wife and children a man could ever desire. Now my life has changed, for no apparent reason. People who call and write are exasperated and feel helpless. They know I'm innocent and want to help. But in this nation, the world's greatest democracy, there is nothing they can do to prevent me from being punished for a crime they know I did not commit. Some who have called have said that I am a modern day Job. Judge Muir is also noted for his medieval sentences. I face a maximum sentence of 55 years in prison and a $300,000 fine for being innocent. Judge Demiria has already told the press that he, quote, "felt invigorated" when we were found guilty, and that he plans to imprison me as a deterrent to other public officials. But it wouldn't be a deterrent because every public official who knows me knows that I am innocent; it wouldn't be a legitimate punishment because I've done nothing wrong. Since I'm a victim of political persecution, my prison would simply be an American gulag. I ask those that believe in me to continue to extend friendship and prayer to my family, to work untiringly for the creation of a true justice system here in the United States, and to press on with the efforts to vindicate me, so that my family and their future families are not tainted by this injustice that has been perpetrated on me. " "We were confident that right and truth would prevail, and I would be acquitted and we would devote the rest of our lives working to create a justice system here in the United States. The guilty verdict has strengthened that resolve. But as we discuss our plans to exposes the warps of our legal system, people have said, "Why bother, no one cares." "You look foolish." "60 Minutes, 20/20, the ACLU, Jack Anders and other have been publicizing cases like yours for years and it doesn't bother anyone."
At this point, Dwyer stopped with his prepared text. The ending, which he did not read, read:
"I've repeatedly said that I'm not going to resign as State Treasurer. After many hours of thought and meditation I've made a decision that should not be an example to anyone because it is unique to my situation. Last May I told you that after the trial, I would give you the story of the decade. To those of you who are shallow, the events of this morning will be that story. But to those of you with depth and concern the real story will be what I hope and pray results from this morning--in the coming months and years, the development of a true Justice System here in the United States. I am going to die in office in an effort to "...see if the shame[-ful] facts, spread out in all their shame, will not burn through our civic shamelessness and set fire to American pride." Please tell my story on every radio and television station and in every newspaper and magazine in the U.S.. Please leave immediately if you have a weak stomach or mind since I don't want to cause physical or mental distress. Joanne, Rob, DeeDee - I love you! Thank you for making my life so happy. Good bye to you all on the count of 3. Please make sure that the sacrifice of my life is not in vain."
Having stopped reading, he called to three of his staffers, giving each an envelope. One of the envelopes contained a suicide note to his wife. The second contained an organ donor card and other related materials. The third contained a letter to Pennsylvania Governor Robert P. Casey, who had taken office only two days before.
Dwyer then withdrew a .357 Magnum revolver from a manila envelope, advising those in the crowd, "Please leave the room if this will offend you." Those in attendance cried out to Dwyer, pleading with him to put the gun down. Upon seeing the gun some ran out of the room to get help while others tried to approach him.[10] "Don't, don't, don't, this will hurt someone," he warned.[11] Dwyer then put the gun barrel into his mouth and shot himself.[12] He collapsed against a wall in a sitting position, blood pouring from his nose and from an exit wound at the top of his head, witnesses were screaming and using profanity in shock, all in front of five news cameras broadcasting live. Dwyer was pronounced dead at the scene at 11:31 a.m. EST.[11] Dwyer was buried in Blooming Valley Cemetery in Blooming Valley, Pennsylvania.[13]