Private John J. Downey

John J. Downey

Private John Downey was shot and killed while attempting to disperse a crowd of over 2,000 coal miners who were protesting the pending execution of a convicted criminal the following day.

When the troopers used tear gas, someone in the crowed opened fire, fatally wounding Private Downey.

Private Downey was a U.S. Navy veteran of WWI and had served with the Pennsylvania State Police for three years. He was survived by his mother.