The 1933 Kansas City massacre proved a vital turning point in the FBI's RIse to power in the united States.
Before that bloody day in Kansas City History, the Federal Bureau of Investigation struggled to assert their authority. Without any laws regulating their jurisdiction or allowing them weapons, the FBI was merely a shadow of the police authority it is today.
The Great Depression made bank robbers into real life “Robin Hoods,” stealing from banks who were unpopular with the public. National opinion sided with the criminals who seemed to be robbing in the name of the common man. During the time leading up to the Massacre, J. Edgar Hoover was gaining power in the FBI. He lacked national support, making it nearly impossible to increase the FBI’s power.
After five deaths at Union Station, four of them police officers, the national attitude toward criminals began to change. Hoover used this public outrage to further his ambitions for the FBI. Following the Massacre, nine anti-crime laws were enacted. These laws granted new powers to the FBI, such as establishing their jurisdiction and allowing them to carry guns. Out of this tragedy, the modern FBI was born.
“J. Edgar Hoover transformed the FBI from a collection of hacks, misfits, and courthouse hangers-on into one of the world’s most effective and formidable law enforcement organizations." ~ Jack Anderson, friend of Hoover and columnist 1