What is clear is that he viewed himself as a martyr to the anarchist cause, with no illusions about escaping his fate; thus he was, perhaps, the perfect assassin. His plan was as bold as it was simple. Considering the security measures employed during the president’s visit to Buffalo, Czolgosz should never have been able to get within arm’s length of William McKinley with gun in hand. But he did, primarily because he was so quiet, so secretive, so youthful and innocent in appearance, and, apparently, because he acted alone (whether he was in league with co-conspirators has been a matter of intense debate during the last century). What may be most intriguing about Czolgosz, and what contributed to his success, is that he did not seem to fit notions of a “ruthless killer.” During his incarceration the authorities were baffled by his mild nature and poise. He was bright and respectful (usually), and he exhibited little concern for his own well-being, despite the fact that he was beaten while in jail.
