How Fidel Castro Was Nearly Assassinated by a 19-year--old Girl

In 1959, as Fidel Castro ascended to power in Cuba, he faced a perilous brush with death. A 19-year-old student named MarĂ­a Esther Bueno, who posed as a supporter, gained access to a rally where Castro was speaking and concealed a small gun in her purse. As Castro delivered his address, Bueno approached him and drew her weapon, but her nervousness led her to drop the gun before she could fire. Castro quickly reacted and had Bueno arrested. The incident highlighted the constant threat that Castro faced from opponents seeking to eliminate him.