René Schneider

Chile state institutions 1913.12.31.–1970.10.25. ✕ Shot in a kidnapping attempt

Army commander who upheld military non-intervention and was killed in a kidnapping meant to stop Allende's inauguration

Ambushed at a Santiago intersection on 22 October 1970, he drew a gun to defend himself and was shot point-blank several times.

Born in Concepción to a German father and a French mother, Schneider entered the Military School in 1930. He became Army commander-in-chief after the 1969 Tacnazo unrest and publicly stated the principle, later called the Schneider Doctrine, that the army must abide by the constitutional outcome and stay out of politics. After the 1970 election the plotters who wanted to stop Congress confirming Allende made his kidnapping the first step. On 22 October retired General Roberto Viaux's group ambushed his car and shot him; he died on the 25th. The CIA had been in contact with Viaux's group but dropped it four days before the attack, while giving submachine guns and tear gas to another group of plotters. His death wrecked the coup plans, and Congress confirmed Allende on 24 October.

Also known as: René Schneider Chereau