Francis E. Riggs served in the U.S. Army.
Chief of Police Francis Riggs was shot and killed in an ambush by two Puerto Rican nationalists while returning from mass at the San Juan Cathedral. The men opened fire on his car, fatally wounding him. Despite being wounded, the policeman who was chauffering him pursued the suspects and both were apprehended. They were taken to police headquarters where they admitted to assassinating Chief Riggs in retaliation for an incident in November 1935 in which four people were killed by police near the University of Puerto Rico. Both suspects were shot and killed when they reached for guns in an attempt to escape from police headquarters. Chief Riggs was a U.S. Army veteran who had been appointed to serve as the police chief of the Puerto Rico Police Department in 1933.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Francis. Claim this record.
In tribute
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Chief of Police Riggs gave the Puerto Rico Police Department 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the San Juan community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Add your own tribute to Francis.
Leave a Tribute