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Description
Arthur Simon Flegenheimer, better known as Dutch Schultz, was a notorious gangster in New York City during the 1920s and 1930s. Born on August 6, 1901, Schultz amassed wealth through various illicit activities, notably bootlegging and operating a numbers game. His criminal empire faced significant challenges due to two tax evasion trials spearheaded by prosecutor Thomas Dewey. Schultz’s operations were also under threat from rival gangster Lucky Luciano.
In a desperate move to escape conviction, Schultz sought approval from the Mafia’s governing body, the Commission, to eliminate Dewey. However, his request was denied. Defying the Commission’s decision, Schultz attempted to assassinate Dewey, which led to the Commission sanctioning his own assassination in 1935. Schultz was fatally shot in a Newark restaurant and succumbed to his injuries the following day.
On October 23, 1935, Dutch Schultz, born Arthur Simon Flegenheimer, was tragically shot at the Palace Chop House restaurant in Newark, New Jersey. Alongside him were his associates: accountant Otto Berman, new chief lieutenant Abraham “Abe” Landau, and bodyguard Bernard “Lulu” Rosenkrantz. The attack commenced when Schultz was in the men’s room. Murder, Inc. hitmen Charles “The Bug” Workman and Emanuel “Mendy” Weiss entered the restaurant, with Workman shooting Schultz in the restroom.
As Schultz lay wounded, the assailants proceeded to the dining area, where they opened fire on his gang members. Berman was immediately incapacitated. Landau suffered a severe neck injury, and Rosenkrantz was shot multiple times. Miraculously, Landau and Rosenkrantz managed to stand and retaliate, forcing the hitmen to flee. Weiss escaped by car, leaving Workman behind. Landau pursued Workman, firing at him without success, before collapsing near a trash can.
Schultz, injured but conscious, emerged from the restroom seeking help. Rosenkrantz, despite his injuries, asked the bartender for change to call an ambulance. The first ambulance prioritized Landau and Rosenkrantz due to the severity of their wounds, while Schultz and Berman waited for a second ambulance. Schultz, in a state of shock and pain, was given brandy for relief.
During the ambulance ride, Schultz, believing he was near death, handed $3,000 to an intern. When it seemed Schultz might survive, the intern, fearful of Schultz’s retribution, turned in the money. Landau and Rosenkrantz initially refused to speak to the police, waiting for Schultz’s permission, and even then disclosed little.
Berman succumbed first due to his age and condition, followed by Landau from blood loss. Rosenkrantz’s survival until surgery was a shock to the medical team, but he too eventually died from his extensive injuries, 29 hours after the shooting.