The first assassination attempt is made against Umberto I of Italy by anarchist Giovanni Passannante, armed with a dagger

Excerpt from the St. Louis Globe-Democrat, November 18, 1878

The news comes from Italy that another would-be murderer has sought to kill King Umberto. The King was entering Naples, accompanied by the Premier, Signor Cairolli, when he was assailed by a man armed with a poniard. The Minister tried to seize him, but was himself wounded in the thigh, and Umberto was compelled to draw his sword and strike the assassin In self-defense. The wretch was then at last secured.