Jim Jones and hundreds of his Peoples Temple followers commit mass suicide in Guyana. In 1977, Jones, an American pastor, had led his followers to South America, where he established a farming commune called Jonestown in the remote northwestern part of Guyana. On November 14, 1978, U.S. Congressman Leo Ryan traveled to Jonestown with a group of journalists to investigate the commune. Four days later, Jones—whom some cult members believed to be the personification of God—ordered an ambush on the runway as the delegation was attempting to depart. The congressman and four others were killed. That same evening, Jones and his followers orchestrated a mass suicide. In a clearing in Jonestown, hundreds drank a fruit-flavored mixture of cyanide and sedatives. Those who attempted to escape were pursued and killed by Jones’ lieutenants. The final death toll was 913, including 276 children. Jones died from a gunshot wound to the head, probably fired by himself.
