Judge John H. Wood Jr., aged 63, was assassinated on May 29, 1979, in San Antonio, Texas. Known as Maximum John for his harsh sentencing of drug traffickers, he was shot by a high-powered rifle while standing at the door of his automobile; the bullet entered his lower back and lodged near his upper chest. His killing was the first assassination of a federal judge in the 20th century and prompted strong reactions at the highest levels of government.

Investigators determined that the hitman, Charles Harrelson, had been hired by Texas drug lord Jamiel Jimmy Chagra, who was awaiting trial before Judge Wood. Harrelson was later convicted of the murder and given two life sentences. The assassination led to increased security measures for federal judges and the federal building in San Antonio was later named for Judge Wood.