The Assassination of Trotsky

Schedule

Thu, 06 Aug, 2026 at 06:30 pm

UTC-04:00
Location

700 L'Enfant Plaza, SW, Washington D.C., DC, United States, Washington, District of Columbia 20024 | Washington, DC

Advertisement
Join us in person or online for the official launch of a groundbreaking new book on the investigation into one of the twentieth century’s most infamous political murders, The Assassination of Leon Trotsky: Espionage, Scandal and the Crime of the Century by H. Keith Melton and Nigel West.
Drawing upon decades of research, rare archival discoveries, intelligence files, and newly uncovered evidence, H. Keith Melton will reveal the complete inside story of Stalin’s relentless secret war against his greatest enemy. Hear how Soviet intelligence planned and executed the operation that culminated in Trotsky’s murder in Mexico City in 1940 including the extraordinary espionage tradecraft behind the plot, the infiltration of Trotsky’s inner circle, and the remarkable story of how GPU operatives selected one of history’s most unusual murder weapons: an ice-climbing axe. (The axe is on view at the Spy Museum thanks to Melton!) Melton will also present startling new conclusions about why Trotsky should have survived, including critical failures in security, medicine, and decision-making during the final hours after the attack.
The Assassination of Trotsky will be available for sale and signing after the presentation. The first 250 sales will include a limited-edition full-color Moscow-produced bookplate.
The in-person event will have open seating available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Advertisement

Where is it happening?

700 L'Enfant Plaza, SW, Washington D.C., DC, United States, Washington, District of Columbia 20024

Event Location & Nearby Stays:

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.
International Spy Museum
Host or PublisherInternational Spy Museum

Ask AI if this event suits you