Who was the first woman to be shot by the FBI?

When it comes to the history of women and the FBI, there is one name that stands out - Ma Barker. Ma Barker was not only the first woman to be shot by the FBI, but she was also known as the "mother" of the Barker-Karpis gang, one of the most notorious criminal organizations of the 1930s.

Ma Barker, whose real name was Arizona Donnie Barker, was born in 1873 in Ash Grove, Missouri. She married George Barker and together they had four sons - Herman, Lloyd, Fred, and Arthur. The Barker family's criminal activities began in the early 1920s, with Ma Barker acting as the matriarch and mastermind behind their illegal operations.

In 1935, the FBI launched an intensive manhunt to capture the Barker-Karpis gang, which was responsible for a series of bank robberies, kidnappings, and murders. The gang was known for their violent and ruthless nature, and their activities had caught the attention of the FBI.

On January 16, 1935, the FBI closed in on the Barker-Karpis gang's hideout in Lake Weir, Florida. A fierce shootout ensued, resulting in the deaths of Ma Barker and her son, Fred Barker. Ma Barker was shot multiple times, making her the first woman to be shot by the FBI.

The shooting of Ma Barker marked a turning point in the FBI's fight against organized crime. It demonstrated the Bureau's determination to bring down even the most notorious criminals, regardless of gender.

However, the legend of Ma Barker has been the subject of much debate and controversy. Some argue that she was an innocent victim, while others believe she played an active role in her sons' criminal activities. Regardless of where the truth lies, Ma Barker's name remains synonymous with female criminals of the 1930s.

In conclusion, Ma Barker was the first woman to be shot by the FBI. Her involvement in the Barker-Karpis gang's criminal activities made her a target for the Bureau, resulting in her death during a shootout in 1935. Although her legacy is mired in controversy, Ma Barker's story continues to captivate and intrigue to this day.

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