The blow to Trotsky's head was bungled and failed to kill him instantly. Witnesses stated that Trotsky spat on Mercader and began struggling fiercely with him. Hearing the commotion Trotsky's bodyguards burst into the room and nearly killed Mercader but Trotsky stopped them, laboriously stating that the assassin should be made to answer questions. Trotsky was taken to a hospital, operated on and survived for more than a day, dying as a result of loss of blood and shock. (21 August 1940)
There are 3381 births, 3949 deaths, 1122 murders, 498 disasters and 2084 other events about 5737 people in 6449 places until today.
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