Dutch leader Johan de Witt killed by mob
The Grand Pensionary of Holland, Johan de Witt and his brother Cornelis de Witt were lynched on August 20, 1672, after an angry mob took the two from a prison, where Cornelis was being held on charges of treason, and killed them both. William of Orange (later William III of England & Scotland) became Stadtholder of Holland a month before the killings and remained in the position until his death in 1702. Learn more about Johan de Witt from the Rijksmuseum.