Robert Budd Dwyer (November 21, 1939 – January 22, 1987) was a notable figure in American politics, serving as a Republican in various capacities within Pennsylvania's government. His political career began in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, where he held office from 1965 to 1971. He subsequently represented the 50th district in the Pennsylvania State Senate from 1971 until 1981. Following his legislative roles, Dwyer was appointed the 30th State Treasurer of Pennsylvania, a position he held from January 20, 1981, until his tragic death in 1987.
Dwyer’s tenure as treasurer became controversial in the early 1980s when it was revealed that state employees had overpaid federal taxes due to past withholding errors. To rectify the situation, a multimillion-dollar contract was needed to ensure proper compensation for affected workers. In 1986, Dwyer was convicted on multiple charges, including conspiracy and mail fraud, for accepting a bribe from Computer Technology Associates, which sought the lucrative recovery contract. Facing sentencing set for January 23, 1987, Dwyer held a press conference on January 22, where he infamously took his own life with a .357 Magnum revolver in front of reporters, an event that shocked the state and was broadcast live.
Despite efforts by his legal team to overturn his convictions, all appeals were denied. Dwyer remains one of three former Pennsylvania State treasurers, alongside Barbara Hafer and Rob McCord, to have been convicted of corruption since the 1980s.
