Dutch Schultz
New York mobster whose death was ordered by the Mafia Commission.
He made his fortune in organized crime-related activities, including bootlegging and the numbers racket. Schultz discussed with other mobsters the idea of killing Dewey to avert his conviction, but the Mafia Commission refused to sanction any such hit. Schultz was shot at a restaurant in Newark, New Jersey, and died the next day.
- field
- Organized crime
- nationality
- American
- known_for
- Bootlegging, numbers racket, conflict with Thomas Dewey and the Mafia Commission
Lore & Background
His father apparently abandoned the family, a trauma Flegenheimer denied for the rest of his life. He dropped out of school in the eighth grade and worked various jobs before turning to burglary. Schultz also faced internal rebellion from enforcer Vincent Coll, who formed his own crew and was later killed.
Reader's Guide
Dutch Schultz's significance lies in his rise as a major bootlegger and racketeer during Prohibition, and his fatal confrontation with both legal authorities and the Mafia's governing body, the Commission. His attempt to assassinate U.S. This event illustrates the limits of mobster autonomy within organized crime's hierarchy and the power of federal prosecution. Schultz's death marked the end of an era for Jewish gangsters in New York, as Italian syndicates consolidated control. His life and violent end remain a notable example of the consequences of defying both the law and the Mafia's internal rules.
Did You Know?
- He dropped out of school in the eighth grade and turned to burglary before entering bootlegging.
- Schultz's rackets were weakened by two tax evasion trials led by United States Attorney Thomas Dewey.
- The Mafia Commission refused to sanction Schultz's idea of killing Dewey, and ordered his murder when he indicated he would proceed anyway.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Dutch Schultz?
Dutch Schultz was the nickname of Arthur Simon Flegenheimer, a New York City gangster who operated during the Prohibition era and the 1930s. He became one of the most feared figures in Manhattan's criminal underworld before his violent death in 1935.
What was Dutch Schultz known for?
Schultz built his criminal empire primarily through bootlegging illegal alcohol and running the numbers racket in New York. He was also notorious for his confrontational style and direct clashes with law enforcement and rival mob figures.
How did Dutch Schultz die?
Schultz was shot and killed on October 24, 1935, while sitting in his car at a parking lot in Newark, New Jersey. The hit was carried out on orders from the Mafia Commission after he refused to back down from his plan to assassinate U.S. Attorney Thomas Dewey.
Why did the Mafia Commission order Dutch Schultz's death?
Schultz had openly discussed killing Thomas Dewey, the prosecutor pressing tax evasion charges against him, but the Commission refused to approve the hit. When Schultz signaled he would go through with the assassination regardless, the Commission decided to eliminate him to protect the organization.
What was Dutch Schultz's real name?
His birth name was Arthur Simon Flegenheimer, and he was born in the Bronx on August 6, 1901. The "Dutch" nickname stuck throughout his criminal career and is how he is remembered in popular history.
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