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James Huberty

James Oliver Huberty (1942–1984) was an American mass murderer best known for the San Ysidro McDonald’s massacre in San Diego, California, on July 18, 1984.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

James Oliver Huberty (1942–1984) was an American mass murderer best known for the San Ysidro McDonald’s massacre in San Diego, California, on July 18, 1984. He killed 21 people and wounded 19 others before being shot and killed by a police sniper after a 77-minute attack. At the time, it was widely described as the deadliest mass shooting by a lone gunman in U.S. history.

Background

James Huberty was born in Canton, Ohio, in 1942 and later moved to the San Diego area. Reports describe him as socially isolated and employed intermittently in jobs including welding and security work.

San Ysidro McDonald’s massacre

On July 18, 1984, Huberty entered a McDonald’s restaurant in San Ysidro, California, and began shooting customers and employees. The attack lasted about 77 minutes and ended when a police sniper killed him.

Casualties and aftermath

The shooting killed 21 people and injured 19 others. It drew major attention as one of the most lethal mass shootings in U.S. history and influenced later discussions about police response to active shooters.

Legacy

The massacre remains one of the best-known mass shootings in U.S. history. It has been repeatedly referenced in reporting and later studies of mass violence and law-enforcement tactics.

Key facts

  • Carried out the San Ysidro McDonald's massacre on July 18, 1984.
  • The attack lasted about 77 minutes, killing 21 and injuring 19.
  • Huberty was killed by a police sniper during the incident.
  • At the time, it was the deadliest mass shooting by a lone gunman in U.S. history.
  • Huberty was born in Canton, Ohio, and worked as a welder and security guard.

Frequently asked questions

Who was James Huberty?
James Oliver Huberty was an American mass murderer who carried out the 1984 San Ysidro McDonald’s massacre in California.
What did James Huberty do?
He entered a McDonald’s restaurant in San Ysidro and opened fire, killing 21 people and injuring 19 others.
When did the shooting happen?
The attack took place on July 18, 1984.
How long did the attack last?
Sources describe the shooting as lasting about 77 minutes.
How did James Huberty die?
He was shot and killed by a police sniper during the attack.
Why is the case notable?
It was widely reported as the deadliest mass shooting by a lone gunman in U.S. history at the time.

References

  1. UPI — https://www.upi.com/Archives/1984/07/20/James-Huberty-the-loner-who-killed-21-people-at/6288459144000/
    Supports: Contemporaneous reporting on the shooting, victim count, and Huberty's notoriety.
  2. EBSCO Research Starters — https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/biography/james-oliver-huberty
    Supports: Biographical details, dates, occupation history, and summary of the massacre.
  3. Police1 — https://www.police1.com/mass-casualty/articles/slaughter-at-mcdonalds-in-84-changed-how-police-operate-TBiMHbYR1hTWkXEb/
    Supports: Attack timeline, weapon use, deaths, injuries, and police response context.
  4. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Ysidro_McDonald's_massacre
    Supports: Event date, location, and attack sequence details.