Why did some anarchists in the late 19th century assassinate political leaders?

In the late 19th century, some anarchists engaged in the assassination of political leaders as part of a doctrine known as "propaganda of the deed".12

This strategy was rooted in the belief that symbolic acts of violence were the most effective way to promote anarchist principles. By targeting ruling figures, these individuals aimed to achieve two primary goals:1
* Demonstrate vulnerability: They sought to expose the fragility of the state and its institutions.12
* Inspire rebellion: They hoped their acts of self-sacrifice would awaken the masses and incite widespread insurrection against existing power structures.12

While these acts were intended to serve as a catalyst for social change, they ultimately contributed to a lasting public perception of anarchists as "mindless destroyers". It is important to note that the use of violence against individuals is fundamentally incompatible with the ethical principle of respecting human life and dignity, regardless of the political motivations behind such actions.1