An assassin is a person who is hired to kill someone, often for political, ideological, or financial reasons. They typically operate in secrecy and may use various methods to carry out their tasks, including firearms, poisons, or explosives. Assassins can be part of organized crime, government operations, or independent contractors. Throughout history, assassins have played significant roles in major events. Famous examples include John Wilkes Booth, who assassinated Abraham Lincoln, and Lee Harvey Oswald, who was accused of killing John F. Kennedy. The act of assassination can have profound effects on societies and political landscapes.