“Sic Semper Tyrannis”: John Wilkes Booth’s Phrase in ‘Manhunt’ Explained

John Wilkes Booth yells “Sic Semper Tyrannis” after he assassinates President Lincoln in Apple TV+’s Manhunt, and we wonder why.

‘Manhunt’ is an apt retelling of Lincoln’s notorious murder, offering a unique perspective on Booth’s actions and whereabouts post-assassination. Additionally, Manhunt explores the investigative methods of the era’s detectives as they pursued Booth without the aid of contemporary forensic techniques. 

The series takes creative license, amplifying the roles of certain characters and altering a few aspects of Booth’s flight from Washington.

However, the assassination of Lincoln is shown true to life. After the unexpected murder, Booth jumps from the balcony, lands on the stage, and shouts, “Sic Semper Tyrannis..“

Thereafter, he escapes from the side door and climbs onto his horse. To understand the significance of this scene, it is crucial for us to evaluate the meaning of the phrase. 

“Sic Semper Tyrannis.” is a Latin phrase that translates to ‘Thus Always to Tyrants,’ which has been Virginia’s state motto since 1776.

Booth’s choice to use this phrase was quite telling because he was a dedicated Confederate supporter, and Richmond, Virginia, was its capital. Therefore, he was underlining his commitment to the Confederate cause and his belief in its ultimate success of the Confederacy.

However, there might be another possible reason for Booth’s use of this phrase.

Many believe that Brutus coined the phrase ‘Sic Semper Tyrannis.‘ when he killed Julius Caesar. Given that Booth was a Shakespearean actor, it is likely that he believed in the Brutus-Caesar connection of the phrase. 

By using it after killing Lincoln, he was perhaps trying to proclaim himself as the person who saved America as Brutus did to Rome. 

However, both reasons are just speculations, as Booth died shortly after the assassination and never confirmed his intentions. 

Finally, it is also reported that “Sic Semper Tyrannis” wasn’t the only phrase Booth used after the assassination. Some witnesses claim that he also shouted, ‘The South is Avenged.’

In ‘Manhunt,’ Booth uses both statements but shouts a different variation of the second phrase, i.e., ‘Freedom for the South.’ In this way, Manhunt represents both factions of witnesses to the infamous Abraham Lincoln assassination. 

About Manhunt

Manhunt is an American television miniseries created by showrunner Monica Beletsky, adapted from James L. Swanson’s book Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln’s Killer.

The series follows Edwin Stanton’s search for John Wilkes Booth in the aftermath of Abraham Lincoln’s assassination. Carl Franklin directed, and British actor Tobias Menzies played Stanton.

The series was produced for Apple TV+, and was released on March 15, 2024.