The attack on the United States embassy in Addis Ababa was an assault against the chancery of the embassy of the United States to the Ethiopian Empire by shiftas. It occurred in early May following the collapse of the Ethiopian government and the departure of Emperor Haile Selassie from the city prior to the Italian conquest of Addis Ababa. The attack forced the temporary abandonment of the compound and the evacuation of its personnel by the British Army. American diplomatic and consular staff, supported by Italian troops, returned to reoccupy the chancery several days following their evacuation.
In the United States, American minister Cornelius Van Hemert Engert was recognized for his actions leading the defense of the chancery, though the administration of Franklin Roosevelt would come under public criticism for not better providing for its protection. Engert , the United States minister to Ethiopia, had taken up his post in February but, as of April, had yet been formally accredited by the Ethiopian government.
Prior to departing Addis Ababa, Haile Selassie had ordered government armories opened with the apparent intent that civilians would seize the weapons and spontaneously resist the Italian entrance into the city. Spencer for safekeeping, along with a personal cache of "food and guns" which he donated to the embassy. On Monday, May 3, the chancery was attacked by an organized band of shiftas , the attack repelled by embassy staff and local contract guards.
At a. Navy radio operators, six diplomats, several Ethiopian domestic staff, and one Ethiopian police officer who had sought refuge at the facility. Later that evening, 25, Italian troops entered Addis Ababa.
Engert was given a one rank promotion in the U. Foreign Service in recognition of his efforts during the attack. Some newspapers in the United States commented on the fact it was necessary for the United States embassy to appeal for aid to the United Kingdom and condemned the Roosevelt administration for not providing for a better defense of the American legation.
