Mark Essex was born in Emporia, Kansas, on August 12, 1949. Raised in a religious and close-knit family, he was known as a well-behaved and friendly individual. After high school, he briefly attended Emporia State University before enlisting in the U.S. Navy in 1969. Initially performing well, Essex's experiences in the Navy took a dark turn due to systemic racism and harassment from white officers and peers. These experiences deeply affected him, leading to his desertion and eventual general discharge for unsuitability in 1971.

Following his discharge, Essex became increasingly radicalized. He immersed himself in Black nationalist ideologies, studied revolutionary literature, and adopted the alias "Mata." In 1972, he moved to New Orleans, where he witnessed further racial injustices, including the killing of two Black students during a protest at Southern University. These events intensified his hatred towards white individuals and law enforcement, culminating in his decision to take violent action.

On New Year's Eve, Essex launched his first attack by ambushing police officers outside the New Orleans Police Department headquarters. Armed with a Ruger .44 Magnum carbine and a .38-caliber revolver, he fatally shot Cadet Alfred Harrell and Officer Edwin Hosli Sr., and wounded Lieutenant Horace Pérez. Essex managed to escape the scene, initiating a massive manhunt.

A week later, Essex resurfaced, targeting the Downtown Howard Johnson's Hotel in New Orleans. After shooting and wounding a grocery store owner, he carjacked a vehicle and drove to the hotel. There, he killed several individuals, including hotel employees and guests, and set multiple fires to create chaos. Essex then ascended to the rooftop, where he engaged in a prolonged standoff with law enforcement.

The confrontation escalated as Essex fired upon police officers and first responders, killing Deputy Superintendent Louis Sirgo, Officer Phillip Coleman, and Officer Paul Persigo. A U.S. Marine Corps helicopter, piloted by Lt. Colonel Charles Pitman, was brought in to assist. Essex was eventually killed after being shot over 200 times during the final assault.

The attacks carried out by Mark Essex shocked the nation and highlighted deep-seated racial tensions. Investigations into his background revealed a trajectory of radicalization fueled by personal experiences of racism and exposure to extremist ideologies. The incident prompted changes in law enforcement tactics and raised awareness about the potential for racially motivated violence.