The critical event known as "Bloody Sunday" during the civil rights movement in the United States occurred on March 7, 1965. Civil rights activists, led by figures such as John Lewis, attempted to march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, advocating for voting rights. They were met with violent resistance from local law enforcement at the Edmund Pettus Bridge. The brutal crackdown was televised and garnered national attention, leading to widespread outrage and support for the civil rights movement. This event ultimately played a crucial role in the passage of the Voting Rights Act later that year.