Kid Tannen fires a Thompson submachine gun in 1931.
The Thompson submachine gun, commonly known as the tommy gun, was invented in 1918, and became infamous due to its use by gangsters during the Prohibition era.
In 1927, a gunsel and a gangster from a rival gang fired tommy guns at Arnie "Eggs" Benedict and other members of his gang.
On August 25, 1931, Kid Tannen fired a tommy gun at Marty McFly and Officer Danny Parker after Marty convinced Trixie Trotter to release evidence that would allow Danny to arrest Tannen and his gang.
