Assassination of Robert F. Kennedy
Robert F. Kennedy was assassinated by Sirhan Sirhan at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles shortly after delivering a victory speech upon winning the California primary. Sirhan was a 24-year-old Palestinian, who claimed to have acted out of anger towards Kennedy's pro-Israel stance. The shooting took place around midnight, with Kennedy succumbing to his injuries the following day.
Kennedy was shot just after midnight.
Sirhan Sirhan was apprehended at the scene.
Robert F. Kennedy died from his injuries the next day.
The event symbolized the tumult of the 1960s.
What Happened?
Robert F. Kennedy was a prominent Democratic presidential candidate in 1968, having emerged as a leading figure in American politics following his brother John F. Kennedy's assassination in 1963. This era was marked by significant social upheaval, including civil rights movements and opposition to the Vietnam War. On June 5, 1968, following a triumphant speech at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles after winning the California primary, Kennedy was shot multiple times by Sirhan Sirhan, a 24-year-old man who was reportedly angered by Kennedy's stance on Israel and Palestine. Kennedy was rushed to the hospital but ultimately died from his injuries on June 6, leading to national mourning and a profound impact on American politics. Sirhan was apprehended at the scene, and investigators later discovered that he had acted alone, motivated by political beliefs and personal grievances. This act of violence shocked the nation and highlighted the growing political tensions of the time.
Why Does it Matter?
The assassination of Robert F. Kennedy had profound implications for American politics and society. It marked a turning point in the tumultuous 1960s, a decade already marked by violence and unrest, including the assassinations of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. and his brother John F. Kennedy. The event further destabilized the political landscape and led to increased security measures for political figures. Kennedy's death is often seen as symbolizing the end of the hopes associated with a younger generation of leadership in America.