Lynette Fromme, a follower of the infamous Charles Manson, made headlines when she attempted to assassinate President Gerald Ford. The incident occurred in Sacramento, California, during Ford's visit to promote a public event at the California State Capitol. Dressed in a red dress and floral bonnet, Fromme approached Ford and pointed a .45 caliber pistol at him. However, as she attempted to pull the trigger, the gun jammed, preventing the shot from being fired. Secret Service agents immediately intervened, tackling Fromme to the ground and arresting her.

This assassination attempt came at a time when the United States was dealing with assassinations and attempted assassinations of public figures, a troubling trend that had been heightened in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Fromme expressed her motivations as a desperate plea for attention to environmental and social issues, showcasing the influence of radical movements on the youth of the time. Her actions, driven by an obsession with Manson's ideology, drew significant media coverage and raised questions about the security of leaders in public settings.

In the aftermath, Fromme was convicted of attempting to assassinate the president and was sentenced to life in prison. This event underscored the ongoing risks faced by politicians and brought forth discussions on the effectiveness of security measures in public venues, shaping the protocols for future presidential appearances. Fromme's case and the subsequent trial became emblematic within discussions about mental health and political extremism in America, reflecting the country's struggles with both social unrest and a longing for stability after years of turmoil.