Gerald Ford assassination attempt in Sacramento facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Gerald Ford assassination attempt in Sacramento |
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Ford being rushed by U.S. Secret Service from the site of the 1975 attempt on his life in Sacramento, California
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| Location | Capitol Park, south of 1121 L Street, Sacramento, California |
| Coordinates | 38°34′29″N 121°29′21″W / 38.574743°N 121.489252°W |
| Date | September 5, 1975 ~10:04 am (PST) |
| Target | Gerald Ford, 38th President of the United States |
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Attack type
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Attempted political assassination via shooting |
| Weapons | Colt M1911 .45 cal. semi-automatic pistol |
| Deaths | None |
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Non-fatal injuries
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None |
| Assailant | Lynette Fromme |
| Participant | One |
| Defender | Larry Buendorf, Secret Service agent |
| Motive | To set an example to those refusing to halt environmental pollution and its effects on Air, Trees, Water, and Animals (ATWA) |
On September 5, 1975, a woman named Lynette Fromme, who was part of a group led by Charles Manson, tried to harm U.S. President Gerald Ford. This happened in Sacramento, California.
Fromme wanted to make a strong point about people not stopping harm to the environment. Even though she stood very close to President Ford and pointed a gun at him, the gun did not fire. Luckily, no one was hurt during this event.
Contents
The Attempt on President Ford
Who Was Lynette Fromme?
Lynette "Squeaky" Fromme was a member of a group called the Manson Family. This group was led by Charles Manson. Fromme believed strongly in protecting nature. She felt that people were not doing enough to stop pollution. Her goal was to draw attention to these environmental issues. She hoped her actions would make people think about the air, trees, water, and animals.
What Happened That Day?
On a Friday morning, September 5, 1975, President Gerald Ford was visiting Sacramento. He was walking near the Capitol Park. Lynette Fromme approached him. She was very close, just about an arm's length away. Fromme then pointed a type of handgun, a M1911 pistol, at the President.
However, the gun did not work. It failed to fire, meaning no bullet came out. Because the gun did not go off, President Ford was completely safe. No one was injured during this scary moment. The Secret Service agents quickly moved to protect the President.
After the Event
After the attempt, President Ford calmly continued his schedule. He walked to the California state house. There, he met with Jerry Brown, who was the governor of California at the time. The event did not stop President Ford from carrying out his duties.
Lynette Fromme was held responsible for her actions. She was held for a long time. She was released on August 14, 2009. This was two years after President Ford passed away.
The Gun's Journey
The handgun used in the attempt was later given to the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum. This museum is located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The museum put the gun on display. It serves as a historical item from that day in 1975.
Images for kids
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Lynette "Squeaky" Fromme in 1965.
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Ford's presidential daily diary for September 5, 1975
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The East Entrance of the California State Capitol looking north with the Hotel Senator in the background.
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Ford at McClellan Air Force Base waiting to leave Sacramento for the White House (3:10 pm. PDT)
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Ford arrives at the White House on September 5, 1975, around 10:50 p.m. (around 7:50 pm. PDT)
