Today in History

July 2, 1881

The Assassination of President James Garfield

Charles J. Guiteau was an unhappy man. Disgruntled by his failure to obtain a government position, he stalked James Abram Garfield, the 20th President of the United States. Guteau approached Garfield and his entourage and pulled his pistol, firing twice. One of the bullets lodged in Garfield's torso. Ironically, Garfield's Secretary of War, Robert Todd Lincoln, the son of the first assassinated President, was with him.

Garfield lingered for two months under medical care, but died of his wounds on September 19, 1881. His 6 month administration was the second shortest in US history. He was the second US president to be assassinated in office.

Guiteau pleaded insanity but was convicted and executed by hanging on June 30, 1882.

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