On June 5, 1968, one of the most tragic events in modern American history unfolded at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles, California. Shortly after celebrating his victory in the California Democratic presidential primary, Senator Robert F. Kennedy was shot by Palestinian immigrant Sirhan Bishara Sirhan. The attack shocked the nation and further deepened a sense of turmoil that had already defined the 1960s. Kennedy succumbed to his injuries the following day, June 6, at the age of 42.
Robert F. Kennedy, often known as RFK, was the younger brother of President John F. Kennedy, who had himself been assassinated less than five years earlier in 1963. Serving as Attorney General under his brother's administration and later as a U.S. Senator from New York, RFK became a prominent advocate for civil rights, social justice, and anti-poverty programs. By 1968, he had emerged as a leading candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination, offering a message of hope and national unity during a period marked by racial tensions, political unrest, and the ongoing Vietnam War.
On the night of June 5, Kennedy addressed supporters in the Embassy Ballroom of the Ambassador Hotel after winning the California primary. His victory strengthened his chances of securing the Democratic nomination. Following his speech, Kennedy left the ballroom through a kitchen pantry area, where Sirhan Sirhan was waiting. Armed with a .22-caliber revolver, Sirhan fired multiple shots into the crowd. Kennedy was struck several times, while five other individuals were wounded during the chaos.
The injured senator was rushed to Good Samaritan Hospital, where doctors worked tirelessly to save his life. Despite undergoing extensive surgery, Kennedy died approximately 26 hours later. News of his death sent shockwaves across the United States and around the world. Millions mourned the loss of a political leader who many believed represented the possibility of healing a divided nation.
Sirhan Sirhan was immediately apprehended at the scene. During his trial, prosecutors argued that he acted out of anger over Kennedy's support for Israel during the Six-Day War. Sirhan was convicted of first-degree murder in 1969 and sentenced to death. Following changes to California law, his sentence was later commuted to life imprisonment.
The assassination of Robert F. Kennedy marked another devastating chapter in a decade already scarred by violence. It came just two months after the assassination of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. and reinforced fears that political violence was becoming an increasingly common feature of American life. Kennedy's death altered the course of the 1968 presidential election and left many wondering how different American history might have been had he lived.
More than half a century later, Robert F. Kennedy remains a significant figure in American political history. His commitment to justice, equality, and public service continues to inspire generations. The events of June 5, 1968, serve as a reminder of both the fragility of democracy and the enduring impact of leaders who seek to unite rather than divide.
Use This Figure in the Classroom
Discussion Questions
- Why did the assassination of Robert F. Kennedy have such a profound impact on the United States in 1968?
- How might American history have changed if Kennedy had survived and won the presidency?
- What role does political violence play in shaping public trust in democratic institutions?
Classroom Activity: Reconstructing the Event
Divide students into small groups and provide them with a timeline of events leading up to June 5, 1968. Have each group create a visual timeline or news report covering the assassination, including key people, locations, and consequences. Students should present their findings and discuss how different sources portray the event.
Learning Objective: Understand historical causation and evaluate primary and secondary sources.
Debate Prompt
Resolved: The assassination of Robert F. Kennedy significantly altered the course of American political history.
Students should use evidence from the 1968 election, the Vietnam War era, civil rights movements, and Kennedy's campaign platform to support or oppose the statement.
Writing Assignment Idea
Historical Reflection Essay (500–750 words)
Imagine you are a journalist covering the events of June 5–6, 1968. Write a newspaper article or personal reflection describing the atmosphere in Los Angeles, the public reaction to the shooting, and what Kennedy's death might mean for the future of the United States.
Printable Quote
“Some men see things as they are and say, ‘Why?’ I dream things that never were and say, ‘Why not?’”
— Robert F. Kennedy
Classroom Prompt: What do you think Robert F. Kennedy meant by this statement? How does it reflect his vision for America?