Summary
In September 1975, President Gerald Ford survived two assassination attempts within a span of just 17 days, making him the only U.S. president to face such threats in such quick succession. The attacks were carried out by two women: Lynette “Squeaky” Fromme, a follower of Charles Manson, and Sara Jane Moore, both of whom were motivated by their individual grievances against the government.
The first attempt occurred on September 5, 1975, in Sacramento, California, when Fromme approached Ford with a .45 caliber pistol. Secret Service agents intervened before she could fire, and she was subsequently arrested and sentenced to life in prison, serving 34 years before her release in 2009. Just 17 days later, on September 22, Moore fired a shot at Ford in San Francisco after a speaking engagement, but her shot missed, thanks to bystander Oliver Sipple, who grabbed her arm. Moore was also apprehended and later sentenced to life, serving 32 years before her release in 2007. Both incidents shocked the nation and highlighted the vulnerabilities in presidential security during that era.
Background of the Assassination Attempts
Lynette Fromme’s Attempt Fromme, motivated by environmental concerns, believed that Ford’s policies threatened the California redwoods. As she approached Ford, she initially intended to speak with him but resorted to drawing her weapon. The gun was not loaded, and the Secret Service quickly subdued her, preventing any harm to the president.
Sara Jane Moore’s Attempt Moore’s motivations were rooted in a desire to incite a political revolution. Her attempt came after she had been flagged by law enforcement as a potential threat, having been arrested just days prior with another firearm. After missing Ford, a bystander was injured, further complicating the aftermath of her actions.
Aftermath and Historical Context
Following these attempts, Ford adopted increased security measures, including wearing a bulletproof trench coat. He remained undeterred in his public engagements, famously stating that he would not allow a few individuals to intimidate him. The attempts on Ford’s life were not only significant events in his presidency but also reflective of the turbulent political climate of the 1970s, which was marked by societal upheaval and distrust in government. Ford’s handling of the situation contrasts with more recent political responses to threats, illustrating a different era of presidential resilience and security challenges.
From Lincoln to Kennedy: A history of US presidential assassinations
Oct. 14 / Metro / Provides a comprehensive overview of U.S. presidential assassination attempts, linking historical events to current threats against Trump. The narrative is engaging, though it may lack depth on Ford's specific experiences. “ Police say a third attempt on Donald Trump ’s life may have been thwarted after a man was arrested with loaded guns at the Republican nominee’s rally in...
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Oct. 1 / The Week / Examines Ford's presidency and the assassination attempts in a historical context. It emphasizes Ford's resilience, though it could benefit from a deeper exploration of the societal implications of the events. “ President Gerald Ford remains unique in American history. He is the only president who was never elected president or vice president by the American people,...
Gerald Ford, the only president to survive two assassination attempts
Oct. 1 / The Week / Reiterates the uniqueness of Ford's experience with two assassination attempts, providing a thorough recounting of events. However, it lacks fresh insights, making it feel somewhat redundant compared to similar pieces. “ President Gerald Ford remains unique in American history. He is the only president who was never elected president or vice president by the American people,...
Gerald Ford, the only president to survive two assassination attempts
Oct. 1 / The Week / Delves into the motivations behind the attempts on Ford's life, offering psychological and sociopolitical insights. The writing is clear and engaging, but it may be overly detailed for readers seeking a quick summary. “ President Gerald Ford remains unique in American history. He is the only president who was never elected president or vice president by the American people,...
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Sep. 29 / The Week / Draws comparisons between heated political rhetoric and real-world violence, using Ford's experiences as a backdrop. While insightful, it risks diluting the focus on Ford by intertwining multiple narratives. “ "The classic example of chutzpah," said Jamelle Bouie in The New York Times , "is that of the child who murders his parents and then pleads for mercy as an...
This U.S. president survived two assassination attempts in 17 days
Sep. 16 / Staten Island Ny Local News / Highlights the unique aspect of Ford surviving two attempts in quick succession, detailing the motivations of both assassins. The article is concise yet informative, making it a solid choice for readers seeking a focused account. “ Former President Donald Trump has been the target of assassins twice in a little over two months. But in 1975, an American president was targeted by would-be...
Before Trump, Ford survived 2 assassination attempts in 3 weeks: California's month of terror
Sep. 16 / L.a. Times / Explores the parallels between Ford's assassination attempts and recent threats against Trump, offering historical context. It effectively captures the societal upheaval of the 1970s, enriching the narrative with personal testimonies. “ Nine weeks after a gunman tried to kill Donald Trump in Pennsylvania, the FBI said the former president appeared to be the target of another assassination...