Attempted Assassination of President Gerald Ford by Lynette ‘Squeaky’ Fromme

On September 5, 1975, Lynette “Squeaky” Fromme, a devoted follower of the infamous cult leader Charles Manson, attempted to assassinate U.S. President Gerald Ford in Sacramento, California. This event marked a significant moment in U.S. history, highlighting the volatile political climate of the 1970s and the enduring influence of the Manson Family.

Background

Lynette Fromme was born on October 22, 1948, in Santa Monica, California. She became associated with Charles Manson and his followers, known as the Manson Family, in the late 1960s. The group gained notoriety for the brutal murders of actress Sharon Tate and others in 1969. Although Fromme was not directly involved in these murders, she remained a loyal supporter of Manson throughout his trial and imprisonment.

The Assassination Attempt

On the morning of September 5, 1975, President Gerald Ford was in Sacramento to meet with state officials and deliver a speech. As he walked through Capitol Park, Lynette Fromme, dressed in a red robe, approached him with a Colt .45-caliber semi-automatic pistol. She pointed the gun at Ford from a distance of about two feet.

Fromme’s weapon was loaded with four cartridges, but there was no bullet in the firing chamber. As she pulled the trigger, Secret Service agent Larry Buendorf quickly intervened, grabbing the gun and subduing Fromme before she could chamber a round and fire.

Aftermath

Lynette Fromme was immediately arrested and charged with the attempted assassination of the President. During her trial, she claimed she had intended to make a statement about environmental issues and the plight of California’s redwood trees, rather than actually harm Ford. Nonetheless, she was convicted on November 26, 1975, and sentenced to life in prison.

Fromme served 34 years in prison before being released on parole on August 14, 2009. Her attempt on President Ford’s life was one of two assassination attempts he faced during his presidency, the other occurring just 17 days later in San Francisco by Sara Jane Moore.

Historical Significance

The attempted assassination of President Ford by Lynette Fromme underscored the persistent threat of political violence in the United States during the 1970s. It also highlighted the lingering influence of the Manson Family, even after Charles Manson’s incarceration. The incident led to increased security measures for U.S. presidents and raised public awareness about the potential dangers posed by extremist groups and individuals.

Overall, this event remains a notable example of the challenges faced by public figures and the importance of vigilant security protocols.