Assassination of Robert F. Kennedy: Difference between revisions

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			he farted when he was 16 years old
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	The '''assassination of Robert F. Kennedy''', a ] and brother of assassinated ] ], took place shortly after midnight on ] ]. He was killed following celebrations of his successful campaign in the Californian ]s while seeking the ] nomination for President of the United States. The perpetrator was a twenty-four year old ] ] named ], who remains incarcerated for this crime as of 2008. Because of the number of reporters at the scene, the shooting was recorded on audio, while the aftermath was captured on film.

	Kennedy's body lay in repose at ] in New York for two days before a funeral mass was held on ]. His body was interred near his brother John at ]. His death prompted the protection of presidential candidates by the ]. ] went on to win the Democratic nomination for the presidency, but ultimately lost the election to ].

	As with his brother's death, Robert Kennedy's assassination and the circumstances surrounding it have spawned a variety of ], particularly in relation to the existence of a supposed second gunman.

	== Background ==
	] had been appointed United States ] in January 1961, and remained in this post until he resigned on ], ], to run for election as a United States senator.<ref name=congressbio>{{cite web\| url=http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=k000114 \|title= Kennedy, Robert Francis - Biographical information\|work=Biographical Directory of the United States Congress\|accessdate=2008-07-26}}</ref> He took office as Senator on ], ].<ref name=congressbio />

	The approach of the ] saw the incumbent president, ], presiding over social unrest. There were riots in the major cities despite Johnson's attempts to introduce anti-poverty and anti-discrimination legislation, and there was significant opposition to the ongoing military action in ].<ref name=BBCJohnson>{{cite news\| title = 1964: Election triumph for Lyndon B Johnson\| work = On this Day\| publisher = ]\|date= 2005 \| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/november/3/newsid_3641000/3641464.stm \| accessdate = 2008-04-24 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web \|url= http://www.whitehouse.gov/history/presidents/lj36.html \|title= Biography of Lyndon B. Johnson \|publisher = White House \|accessdate=2008-04-24}}</ref> The ] in April 1968 led to further riots in 100 cities.<ref name=BBC>{{cite news \| title = 1968: Martin Luther King shot dead\| work = On this Day\| publisher = ] \|date= 2006\| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/april/4/newsid_2453000/2453987.stm \| accessdate = 2006-09-17 }}</ref>
	Kennedy entered the race for the Democratic Party's nomination for President on March 16, 1968 – four days after Senator ] received a large percentage of the vote in the ] primary against the incumbent President (42% to Johnson's 49%).<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2005/06/15_newsroom_mccarthytimeline/\|title=A timeline of Sen. Eugene McCarthy's life and political career\|publisher=Minnesota Public Radio\|date=2005-12-10\|accessdate=2008-07-25}}</ref> Two weeks later, a demoralized Johnson announced he was no longer seeking re-election. One month later, Vice President ] announced he would seek the presidency. Humphrey did not participate in any primaries but he did obtain the support of many Democratic Party ]. Following the California primary, Kennedy was in second place with 393 delegates compared to Humphrey's 561.<ref>Moldea 1995, p. 26n.</ref>

	==Assassination==
	]
	Four hours after the polls closed in California, Kennedy claimed victory in the state's Democratic presidential primary. At approximately 12:15 a.m. ], he addressed his campaign supporters in the ]'s Embassy Room ballroom, in the ] district of ].<ref name=LAFiles>{{cite web\|url=http://www.maryferrell.org/mffweb/archive/viewer/showDoc.do?absPageId=1109722\|title=RFK LAPD Microfilm, Volume 75 (SUS Final Report)\|publisher=Mary Ferrell Foundation\|accessdate=2008-07-25}}</ref> At the time, the government provided ] protection for incumbent presidents but not for presidential candidates. Kennedy's only security was provided by former ] agent William Barry and two unofficial bodyguards, former professional athletes.<ref>Moldea 1995, pp. 24-25.</ref> During the campaign, Kennedy had welcomed contact with the public, and people had often tried to touch him in their excitement.<ref>Witcover 1969, pp. 113-14.</ref>

	Kennedy had planned to walk through the ballroom when he had finished speaking, on his way to another gathering of supporters elsewhere in the hotel.<ref>Witcover 1969, p. 264.</ref> However, with deadlines fast approaching, reporters wanted a ]. Campaign aide ] decided that Kennedy would forgo the second gathering and instead go through the kitchen and pantry area behind the ballroom to the press area. Kennedy finished speaking and started to exit when William Barry stopped him and said, "No, it's been changed. We're going this way."<ref>Witcover 1969, pp. 264-65.</ref> Barry and Dutton began clearing a way for Kennedy to go left through swinging doors to the kitchen corridor, but Kennedy, hemmed in by the crowd, followed hotel maitre d' Karl Uecker through a back exit.<ref>Witcover 1969, pp. 264-65.</ref>

	Uecker led Kennedy through the kitchen area, holding Kennedy's right hand but frequently releasing it as Kennedy shook hands with those he encountered.<ref name=moldeaexcerpt>Moldea, 1995, Chapter 1</ref> Uecker and Kennedy started down a passage way narrowed by an ice machine against the right wall and a steam table to the left.<ref name=moldeaexcerpt /> Kennedy turned to his left and shook hands with ] Juan Romero as ] stepped down from a low tray-stacker beside the ice machine, rushed past Uecker, and repeatedly fired what was later identified as a ] ] revolver.<ref>Witcover 1969, p. 266</ref>

	After Kennedy had fallen to the floor, security man Bill Barry hit Sirhan twice in the face while others, including ]s Uecker and Edward Minasian, writer ], ] gold medal ] ] and ] player ], forced Sirhan against the steam table and disarmed him.<ref name=EventAccount>{{cite web \|url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,900110-3,00.html\|title=A Life On The Way To Death\|publisher=''TIME''\|date=1968-06-14\|accessdate=2008-04-27}}</ref> Sirhan wrestled free and grabbed the revolver again, but he had already fired all the bullets.<ref>Witcover 1969, p. 269.</ref> Barry went to Kennedy and lay his jacket under the candidate's head, later recalling: "I knew immediately it was a .22, a small caliber, so I hoped it wouldn't be so bad, but then I saw the hole in the Senator's head, and I knew."<ref>Witcover 1969, p. 269.</ref> Reporters and photographers rushed into the area from both directions, contributing to the chaos. As Kennedy lay wounded, Juan Romero cradled the senator's head and placed a ] in his hand.<ref>{{cite web \| author=Steve Lopez \| date=1998-06-08 \| title=Guarding the Dream \| url= http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,988470,00.html \| publisher=''TIME'' \| accessdate=August 16 \| accessyear=2007}}</ref> Kennedy asked Romero, "Is everybody safe, OK?" and Romero responded, "Yes, yes, everything is going to be OK."<ref>"Bobby's Last, Longest Day," ''Newsweek'', June 17, 1968, p. 29.</ref> Captured by ''Life'' photographer Bill Eppridge, the picture of Kennedy and Romero became the ] image of the assassination.<ref name="Picture">{{cite web \|date=2007 \|url= http://americanhistory.si.edu/militaryhistory/exhibition/zoomify.asp?id=1746&type=g&width=640&height=480&hideAlt=1\|title = Assassination of presidential hopeful Robert F. Kennedy\|format = PICTURE\|publisher = ]\| accessdate = 2008-05-14 \| last= \|quote=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/micro_stories.pl?ACCT=154486&TICK=NIKC&STORY=/www/story/02-04-2004/0002103183&EDATE=Feb+4,+2004 \|title=NikonNet and 'Legends Behind the Lens' Honor the Iconic Works of Photojournalist Bill Eppridge\|publisher=NikonUSA\|date=2004-02-04\|accessdate=2008-05-14}}</ref>

	] stood outside the crush of people at the scene, seeking help.<ref>"Bobby's Last, Longest Day," ''Newsweek'', June 17, 1968, p. 29.</ref> She was soon led to her husband and knelt beside him. He turned his head and seemed to recognize her.<ref>Witcover 1969, p. 272.</ref> After several minutes, medical attendants arrived and lifted Kennedy onto a stretcher, prompting him to exclaim, "No, no."<ref>Witcover 1969, p. 273.</ref> He lost consciousness shortly thereafter.<ref>Witcover 1969, p. 273.</ref> Kennedy was taken a mile away to Central Receiving Hospital, where he arrived near death. One doctor slapped his face, calling, "Bob, Bob," while another massaged Kennedy's heart.<ref name = everything>{{cite web \|url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,900131,00.html \|title=Everything Was Not Enough\|date=1968-06-14\|publisher=''TIME''\|accessdate=2008-04-27}}</ref> After obtaining a good heartbeat, doctors handed a ] to Ethel Kennedy so she could hear her husband's heart beating, much to her relief.<ref>"Bobby's Last, Longest Day," ''Newsweek'', June 17, 1968, p. 30.</ref> After about 30 minutes, Kennedy was transferred several ] to the Hospital of the Good Samaritan for surgery. Surgery began at 3:12 a.m. PDT and lasted three hours and 40 minutes.<ref>Witcover 1969, pp. 281-82.</ref> Ten and a half hours later, at 5:30 p.m. PDT on Wednesday, spokesman ] announced that Kennedy's doctors were "concerned over his continuing failure to show improvement"; his condition remained "extremely critical as to life".<ref>Witcover 1969, p. 289.</ref>

	Kennedy had been shot three times. One bullet, fired at a range of about {{convert\|1\|in\|cm\|2}}, entered behind his right ear, dispersing fragments throughout his brain.<ref>{{cite web \| url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,838974,00.html \|title=The Man Who Loved Kennedy\|publisher=''TIME''\|date=1969-02-21\|accessdate=2008-04-27}}</ref> Two others entered at the rear of his right armpit; one exited from his chest and the other lodged in the back of his neck.<ref>Moldea 1995, p. 85.</ref> Despite extensive ] at the Good Samaritan Hospital to remove the bullet and bone fragments from his brain, Kennedy died at 1:44 a.m. PDT, nearly 26 hours after the shooting.<ref name = everything />
	Five other people were also wounded: William Weisel of ], Paul Schrade of the ] union, Democratic Party activist Elizabeth Evans, Ira Goldstein of the Continental News Service and Kennedy campaign volunteer Irwin Stroll.<ref name=EventAccount /> Although not physically wounded, singer ], a strong Kennedy supporter, was present in the ballroom during the shooting in the pantry and suffered a ] shortly afterward.<ref name="Clooney">{{cite web \|date=2002 \|url = http://web.archive.org/web/20020701-20020830re_/http://www.cincypost.com/2002/jul/01/rostim070102.html\|title = Rosemary Clooney: 1928-2002\|publisher = The Cincinnati Post\| accessdate = 2008-04-01 }}</ref>

	==Perpetrator==
	]
	{{main\|Sirhan Sirhan}}

	Sirhan Sirhan was strongly anti-].<ref name=BST>{{cite web\|url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,838860,00.html\|title=Behind Steel Doors\| publisher=''TIME'' \|date=1969-01-17 \|accessdate=2008-04-27}}</ref><ref>{{cite web \|url= http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,841578,00.html \|title=Selectivity In Los Angeles\|publisher=''TIME''\|date=1969-01-31\|accessdate=2008-04-27}}</ref> A diary found during a search of Sirhan's home stated, "My determination to eliminate RFK is becoming more and more of an unshakable obsession. RFK must die. RFK must be killed. Robert F. Kennedy must be assassinated. .... Robert F. Kennedy must be assassinated before 5 June 1968." It has been suggested that the date of the assassination is significant, because it was the first anniversary of the first day of the ] between Israel and its Arab neighbors.<ref>Coleman 2004.</ref> When Sirhan was booked by police, they found in his pocket a newspaper article that discussed Kennedy's support for ], and at his trial, Sirhan testified that he began to hate Kennedy after learning of this support.<ref>The article was from the June 2 edition of the ''Pasadena Independent Star News''. Moldea 1995, p. 52n.</ref><ref>{{cite web \|url=http://www.maryferrell.org/mffweb/archive/viewer/showDoc.do?docId=99533&relPageId=221 \|title=Trial transcript, vol. 18, p. 5244 \|publisher=Mary Ferrell Foundation\|accessdate=2008-07-26}}</ref> This interpretation of his motives has, however, been criticised as an oversimplification that ignores Sirhan's deeper psychological problems.
	<ref>{{cite journal \|last=Clarke \|first=James W. \|year=1981 \|month=January \|title=American Assassins: An Alternative Typology \|journal=British Journal of Political Science \|volume=11 \|issue=1 \|pages=81-104 \|url=http://www.jstor.org/pss/193462 \|accessdate= 2008-07-26}}</ref>

	During his trial, Sirhan's lawyers attempted to use a defense of ],<ref name=BST /> while their client tried to confess to the crime and change his plea to guilty on several occasions.<ref name=ADI>{{cite web\| url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,839767-2,00.html\|title=A Deadly Iteration\|publisher=''TIME''\|date=1969-03-07\|accessdate=2008-04-27}}</ref> Sirhan testified that he had killed Kennedy "with 20 years of malice aforethought", although he has maintained since being convicted that he has no memory of the crime. The judge did not accept this confession and it was later withdrawn.<ref name=ADI /><ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/state/20030306-2018-ca-sirhanparole.html\|title=Sirhan Sirhan denied parole for 12th time\|work=]\|publisher=www.signonsandiego.com\|accessdate=2008-04-26\|date=2003-03-06\|last=Skoloff\|first=Brian}}</ref>

	Sirhan was convicted on ], ] and six days later was sentenced to death.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2003/03/07/national/main543105.shtml\|title=Sirhan Sirhan Kept Behind Bars\|publisher = ]\|date=2003-03-06\|accessdate=2008-05-18}}</ref> The sentence was ] to ] in 1972 after the ], in its decision in '']'', invalidated all pending death sentences imposed in California prior to 1972. In 2006, he was denied parole for the thirteenth time and is currently confined at the ] in ].<ref>{{cite web \|url=http://www2.nysun.com/article/29356 \|title=One Common Link\|author=Warren Kozak \|publisher=NY Sun \|date=2006-03-17\|accessdate=2008-07-26}}</ref>

	==Media coverage==
	As the shooting took place, ABC News was signing off from its electoral broadcast, while the ] broadcast was already over. <ref name=mediaaccount>{{cite web\|url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,900149,00.html\|title=What Was Going On?\|publisher=''TIME''\|date=1968-06-14\|accessdate=2008-04-28}}</ref> It was not until 21 minutes after the shots that CBS's coverage of the shooting would begin. The reporters who had been present to report on Kennedy's win in the primary ended up crowding into the kitchen where he had been shot and the immediate aftermath was captured only by audio recording and cameras that had no live transmission capability.<ref name=EventAccount /> ABC was able to show scant live footage from the kitchen after Kennedy had been transported but unlike CBS and ], all of ABC's coverage from the Ambassador was in black and white. CBS and NBC shot footage in the kitchen of the shooting's aftermath on color film, which could not be broadcast until it was developed two hours after the incident.<ref name=mediaaccount />

	Reporter Andrew West of ], a ] radio affiliate in ], captured on audio tape the sounds of the immediate aftermath of the shooting but not the actual shooting itself. Using a reel-to-reel tape recorder and attached microphone, West also provided an on-the-spot account of the struggle with Sirhan in the hotel kitchen pantry, shouting at Rafer Johnson to "Get the gun, Rafer, get the gun!" and telling others to "get a hold of thumb and break it, if you have to! Get his thumb!"<ref name="Audio">{{cite web \|date= ], ]\|url = http://hearitnow.umd.edu/1968.htm\|title = Hear it Now! RFK ASSASSINATED\|format = AUDIO\|publisher = University of Maryland/Library of American Broadcasting\| accessdate = 2007-08-19 \| last=Andrew West of KRKD }}</ref><ref>Other stations also provided coverage. In 2008, on the 40th anniversary of the assassination, local ] affiliate ] made available for streaming and download a 45-minute unedited of the assassination, including audio from its sister station KNXT-TV (now ]).</ref>

	Over the following week, NBC devoted 55 hours to the shooting and aftermath, ABC 43, and CBS 42, with all three networks pre-empting their regular coverage and advertisements to cover the story.<ref name=mediaaccount />

	==Alternative theories==

	As with the ], President John F. Kennedy, in 1963, the senator's death has been the subject of widespread analysis. Some individuals involved in the original investigation and some researchers have suggested alternative scenarios for the crime, or have argued that there are serious problems with the official case.

	===CIA involvement===
	In November 2006, the ]'s '']'' program presented research by filmmaker Shane O'Sullivan alleging that several ] officers were present on the night of the assassination.<ref name=beebprog>{{cite web\|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/newsnight/6169006.stm\|title=CIA role claim in Kennedy killing\|publisher=BBC\|date=2006-11-21\|accessdate=2008-04-27}}</ref> Three men who appear in video and photographs from the night of the assassination were positively identified by former colleagues and associates as former senior CIA officers who had worked together in 1963 at ], the CIA's main anti-Castro station based in Miami. They were JMWAVE Chief of Operations ], Chief of Maritime Operations ] and Chief of Psychological Warfare Operations George Joannides.<ref name=beebprog />

	The program featured an interview with Morales's former attorney Robert Walton, who quoted him as having said, "I was in Dallas when we got the son of a bitch and I was in Los Angeles when we got the little bastard."<ref name=beebprog /> O'Sullivan reported that the CIA declined to comment on the officers in question. It was also alleged that Morales was known for his deep anger with the Kennedys for what he saw as their betrayal during the ].<ref name="OSullivanGuardian">{{cite news \|title=Did the CIA kill Bobby Kennedy? \|work=The Guardian \|date=] \|url= http://www.guardian.co.uk/g2/story/0,,1952379,00.html \|last=O'Sullivan \|first=Shane \|accessdate=2006-11-21}}</ref>

	After further investigation, O'Sullivan produced the feature documentary, '']''. The film casts doubt on the earlier identifications and ultimately reveals that the man previously identified as Gordon Campbell was in fact Michael D. Roman, a now-deceased Bulova Watch Company employee, who was at the Ambassador Hotel for a company convention.<ref>{{cite video \|people=Shane O'Sullivan (Director) \|date2=2007-11-20 \|title=''RFK Must Die'' \|url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1047517/ \|medium=DVD \|publisher=Dokument Films \|accessyear=2008}}</ref>

	===Second gunman===
	The location of Kennedy's wounds suggested that his assailant had stood behind him, but some witnesses said that Sirhan faced west as Kennedy moved through the pantry facing east.<ref name=guardian>{{cite web\| url= http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2008/feb/22/kennedy.assassination\| title=New evidence challenges official picture of Kennedy shooting \|date=2008-02-22 \|accessdate=2008-04-28\|publisher=''The Guardian''\|author=James Randerson}}</ref> This has led to the suggestion that a second gunman actually fired the fatal shot, a possibility supported by coroner ].<ref name="NoguchiBook">Noguchi 1985</ref> Other witnesses, though, said that as Sirhan approached, Kennedy was turning to his left shaking hands, facing north and so exposing his right side.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://foia.fbi.gov/rfkasumm/rfksumm1b.pdf\|title=FBI Robert F. Kennedy Assassination Summary, Part 1(b), p. 35\|accessdate=2008-07-25\|format=PDF}}</ref> As recently as 2008, eyewitness ] asserted his belief that there must have been a second gunman.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://i1.democracynow.org/2008/6/5/democracy_now_special_robert_f_kennedy \|title=Democracy Now! Special: Robert F. Kennedy’s Life and Legacy 40 Years After His Assassination\|publisher=democracynow.org\|accessdate=2008-07-25}}</ref> During a reexamination of the case in 1975, the U.S. Supreme Court ordered expert examination of the possibility of a second gun having been used, and the conclusion of the experts was that there was little or no evidence to support this theory.<ref name = fbipart1b>{{cite web\| url=http://foia.fbi.gov/rfkasumm/rfksumm1b.pdf\| title=Robert F. Kennedy Assassination(Summary) - Part 1(b)\|publisher= \|accessdate=2008-04-28}}</ref>

	In 2008, analysis of audio recordings of the shootings taken by freelance reporter Stanislaw Pruszynski appeared to indicate, according to forensic expert Philip van Praag, that thirteen shots were fired, even though Sirhan's gun held only eight rounds.<ref name=guardian /> While this would strongly indicate a second gunman, independent analysis by a series of other experts indicated that there are only eight shots present on the tape.<ref> Harrison, P. (2007) ‘Analysis of “The Pruszynski Tape”’ (report on recording of gunshots). In Ayton, M., ''The Forgotten Terrorist: Sirhan Sirhan and the Assassination of Robert F. Kennedy.'' Washington: Potomac Books.</ref>

	==Aftermath and legacy==
	===Memorial===
	]]]Following the ] on ], Kennedy's body was returned to New York City, where he lay in repose at St. Patrick's Cathedral, viewed by thousands, until a funeral mass on the morning of ].<ref name=indy2007>{{cite news \|first=Liz \|last=Hoggard \|title=The night Bobby Kennedy was shot \|url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4159/is_20070121/ai_n17145367/pg_2 \|work=The Independent on Sunday \|date=2007-01-21 \|accessdate=2008-05-12 }}</ref>

	His brother, Senator ], eulogized him with the words: "My brother need not be idealized or enlarged in death beyond what he was in life, to be remembered simply as a good and decent man, who saw wrong and tried to right it, saw suffering and tried to heal it, saw war and tried to stop it."<ref>{{cite web \|url=http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/ekennedytributetorfk.html \|title=American Rhetoric: Edward Kennedy - Eulogy for Robert F. Kennedy\|publisher=americanrhetoric.com\|accessdate=2008-05-12}}</ref> Immediately following the mass, Kennedy's body was transported by a slow-moving train to ] and thousands of mourners lined the tracks and stations, paying their respects as the train passed by.<ref name=arlington>{{cite web \|url= http://www.arlingtoncemetery.org/Visitor_information/Robert_F_Kennedy.html\|title=Arlington National Cemetery: Visitor Information\|publisher=Arlington Cemetery\|accessdate=2008-05-12}}</ref> Kennedy was buried near his brother John, in Arlington National Cemetery, in the only burial ever to take place there at night.<ref name=arlington /><ref name=indy2007 />

	After the assassination, Congress altered the ]'s mandate to include protection for presidential candidates.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.secretservice.gov/history.shtml\|title=United States Secret Service History\|publisher=United States Secret Service\|accessdate=2008-05-12}}</ref> The remaining candidates were immediately protected under an executive order issued by Lyndon Johnson, putting a strain on the poorly resourced Secret Service.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/media/july-dec03/mears_10-29.html\|title=Transcript:Online NewsHour - Deadlines Past\|author=Terence Smith\|date=2003-10-29\|publisher = PBS \|accessdate=2008-05-18}}</ref>

	===1968 election===
	At the time of his death, Kennedy was significantly behind Vice President ] in convention delegate support,<ref>{{cite web \|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/comment/story/0,,1999999,00.html \|title=Would Robert Kennedy have been president?\|publisher= ''The Guardian''\|author=Kerridge, Steven \|date=]\|accessdate=2007-11-26}}</ref> but this has not deterred many from the belief that Kennedy would have ultimately secured the nomination following his victory in the California primary.<ref>Thomas 2000, p. 24</ref> Only thirteen states held primaries that year, meaning that most delegates at the Democratic convention could choose a candidate based on their personal preference.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.chicagoreader.com/features/stories/historynow/\|title=History Now\|publisher=Chicago Reader\|author=J. R. Jones\|date=2008-02-28\|accessdate=2008-05-18}}</ref> Historian ] and others have argued that Kennedy's broad appeal and ] would have been sufficiently convincing at the ] to give him the nomination.<ref>Schlesinger 1996</ref> Historian ] and ''New York Times'' political writer ] believe, however, that Kennedy would not have secured the nomination.<ref>{{cite news \|first=Michael \|last=Beschloss \|title= Let's Have Conventions With Cliffhangers \|url= http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9B04E2D6103EF932A2575BC0A960958260&sec=&spon=&pagewanted=all \|work=''New York Times'' \|publisher=New York Times \|date=1996-08-11 \|accessdate=2008-05-13 }}</ref> Humphrey, after a ] National Convention in Chicago, was hopelessly behind in the polls but gained ground. Humphrey ultimately went on to lose the general election to Republican ] by a narrow margin.

	==See also==
	* ]
	* ]
	* ]
	* ]

	==Notes==
	{{reflist\|2}}

	==References==

	* {{cite book \|last=Coleman \|first=Loren \|title=The Copycat Effect: How the Media and Popular Culture Trigger the Mayhem in Tomorrow's Headlines\|location= New York \|publisher=Paraview Pocket \|year= 2004 \|isbn= 978-0743482233}}
	* {{cite book \| last=Moldea \|first= Dan E. \|title=The Killing of Robert F. Kennedy: An Investigation of Motive, Means, and Opportunity \|location=New York \|publisher=Norton \|year=1995 \|isbn=978-0393037913}}
	* {{cite book \|title=Robert Kennedy and His Times \|last=Schlesinger, Jr. \|first=Arthur M. \|authorlink=Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr. \|year=1996 \|publisher=Ballantine Books \|isbn=0345410610 }}
	* {{cite book \| last = Thomas Noguchi \| title = Coroner \| year = 1985\| location=New York\| publisher = Simon & Schuster\| isbn= 978-0671467722}}
	* {{cite book\|last=Thomas \|first= Evan \|title=Robert Kennedy: His Life \|location=New York \|publisher= Simon & Schuster \|year= 2000\|isbn=978-0684834801}}
	* {{cite book\| last=Witcover \|first=Jules \|title=85 Days: The Last Campaign of Robert Kennedy \|location=New York \|publisher=Putnam \|year=1969 \|oclc=452367}}

	==External links==
	* — LAPD and FBI investigation files and the trial transcript at the Mary Ferrell Foundation

	{{coor title d\|34.0597\|N\|118.2971\|W\|region:US-CA_type:landmark}}

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Revision as of 20:28, 27 July 2008

he farted when he was 16 years old

Revision as of 20:27, 27 July 2008 view source129.250.211.10 (talk) Undid revision 228248108 by 68.40.149.239 (talk)← Previous edit		Revision as of 20:28, 27 July 2008 view source Michiel Helvensteijn (talk \| contribs)43 editsm Undid revision 228249468 by 129.250.211.10 (talk)Next edit →
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			he farted when he was 16 years old
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	The '''assassination of Robert F. Kennedy''', a ] and brother of assassinated ] ], took place shortly after midnight on ] ]. He was killed following celebrations of his successful campaign in the Californian ]s while seeking the ] nomination for President of the United States. The perpetrator was a twenty-four year old ] ] named ], who remains incarcerated for this crime as of 2008. Because of the number of reporters at the scene, the shooting was recorded on audio, while the aftermath was captured on film.

	Kennedy's body lay in repose at ] in New York for two days before a funeral mass was held on ]. His body was interred near his brother John at ]. His death prompted the protection of presidential candidates by the ]. ] went on to win the Democratic nomination for the presidency, but ultimately lost the election to ].

	As with his brother's death, Robert Kennedy's assassination and the circumstances surrounding it have spawned a variety of ], particularly in relation to the existence of a supposed second gunman.

	== Background ==
	] had been appointed United States ] in January 1961, and remained in this post until he resigned on ], ], to run for election as a United States senator.<ref name=congressbio>{{cite web\| url=http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=k000114 \|title= Kennedy, Robert Francis - Biographical information\|work=Biographical Directory of the United States Congress\|accessdate=2008-07-26}}</ref> He took office as Senator on ], ].<ref name=congressbio />

	The approach of the ] saw the incumbent president, ], presiding over social unrest. There were riots in the major cities despite Johnson's attempts to introduce anti-poverty and anti-discrimination legislation, and there was significant opposition to the ongoing military action in ].<ref name=BBCJohnson>{{cite news\| title = 1964: Election triumph for Lyndon B Johnson\| work = On this Day\| publisher = ]\|date= 2005 \| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/november/3/newsid_3641000/3641464.stm \| accessdate = 2008-04-24 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web \|url= http://www.whitehouse.gov/history/presidents/lj36.html \|title= Biography of Lyndon B. Johnson \|publisher = White House \|accessdate=2008-04-24}}</ref> The ] in April 1968 led to further riots in 100 cities.<ref name=BBC>{{cite news \| title = 1968: Martin Luther King shot dead\| work = On this Day\| publisher = ] \|date= 2006\| url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/april/4/newsid_2453000/2453987.stm \| accessdate = 2006-09-17 }}</ref>
	Kennedy entered the race for the Democratic Party's nomination for President on March 16, 1968 – four days after Senator ] received a large percentage of the vote in the ] primary against the incumbent President (42% to Johnson's 49%).<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2005/06/15_newsroom_mccarthytimeline/\|title=A timeline of Sen. Eugene McCarthy's life and political career\|publisher=Minnesota Public Radio\|date=2005-12-10\|accessdate=2008-07-25}}</ref> Two weeks later, a demoralized Johnson announced he was no longer seeking re-election. One month later, Vice President ] announced he would seek the presidency. Humphrey did not participate in any primaries but he did obtain the support of many Democratic Party ]. Following the California primary, Kennedy was in second place with 393 delegates compared to Humphrey's 561.<ref>Moldea 1995, p. 26n.</ref>

	==Assassination==
	]
	Four hours after the polls closed in California, Kennedy claimed victory in the state's Democratic presidential primary. At approximately 12:15 a.m. ], he addressed his campaign supporters in the ]'s Embassy Room ballroom, in the ] district of ].<ref name=LAFiles>{{cite web\|url=http://www.maryferrell.org/mffweb/archive/viewer/showDoc.do?absPageId=1109722\|title=RFK LAPD Microfilm, Volume 75 (SUS Final Report)\|publisher=Mary Ferrell Foundation\|accessdate=2008-07-25}}</ref> At the time, the government provided ] protection for incumbent presidents but not for presidential candidates. Kennedy's only security was provided by former ] agent William Barry and two unofficial bodyguards, former professional athletes.<ref>Moldea 1995, pp. 24-25.</ref> During the campaign, Kennedy had welcomed contact with the public, and people had often tried to touch him in their excitement.<ref>Witcover 1969, pp. 113-14.</ref>

	Kennedy had planned to walk through the ballroom when he had finished speaking, on his way to another gathering of supporters elsewhere in the hotel.<ref>Witcover 1969, p. 264.</ref> However, with deadlines fast approaching, reporters wanted a ]. Campaign aide ] decided that Kennedy would forgo the second gathering and instead go through the kitchen and pantry area behind the ballroom to the press area. Kennedy finished speaking and started to exit when William Barry stopped him and said, "No, it's been changed. We're going this way."<ref>Witcover 1969, pp. 264-65.</ref> Barry and Dutton began clearing a way for Kennedy to go left through swinging doors to the kitchen corridor, but Kennedy, hemmed in by the crowd, followed hotel maitre d' Karl Uecker through a back exit.<ref>Witcover 1969, pp. 264-65.</ref>

	Uecker led Kennedy through the kitchen area, holding Kennedy's right hand but frequently releasing it as Kennedy shook hands with those he encountered.<ref name=moldeaexcerpt>Moldea, 1995, Chapter 1</ref> Uecker and Kennedy started down a passage way narrowed by an ice machine against the right wall and a steam table to the left.<ref name=moldeaexcerpt /> Kennedy turned to his left and shook hands with ] Juan Romero as ] stepped down from a low tray-stacker beside the ice machine, rushed past Uecker, and repeatedly fired what was later identified as a ] ] revolver.<ref>Witcover 1969, p. 266</ref>

	After Kennedy had fallen to the floor, security man Bill Barry hit Sirhan twice in the face while others, including ]s Uecker and Edward Minasian, writer ], ] gold medal ] ] and ] player ], forced Sirhan against the steam table and disarmed him.<ref name=EventAccount>{{cite web \|url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,900110-3,00.html\|title=A Life On The Way To Death\|publisher=''TIME''\|date=1968-06-14\|accessdate=2008-04-27}}</ref> Sirhan wrestled free and grabbed the revolver again, but he had already fired all the bullets.<ref>Witcover 1969, p. 269.</ref> Barry went to Kennedy and lay his jacket under the candidate's head, later recalling: "I knew immediately it was a .22, a small caliber, so I hoped it wouldn't be so bad, but then I saw the hole in the Senator's head, and I knew."<ref>Witcover 1969, p. 269.</ref> Reporters and photographers rushed into the area from both directions, contributing to the chaos. As Kennedy lay wounded, Juan Romero cradled the senator's head and placed a ] in his hand.<ref>{{cite web \| author=Steve Lopez \| date=1998-06-08 \| title=Guarding the Dream \| url= http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,988470,00.html \| publisher=''TIME'' \| accessdate=August 16 \| accessyear=2007}}</ref> Kennedy asked Romero, "Is everybody safe, OK?" and Romero responded, "Yes, yes, everything is going to be OK."<ref>"Bobby's Last, Longest Day," ''Newsweek'', June 17, 1968, p. 29.</ref> Captured by ''Life'' photographer Bill Eppridge, the picture of Kennedy and Romero became the ] image of the assassination.<ref name="Picture">{{cite web \|date=2007 \|url= http://americanhistory.si.edu/militaryhistory/exhibition/zoomify.asp?id=1746&type=g&width=640&height=480&hideAlt=1\|title = Assassination of presidential hopeful Robert F. Kennedy\|format = PICTURE\|publisher = ]\| accessdate = 2008-05-14 \| last= \|quote=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/micro_stories.pl?ACCT=154486&TICK=NIKC&STORY=/www/story/02-04-2004/0002103183&EDATE=Feb+4,+2004 \|title=NikonNet and 'Legends Behind the Lens' Honor the Iconic Works of Photojournalist Bill Eppridge\|publisher=NikonUSA\|date=2004-02-04\|accessdate=2008-05-14}}</ref>

	] stood outside the crush of people at the scene, seeking help.<ref>"Bobby's Last, Longest Day," ''Newsweek'', June 17, 1968, p. 29.</ref> She was soon led to her husband and knelt beside him. He turned his head and seemed to recognize her.<ref>Witcover 1969, p. 272.</ref> After several minutes, medical attendants arrived and lifted Kennedy onto a stretcher, prompting him to exclaim, "No, no."<ref>Witcover 1969, p. 273.</ref> He lost consciousness shortly thereafter.<ref>Witcover 1969, p. 273.</ref> Kennedy was taken a mile away to Central Receiving Hospital, where he arrived near death. One doctor slapped his face, calling, "Bob, Bob," while another massaged Kennedy's heart.<ref name = everything>{{cite web \|url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,900131,00.html \|title=Everything Was Not Enough\|date=1968-06-14\|publisher=''TIME''\|accessdate=2008-04-27}}</ref> After obtaining a good heartbeat, doctors handed a ] to Ethel Kennedy so she could hear her husband's heart beating, much to her relief.<ref>"Bobby's Last, Longest Day," ''Newsweek'', June 17, 1968, p. 30.</ref> After about 30 minutes, Kennedy was transferred several ] to the Hospital of the Good Samaritan for surgery. Surgery began at 3:12 a.m. PDT and lasted three hours and 40 minutes.<ref>Witcover 1969, pp. 281-82.</ref> Ten and a half hours later, at 5:30 p.m. PDT on Wednesday, spokesman ] announced that Kennedy's doctors were "concerned over his continuing failure to show improvement"; his condition remained "extremely critical as to life".<ref>Witcover 1969, p. 289.</ref>

	Kennedy had been shot three times. One bullet, fired at a range of about {{convert\|1\|in\|cm\|2}}, entered behind his right ear, dispersing fragments throughout his brain.<ref>{{cite web \| url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,838974,00.html \|title=The Man Who Loved Kennedy\|publisher=''TIME''\|date=1969-02-21\|accessdate=2008-04-27}}</ref> Two others entered at the rear of his right armpit; one exited from his chest and the other lodged in the back of his neck.<ref>Moldea 1995, p. 85.</ref> Despite extensive ] at the Good Samaritan Hospital to remove the bullet and bone fragments from his brain, Kennedy died at 1:44 a.m. PDT, nearly 26 hours after the shooting.<ref name = everything />
	Five other people were also wounded: William Weisel of ], Paul Schrade of the ] union, Democratic Party activist Elizabeth Evans, Ira Goldstein of the Continental News Service and Kennedy campaign volunteer Irwin Stroll.<ref name=EventAccount /> Although not physically wounded, singer ], a strong Kennedy supporter, was present in the ballroom during the shooting in the pantry and suffered a ] shortly afterward.<ref name="Clooney">{{cite web \|date=2002 \|url = http://web.archive.org/web/20020701-20020830re_/http://www.cincypost.com/2002/jul/01/rostim070102.html\|title = Rosemary Clooney: 1928-2002\|publisher = The Cincinnati Post\| accessdate = 2008-04-01 }}</ref>

	==Perpetrator==
	]
	{{main\|Sirhan Sirhan}}

	Sirhan Sirhan was strongly anti-].<ref name=BST>{{cite web\|url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,838860,00.html\|title=Behind Steel Doors\| publisher=''TIME'' \|date=1969-01-17 \|accessdate=2008-04-27}}</ref><ref>{{cite web \|url= http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,841578,00.html \|title=Selectivity In Los Angeles\|publisher=''TIME''\|date=1969-01-31\|accessdate=2008-04-27}}</ref> A diary found during a search of Sirhan's home stated, "My determination to eliminate RFK is becoming more and more of an unshakable obsession. RFK must die. RFK must be killed. Robert F. Kennedy must be assassinated. .... Robert F. Kennedy must be assassinated before 5 June 1968." It has been suggested that the date of the assassination is significant, because it was the first anniversary of the first day of the ] between Israel and its Arab neighbors.<ref>Coleman 2004.</ref> When Sirhan was booked by police, they found in his pocket a newspaper article that discussed Kennedy's support for ], and at his trial, Sirhan testified that he began to hate Kennedy after learning of this support.<ref>The article was from the June 2 edition of the ''Pasadena Independent Star News''. Moldea 1995, p. 52n.</ref><ref>{{cite web \|url=http://www.maryferrell.org/mffweb/archive/viewer/showDoc.do?docId=99533&relPageId=221 \|title=Trial transcript, vol. 18, p. 5244 \|publisher=Mary Ferrell Foundation\|accessdate=2008-07-26}}</ref> This interpretation of his motives has, however, been criticised as an oversimplification that ignores Sirhan's deeper psychological problems.
	<ref>{{cite journal \|last=Clarke \|first=James W. \|year=1981 \|month=January \|title=American Assassins: An Alternative Typology \|journal=British Journal of Political Science \|volume=11 \|issue=1 \|pages=81-104 \|url=http://www.jstor.org/pss/193462 \|accessdate= 2008-07-26}}</ref>

	During his trial, Sirhan's lawyers attempted to use a defense of ],<ref name=BST /> while their client tried to confess to the crime and change his plea to guilty on several occasions.<ref name=ADI>{{cite web\| url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,839767-2,00.html\|title=A Deadly Iteration\|publisher=''TIME''\|date=1969-03-07\|accessdate=2008-04-27}}</ref> Sirhan testified that he had killed Kennedy "with 20 years of malice aforethought", although he has maintained since being convicted that he has no memory of the crime. The judge did not accept this confession and it was later withdrawn.<ref name=ADI /><ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/state/20030306-2018-ca-sirhanparole.html\|title=Sirhan Sirhan denied parole for 12th time\|work=]\|publisher=www.signonsandiego.com\|accessdate=2008-04-26\|date=2003-03-06\|last=Skoloff\|first=Brian}}</ref>

	Sirhan was convicted on ], ] and six days later was sentenced to death.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2003/03/07/national/main543105.shtml\|title=Sirhan Sirhan Kept Behind Bars\|publisher = ]\|date=2003-03-06\|accessdate=2008-05-18}}</ref> The sentence was ] to ] in 1972 after the ], in its decision in '']'', invalidated all pending death sentences imposed in California prior to 1972. In 2006, he was denied parole for the thirteenth time and is currently confined at the ] in ].<ref>{{cite web \|url=http://www2.nysun.com/article/29356 \|title=One Common Link\|author=Warren Kozak \|publisher=NY Sun \|date=2006-03-17\|accessdate=2008-07-26}}</ref>

	==Media coverage==
	As the shooting took place, ABC News was signing off from its electoral broadcast, while the ] broadcast was already over. <ref name=mediaaccount>{{cite web\|url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,900149,00.html\|title=What Was Going On?\|publisher=''TIME''\|date=1968-06-14\|accessdate=2008-04-28}}</ref> It was not until 21 minutes after the shots that CBS's coverage of the shooting would begin. The reporters who had been present to report on Kennedy's win in the primary ended up crowding into the kitchen where he had been shot and the immediate aftermath was captured only by audio recording and cameras that had no live transmission capability.<ref name=EventAccount /> ABC was able to show scant live footage from the kitchen after Kennedy had been transported but unlike CBS and ], all of ABC's coverage from the Ambassador was in black and white. CBS and NBC shot footage in the kitchen of the shooting's aftermath on color film, which could not be broadcast until it was developed two hours after the incident.<ref name=mediaaccount />

	Reporter Andrew West of ], a ] radio affiliate in ], captured on audio tape the sounds of the immediate aftermath of the shooting but not the actual shooting itself. Using a reel-to-reel tape recorder and attached microphone, West also provided an on-the-spot account of the struggle with Sirhan in the hotel kitchen pantry, shouting at Rafer Johnson to "Get the gun, Rafer, get the gun!" and telling others to "get a hold of thumb and break it, if you have to! Get his thumb!"<ref name="Audio">{{cite web \|date= ], ]\|url = http://hearitnow.umd.edu/1968.htm\|title = Hear it Now! RFK ASSASSINATED\|format = AUDIO\|publisher = University of Maryland/Library of American Broadcasting\| accessdate = 2007-08-19 \| last=Andrew West of KRKD }}</ref><ref>Other stations also provided coverage. In 2008, on the 40th anniversary of the assassination, local ] affiliate ] made available for streaming and download a 45-minute unedited of the assassination, including audio from its sister station KNXT-TV (now ]).</ref>

	Over the following week, NBC devoted 55 hours to the shooting and aftermath, ABC 43, and CBS 42, with all three networks pre-empting their regular coverage and advertisements to cover the story.<ref name=mediaaccount />

	==Alternative theories==

	As with the ], President John F. Kennedy, in 1963, the senator's death has been the subject of widespread analysis. Some individuals involved in the original investigation and some researchers have suggested alternative scenarios for the crime, or have argued that there are serious problems with the official case.

	===CIA involvement===
	In November 2006, the ]'s '']'' program presented research by filmmaker Shane O'Sullivan alleging that several ] officers were present on the night of the assassination.<ref name=beebprog>{{cite web\|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/newsnight/6169006.stm\|title=CIA role claim in Kennedy killing\|publisher=BBC\|date=2006-11-21\|accessdate=2008-04-27}}</ref> Three men who appear in video and photographs from the night of the assassination were positively identified by former colleagues and associates as former senior CIA officers who had worked together in 1963 at ], the CIA's main anti-Castro station based in Miami. They were JMWAVE Chief of Operations ], Chief of Maritime Operations ] and Chief of Psychological Warfare Operations George Joannides.<ref name=beebprog />

	The program featured an interview with Morales's former attorney Robert Walton, who quoted him as having said, "I was in Dallas when we got the son of a bitch and I was in Los Angeles when we got the little bastard."<ref name=beebprog /> O'Sullivan reported that the CIA declined to comment on the officers in question. It was also alleged that Morales was known for his deep anger with the Kennedys for what he saw as their betrayal during the ].<ref name="OSullivanGuardian">{{cite news \|title=Did the CIA kill Bobby Kennedy? \|work=The Guardian \|date=] \|url= http://www.guardian.co.uk/g2/story/0,,1952379,00.html \|last=O'Sullivan \|first=Shane \|accessdate=2006-11-21}}</ref>

	After further investigation, O'Sullivan produced the feature documentary, '']''. The film casts doubt on the earlier identifications and ultimately reveals that the man previously identified as Gordon Campbell was in fact Michael D. Roman, a now-deceased Bulova Watch Company employee, who was at the Ambassador Hotel for a company convention.<ref>{{cite video \|people=Shane O'Sullivan (Director) \|date2=2007-11-20 \|title=''RFK Must Die'' \|url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1047517/ \|medium=DVD \|publisher=Dokument Films \|accessyear=2008}}</ref>

	===Second gunman===
	The location of Kennedy's wounds suggested that his assailant had stood behind him, but some witnesses said that Sirhan faced west as Kennedy moved through the pantry facing east.<ref name=guardian>{{cite web\| url= http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2008/feb/22/kennedy.assassination\| title=New evidence challenges official picture of Kennedy shooting \|date=2008-02-22 \|accessdate=2008-04-28\|publisher=''The Guardian''\|author=James Randerson}}</ref> This has led to the suggestion that a second gunman actually fired the fatal shot, a possibility supported by coroner ].<ref name="NoguchiBook">Noguchi 1985</ref> Other witnesses, though, said that as Sirhan approached, Kennedy was turning to his left shaking hands, facing north and so exposing his right side.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://foia.fbi.gov/rfkasumm/rfksumm1b.pdf\|title=FBI Robert F. Kennedy Assassination Summary, Part 1(b), p. 35\|accessdate=2008-07-25\|format=PDF}}</ref> As recently as 2008, eyewitness ] asserted his belief that there must have been a second gunman.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://i1.democracynow.org/2008/6/5/democracy_now_special_robert_f_kennedy \|title=Democracy Now! Special: Robert F. Kennedy’s Life and Legacy 40 Years After His Assassination\|publisher=democracynow.org\|accessdate=2008-07-25}}</ref> During a reexamination of the case in 1975, the U.S. Supreme Court ordered expert examination of the possibility of a second gun having been used, and the conclusion of the experts was that there was little or no evidence to support this theory.<ref name = fbipart1b>{{cite web\| url=http://foia.fbi.gov/rfkasumm/rfksumm1b.pdf\| title=Robert F. Kennedy Assassination(Summary) - Part 1(b)\|publisher= \|accessdate=2008-04-28}}</ref>

	In 2008, analysis of audio recordings of the shootings taken by freelance reporter Stanislaw Pruszynski appeared to indicate, according to forensic expert Philip van Praag, that thirteen shots were fired, even though Sirhan's gun held only eight rounds.<ref name=guardian /> While this would strongly indicate a second gunman, independent analysis by a series of other experts indicated that there are only eight shots present on the tape.<ref> Harrison, P. (2007) ‘Analysis of “The Pruszynski Tape”’ (report on recording of gunshots). In Ayton, M., ''The Forgotten Terrorist: Sirhan Sirhan and the Assassination of Robert F. Kennedy.'' Washington: Potomac Books.</ref>

	==Aftermath and legacy==
	===Memorial===
	]]]Following the ] on ], Kennedy's body was returned to New York City, where he lay in repose at St. Patrick's Cathedral, viewed by thousands, until a funeral mass on the morning of ].<ref name=indy2007>{{cite news \|first=Liz \|last=Hoggard \|title=The night Bobby Kennedy was shot \|url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4159/is_20070121/ai_n17145367/pg_2 \|work=The Independent on Sunday \|date=2007-01-21 \|accessdate=2008-05-12 }}</ref>

	His brother, Senator ], eulogized him with the words: "My brother need not be idealized or enlarged in death beyond what he was in life, to be remembered simply as a good and decent man, who saw wrong and tried to right it, saw suffering and tried to heal it, saw war and tried to stop it."<ref>{{cite web \|url=http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/ekennedytributetorfk.html \|title=American Rhetoric: Edward Kennedy - Eulogy for Robert F. Kennedy\|publisher=americanrhetoric.com\|accessdate=2008-05-12}}</ref> Immediately following the mass, Kennedy's body was transported by a slow-moving train to ] and thousands of mourners lined the tracks and stations, paying their respects as the train passed by.<ref name=arlington>{{cite web \|url= http://www.arlingtoncemetery.org/Visitor_information/Robert_F_Kennedy.html\|title=Arlington National Cemetery: Visitor Information\|publisher=Arlington Cemetery\|accessdate=2008-05-12}}</ref> Kennedy was buried near his brother John, in Arlington National Cemetery, in the only burial ever to take place there at night.<ref name=arlington /><ref name=indy2007 />

	After the assassination, Congress altered the ]'s mandate to include protection for presidential candidates.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.secretservice.gov/history.shtml\|title=United States Secret Service History\|publisher=United States Secret Service\|accessdate=2008-05-12}}</ref> The remaining candidates were immediately protected under an executive order issued by Lyndon Johnson, putting a strain on the poorly resourced Secret Service.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/media/july-dec03/mears_10-29.html\|title=Transcript:Online NewsHour - Deadlines Past\|author=Terence Smith\|date=2003-10-29\|publisher = PBS \|accessdate=2008-05-18}}</ref>

	===1968 election===
	At the time of his death, Kennedy was significantly behind Vice President ] in convention delegate support,<ref>{{cite web \|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/comment/story/0,,1999999,00.html \|title=Would Robert Kennedy have been president?\|publisher= ''The Guardian''\|author=Kerridge, Steven \|date=]\|accessdate=2007-11-26}}</ref> but this has not deterred many from the belief that Kennedy would have ultimately secured the nomination following his victory in the California primary.<ref>Thomas 2000, p. 24</ref> Only thirteen states held primaries that year, meaning that most delegates at the Democratic convention could choose a candidate based on their personal preference.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.chicagoreader.com/features/stories/historynow/\|title=History Now\|publisher=Chicago Reader\|author=J. R. Jones\|date=2008-02-28\|accessdate=2008-05-18}}</ref> Historian ] and others have argued that Kennedy's broad appeal and ] would have been sufficiently convincing at the ] to give him the nomination.<ref>Schlesinger 1996</ref> Historian ] and ''New York Times'' political writer ] believe, however, that Kennedy would not have secured the nomination.<ref>{{cite news \|first=Michael \|last=Beschloss \|title= Let's Have Conventions With Cliffhangers \|url= http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9B04E2D6103EF932A2575BC0A960958260&sec=&spon=&pagewanted=all \|work=''New York Times'' \|publisher=New York Times \|date=1996-08-11 \|accessdate=2008-05-13 }}</ref> Humphrey, after a ] National Convention in Chicago, was hopelessly behind in the polls but gained ground. Humphrey ultimately went on to lose the general election to Republican ] by a narrow margin.

	==See also==
	* ]
	* ]
	* ]
	* ]

	==Notes==
	{{reflist\|2}}

	==References==

	* {{cite book \|last=Coleman \|first=Loren \|title=The Copycat Effect: How the Media and Popular Culture Trigger the Mayhem in Tomorrow's Headlines\|location= New York \|publisher=Paraview Pocket \|year= 2004 \|isbn= 978-0743482233}}
	* {{cite book \| last=Moldea \|first= Dan E. \|title=The Killing of Robert F. Kennedy: An Investigation of Motive, Means, and Opportunity \|location=New York \|publisher=Norton \|year=1995 \|isbn=978-0393037913}}
	* {{cite book \|title=Robert Kennedy and His Times \|last=Schlesinger, Jr. \|first=Arthur M. \|authorlink=Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr. \|year=1996 \|publisher=Ballantine Books \|isbn=0345410610 }}
	* {{cite book \| last = Thomas Noguchi \| title = Coroner \| year = 1985\| location=New York\| publisher = Simon & Schuster\| isbn= 978-0671467722}}
	* {{cite book\|last=Thomas \|first= Evan \|title=Robert Kennedy: His Life \|location=New York \|publisher= Simon & Schuster \|year= 2000\|isbn=978-0684834801}}
	* {{cite book\| last=Witcover \|first=Jules \|title=85 Days: The Last Campaign of Robert Kennedy \|location=New York \|publisher=Putnam \|year=1969 \|oclc=452367}}

	==External links==
	* — LAPD and FBI investigation files and the trial transcript at the Mary Ferrell Foundation

	{{coor title d\|34.0597\|N\|118.2971\|W\|region:US-CA_type:landmark}}

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