Paul Witcover

Paul Witcover's writings delve into significant historical events, particularly the assassination of Robert F. Kennedy. The source details the tragic events of June 5, 1968, when Kennedy, a U.S. Senator and presidential candidate, was shot by Sirhan Sirhan at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles following his victory in the California primary. Despite efforts to save him, Kennedy died the next day. The article touches upon Sirhan's motivations, his conviction, and the subsequent commutation of his sentence. It also highlights the broader context of political assassinations in the 1960s and the impact on U.S. Secret Service protection protocols. The background section covers Kennedy's early life, his political career, his evolving views, and his role as a close advisor to his brother, President John F. Kennedy. It further explores the tumultuous 1968 presidential campaign, marked by opposition to the Vietnam War and social unrest, leading up to Kennedy's announcement of his candidacy after Eugene McCarthy's strong showing in the New Hampshire primary. The assassination itself is described in detail, including the circumstances of the shooting in the hotel's kitchen corridor, the limited security, and the wounding of several other individuals. The immediate aftermath details Kennedy's final moments and his transport to the hospital.

On June 5, 1968, Robert F. Kennedy was fatally shot by Sirhan Sirhan at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles. Kennedy, a senator and a contender in the 1968 Democratic presidential primaries, had just won the California and South Dakota contests. After addressing supporters, he was shot while exiting through a kitchen hallway. He succumbed to his wounds the following day at the age of 42. Sirhan, motivated by anti-Zionist and pro-Palestinian beliefs, was convicted of the murder. The assassination led to enhanced security measures for presidential candidates and sparked numerous conspiracy theories. This event was part of a tragic series of assassinations of major political figures in the 1960s, including President John F. Kennedy, Malcolm X, and Martin Luther King Jr.

Born in 1925, Robert F. Kennedy embarked on a significant political career. After serving as U.S. attorney general and a close advisor to his brother, President John F. Kennedy, he was deeply affected by his brother's assassination in 1963. He later won a U.S. Senate seat representing New York, where he supported civil rights and opposed the Vietnam War. The 1968 presidential campaign was particularly turbulent, with widespread opposition to the war and social unrest. Kennedy initially declined to run but entered the race after Eugene McCarthy's strong performance in the New Hampshire primary, following President Lyndon B. Johnson's announcement that he would not seek re-election.

Following his victory in the California primary on June 4, 1968, Robert F. Kennedy addressed supporters at the Ambassador Hotel. Despite limited security, consisting of a former FBI agent and two unofficial bodyguards, Kennedy planned to move through the hotel's kitchen area to meet reporters. As he navigated the kitchen corridor, shaking hands with staff and supporters, Sirhan Sirhan, positioned near an ice machine, fired multiple shots at close range. Kennedy was struck and fell, while others attempted to subdue Sirhan. Five other individuals were wounded in the incident. Kennedy's last words were reportedly, "Don't lift me," as he was being transported to the hospital, where he later died.

“What we need in the United States is not division; what we need in the United States is not hatred; what we need in the United States is not violence and lawlessness, but is love, and wisdom, and compassion toward one another, and a feeling of justice toward those who still suffer within our country, whether they be white or whether they be black. ... let us dedicate ourselves to what the Greeks wrote so many years ago: to tame the savageness of man and make gentle the life of this world. Let us dedicate ourselves to that, and say a prayer for our country and for our people.”

“So my thanks to all of you and on to Chicago and let's win there.”

“Is everybody OK?”

“Yes, everybody's OK.”

“Everything's going to be OK.”