Which President Survived Two Assassination Attempts? A Closer Look at Gerald Ford

According to SAEDNEWS, nGerald Ford, the 38th president of the United States, is a noteworthy figure in American history not only for his political career but also for his remarkable survival of two assassination attempts within a mere 17 days in September 1975. As a president who ascended to his office amid a tumultuous political landscape, Ford's journey is characterized by resilience and significant historical contributions, alongside the dark threat that shadows any leader: assassination.

Early Life and Political Career

Born Leslie Lynch King Jr. on July 14, 1913, in Omaha, Nebraska, Ford’s name was changed by his mother to that of his stepfather, Gerald Rudolff Ford. He grew up in Michigan and made his foray into politics in 1946 when he campaigned for the congressional seat representing Grand Rapids under the Republican banner. Ford's political career began in earnest when he won that seat in 1948, setting the stage for a long tenure in Congress that spanned until 1973.

Ford's contribution to politics was marked by his appointment to the Warren Commission in 1963, which was tasked with investigating the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. His experience in legislative leadership culminated in his role as minority leader in the House of Representatives and eventually led to his nomination as vice president in 1973 following Spiro Agnew's resignation.

Becoming President

Ford's ascension to the presidency occurred on August 9, 1974, after the resignation of Richard Nixon amidst the Watergate scandal. Remarkably, Ford is the only U.S. president who was never elected to either the presidency or the vice presidency, having been appointed as vice president and subsequently assuming the presidency.

During his term, Ford made one of the most controversial decisions in American history: he pardoned Nixon for any crimes committed during his presidency. This decision, delivered in a televised address on September 8, 1974, was seen by many as an act of political compromise that ultimately cost Ford the election in 1976.

The Assassination Attempts

Ford's presidency took a perilous turn in September 1975, when he became the target of two assassination attempts that showcased the volatility of the time. The first attempt occurred on September 5, when Lynette "Squeaky" Fromme, a follower of Charles Manson, approached Ford in Sacramento. Armed with a handgun, she aimed at Ford but was quickly apprehended by Secret Service agent Larry Buendorf, preventing her from shooting.

Seventeen days later, another attempt occurred as Ford was leaving the St. Francis Hotel in San Francisco. Sara Jane Moore, a spectator in the crowd, pointed a revolver at the president. She managed to pull the trigger, but her shot missed. The danger escalated when a retired Marine, Oliver Sipple, intervened and seized the gun, redirecting the bullet into a wall. Moore was captured and later sentenced, serving 32 years before being paroled in 2007.