50 Years On: Unfired Pistol Marks Anniversary of Failed Ford Assassination Attempt

Sacramento, California – The 50th anniversary of the failed assassination attempt on President Gerald Ford by Lynette "Squeaky" Fromme was observed yesterday, September 5, 2025, recalling a pivotal moment in U.S. history. On September 5, 1975, Fromme pointed a Colt M1911 pistol at President Ford on the grounds of the California State Capitol building, but the weapon did not fire. The incident highlighted the vulnerabilities faced by public figures and the turbulent political climate of the mid-1970s.

According to a tweet by Jon Hartley, "Today marks the 50 years since the failed assassination attempt of President Gerald Ford in Sacramento when on September 5, 1975, Lynette 'Squeaky' Fromme, pointed a M1911 pistol at Ford on the grounds of the California State Capitol building & unsuccessfully attempted to fire." Fromme, a follower of Charles Manson, was quickly apprehended by Secret Service agent Larry Buendorf. The pistol, loaded with a magazine, did not have a round in its chamber, preventing it from firing.

Fromme stated her motive was to draw attention to environmental pollution and its effects on "ATWA" (Air, Trees, Water, Animals), a philosophy linked to Charles Manson. She was convicted of attempted assassination of a U.S. president and sentenced to life in prison. Despite her claims that she was "not determined to kill the guy," her actions led to a landmark federal conviction.

President Ford, known for his calm demeanor, continued his schedule immediately after the incident. He famously declared, "I will not be driven from the public," a stance that was widely praised and helped reassure a nation still grappling with the aftermath of Watergate. Just 17 days later, Ford faced a second assassination attempt in San Francisco by Sara Jane Moore, which also failed.

Fromme served 34 years in prison, including additional time for an escape attempt in 1987, before being paroled on August 14, 2009. She moved to Marcy, New York, following her release. In a 2019 interview, she reaffirmed her continued allegiance to Charles Manson, stating, "Was I in love with Charlie? Yeah, [...] I still am."

The anniversary serves as a reminder of the extraordinary challenges faced by President Ford during his tenure. The M1911 pistol used in the attempt is now part of the collection at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum in Grand Rapids, Michigan, preserving the historical significance of the event.