Sirhan Sirhan
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Sirhan Sirhan is known as the convicted assassin of Senator Robert F. Kennedy, a prominent political figure and presidential candidate in the 1968 U.S. election.
Quick Facts
- Birth Date
- 19 Mar, 1944
- Age
- 76 yrs
- Occupations
- Groom
Show all facts
- Citizenship
- Jordan
State of Palestine - Birth Place
- Jerusalem
- Education
- John Muir High School
Pasadena City College - Gender
- Male
Early Life and Education
Sirhan Bishara Sirhan was born on March 19, 1944, in Jerusalem, during the British Mandate of Palestine. Raised in a Palestinian Christian family, Sirhan held Jordanian citizenship at birth. When he was 12 years old, his family immigrated to the United States, initially settling in New York before relocating to California. He later attended Pasadena City College.
Religious Beliefs and Employment
Sirhan explored various religious paths during his youth and early adulthood. Although raised as a Christian, he explored several denominations, including Baptist and Seventh-day Adventist traditions. He also became affiliated with the Rosicrucians, a metaphysical organization with occult influences. Professionally, Sirhan worked as a stable hand at the Santa Anita Park Racetrack in Arcadia, California.
Personal Life
There is limited public information about Sirhan’s personal relationships or close associates. Following his arrest, no individuals have publicly identified themselves as relatives or close acquaintances willing to discuss his private life.
Assassination of Robert F. Kennedy
On June 5, 1968, Sirhan Sirhan fatally shot Senator Robert F. Kennedy at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles. Kennedy had just given a victory speech after winning the California Democratic primary. He was the younger brother of President John F. Kennedy and had served as U.S. Attorney General. Sirhan shot Kennedy multiple times at close range; Kennedy died from his injuries approximately 26 hours later. Five other individuals were also wounded during the shooting but survived.
Sirhan was arrested at the scene and later convicted of first-degree murder in 1969. Initially sentenced to death, his penalty was commuted to life imprisonment in 1972 following the California Supreme Court’s decision to invalidate the state’s death penalty law. During the investigation and trial, prosecutors cited Sirhan’s personal writings and recorded statements that revealed his opposition to Kennedy’s pro-Israel stance, particularly regarding U.S. support during the Six-Day War. These materials were key in establishing his motive.
