June 5 in American History

June 5, 1968 — Robert F. Kennedy is assassinated

Moments after winning the California presidential primary, Senator Robert F. Kennedy was shot in Los Angeles; he died the next day. Coming just two months after the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., his death deepened a sense that 1968 was a year the country was coming apart at the seams. A moment of hope, extinguished.

Common Questions

What happened on June 5 in American history?

In 1968: Robert F. Kennedy is assassinated. Moments after winning the California presidential primary, Senator Robert F.

Why is June 5 significant?

Moments after winning the California presidential primary, Senator Robert F. Kennedy was shot in Los Angeles; he died the next day. Coming just two months after the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., his death deepened a sense that 1968 was a year the country was coming apart at the seams. A moment of hope, extinguished.

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