What happened to Charles J. Guiteau after the assassination?

verifiedCite
While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions.
Select Citation Style
Feedback
Corrections? Updates? Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login).
Thank you for your feedback

Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

External Websites

On July 2, 1881, Charles J. Guiteau shot Pres. James A. Garfield. Guiteau peaceably surrendered to police, announcing, “I am a Stalwart. [Chester A.] Arthur is now president of the United States.” After Garfield died in September, Guiteau was charged with murder. The trial began in November 1881, and Guiteau pleaded insanity. Some later experts believe he suffered from schizophrenia, and his behavior in the courtroom suggested mental instability. He notably gave answers in the form of poems during his testimony. Nevertheless, on January 25, 1882, Guiteau was found guilty, and he was later sentenced to death. After reciting a poem he had written, “I Am Going to the Lordy,” Guiteau was executed by hanging on June 30, 1882.