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Today in History: Sirhan Sirhan convicted for Robert F. Kennedy assassination

4/17/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On April 17, 1969, Sirhan Sirhan was convicted of first-degree murder for assassinating U.S. Senator Robert F. Kennedy on June 5, 1968. The 24-year-old Sirhan shot Kennedy at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles, leading to his death the next day. Initially sentenced to death, his punishment was later commuted to life in prison.

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Story summary

On April 17, 1969, Sirhan Sirhan was convicted of first-degree murder for assassinating U.S. Senator Robert F. Kennedy on June 5, 1968. The 24-year-old Sirhan shot Kennedy at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles, leading to his death the next day. Initially sentenced to death, his punishment was later commuted to life in prison.