Understanding Sirhan Bishara Sirhan: The Man Behind The Tragedy

Born on March 19, 1944, in Jerusalem, Mandatory Palestine, Sirhan Bishara Sirhan's life took a dark turn that would echo through history. At the tender age of 12, he relocated to the United States, where he eventually graduated from college in California. However, his life spiraled into notoriety when he objected to Senator Robert Kennedy's support for Israel during the 1967 Six-Day War. This discontent culminated in a tragic act on June 5, 1968, when Sirhan shot and killed Kennedy, an event that would forever change the landscape of American politics.

Sirhan's actions were not just a product of personal grievances but also intertwined with the complex socio-political climate of the time. With a background as a Palestinian Christian and Jordanian citizen, his motivations were deeply rooted in the tumultuous relations between his homeland and the United States. This article delves into Sirhan's early life, the murder of Robert Kennedy, and the subsequent trial that led to his life imprisonment.

As we explore Sirhan's journey, we will uncover the significant events that shaped his life and the repercussions of his actions. His story serves as a reminder of how individual choices can resonate through history, raising questions about responsibility, mental health, and the impacts of political beliefs.

Table of Contents

• Biography of Sirhan Bishara Sirhan
• Early Life and Background
• The Murder of Robert Kennedy
• Trial and Sentencing
• Parole Requests and Ongoing Controversies
• Quick Facts

Biography of Sirhan Bishara Sirhan

Early Life and Background

Sirhan was raised as a Palestinian Christian, experiencing the rich cultural heritage of his homeland before moving to the United States. His journey began in New York, where he initially settled before relocating to California. At 12, he transitioned into a new world, one that was vastly different from Jerusalem.

As he grew up, Sirhan explored various Christian denominations, identifying as a Baptist and Seventh Day Adventist at different points in his life. His search for spiritual fulfillment led him to join the Rosicrucians, a mystical organization that focused on esoteric knowledge and spiritual enlightenment. This period of exploration would shape his worldview and contribute to the complexities of his character.

Additionally, Sirhan worked at the stables of a race track in Arcadia, highlighting a connection to the equestrian culture in California. These experiences, combined with his upbringing, provided a unique perspective on life that would ultimately play a role in the decisions he made later on.

The Murder of Robert Kennedy

On June 5, 1968, Sirhan's life took a fateful turn when he shot and killed Senator Robert Kennedy. The senator was in Los Angeles campaigning for the Democratic presidential nomination after winning the California primary. This event marked a critical moment in American history, as Kennedy was the younger brother of the assassinated President John F. Kennedy, adding layers of tragedy to the situation.

Sirhan shot Kennedy four times, leading to the senator's death just 26 hours later. This shocking act sent ripples through the nation, igniting a public outcry and intense media scrutiny. Many began to question the motives behind Sirhan's actions, leading to a deeper examination of his background and beliefs.

In the years that followed, it was revealed that Sirhan harbored significant resentment towards Kennedy for his support of the Six-Day War in Israel. This resentment became a focal point during the investigation and trial, as authorities pieced together Sirhan's motivations from his personal journals and recorded confessions.

Trial and Sentencing

Sirhan's trial commenced in 1969, where he was captured at the scene and initially confessed to the murder. However, he later pleaded not guilty, claiming diminished capacity due to mental health issues. The judge rejected his plea to change it to guilty, citing incriminating evidence found at his residence.

Despite the arguments from his defense counsel, which suggested mental instability, the jury convicted Sirhan of premeditated murder on April 17, 1969. His initial sentence was death, but this was later commuted to life imprisonment due to a California Supreme Court ruling that abolished the death penalty.

Throughout the trial, Sirhan's behavior raised questions about his mental state, and this would continue to be a point of contention in discussions surrounding his case. Questions about his motives and mental health persist, even decades after the trial.

Parole Requests and Ongoing Controversies

Since his conviction, Sirhan has made numerous requests for parole, all of which have been denied. His legal team argues that he has no recollection of the murder, attributing this to alleged brainwashing by the Rosicrucians or other external influences. The notion of a second shooter also emerged during the discussions, with a witness claiming there was an additional gunman present during the assassination.

Sirhan has expressed remorse for his actions, stating that he has no memory of confessing to the murder during police interrogations or the trial itself. This ongoing narrative raises vital questions about accountability and the psychological factors that can lead to such tragic outcomes.

Quick Facts

• Name: Sirhan Bishara Sirhan
• Birth Date: March 19, 1944
• Birth Place: Jerusalem, Mandatory Palestine
• Notoriety: Murder of Robert F. Kennedy
• Current Status: Serving life imprisonment