Charles J. Guiteau In 1881 Guiteau assassinated Pres. James A. Garfield. (more) Charles J. Guiteau Discover the true story of the man who assassinated Pres. James A. Garfield. Ask the Chatbot a Question More Actions Share Share Share to social media Facebook X URL https://www.britannica.com/biography/Charles-J-Guiteau Feedback Corrections? Updates? Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Feedback Type Select a type (Required) Factual Correction Spelling/Grammar Correction Link Correction Additional Information Other Your Feedback Submit Feedback Thank you for your feedback Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

　　External Websites Ask the Chatbot a Question Written by Written by Amy Tikkanen Amy Tikkanen is Managing Editor at Encyclopaedia Britannica. Amy Tikkanen Fact-checked by Fact-checked by Britannica Editors Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... Britannica Editors Last updated Nov. 5, 2025 •History Table of Contents Table of Contents Ask the Chatbot Charles J. Guiteau (born September 8, 1841, Freeport, Illinois, U.S.—died June 30, 1882, District of Columbia Jail, Washington, D.C.) was a lawyer and aspiring politician who assassinated Pres. James A. Garfield. Guiteau, who experienced mental instability, believed that he had helped Garfield win the 1880 election and was angry when the president refused to grant him a foreign consulship. On July 2, 1881, Guiteau shot Garfield two times, and the president died on September 19....

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