Legislation ChangesAfter the JFK Assassination

Gun Control Act of 1968• “Provide support to Federal, State, and local law enforcement officials in their

fight against crime and violence”• First major federal policy to take place since 1938

• Law passed in 1927• Prohibited mailing of concealed firearms to private individuals

• Gun Control Act of 1968• Law passed after assassination of John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King Jr., and Robert

Kennedy• Regulate interstate and foreign commerce of firearms

• What was this law that passed?• How did regulations play a role?

Robert F. Kennedy in Roseburg• “All this legislation does is keep guns from criminals and the demented and those

too young. With all the violence murder and killings we’ve had in the United States, I think you will agree that we must keep firearms from people who have no business with guns or rifles. There’s nothing in it that infringes on any citizen’s right to bear arms,” • Hecklers against RFK• Democratic nominee for president after Kennedy’s death said Kennedy did not

support gun control• After RFK’s assassination, Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Gun Control Act

The Dodd Bill• Senator Thomas Dodd wanted to create the most extensive investigation laws for

gun control• How would the Dodd Bill be so extensive?• In the beginning only covered handguns and not rifles or shotguns until after the

assassination• Was thought to have saved President Kennedy’s life• On August 11, 1964 the bill was postponed and never went into effect

Other Legislation Changes• No riding in open cars• No presidential stroll• Lifetime protection• No denial to Secret Service• Increased security