Squeaky Fromme, a member of the infamous Manson Family cult, attempted to assassinate President Gerald Ford on September 5, 1975. She approached Ford while he was walking in a crowd in Sacramento, California, and pointed a loaded handgun at him. Fortunately, the gun did not discharge, and Secret Service agents were able to quickly subdue her and prevent any harm to the President. Fromme's assassination attempt was motivated by her devotion to cult leader Charles Manson, who she believed was a Messiah figure. She saw Ford as a symbol of the establishment that Manson preached against, and she hoped that by killing him, she could ignite a race war that Manson had prophesied. This shocking event highlighted the dangers of radical ideologies and the influence that charismatic leaders can have over vulnerable individuals. Fromme's actions were a stark reminder of the potential for violence that can arise from extreme beliefs and blind devotion to a charismatic leader. Despite her failed attempt, Fromme was convicted of attempted assassination and sentenced to life in prison. She was later released on parole in 2009 after serving 34 years behind bars. The incident also led to increased security measures for the President and other government officials to prevent similar attacks in the future. The story of Squeaky Fromme and her attempt to assassinate President Ford remains a chilling reminder of the impact of radical ideologies and the dangers of extremist beliefs. It serves as a cautionary tale about the power of charismatic leaders to manipulate and control their followers, leading them to commit heinous acts in the name of their cause. For more information on Squeaky Fromme and the Manson Family cult, you can visit [this link](https://www.biography.com/crime-figure/lynette-squeaky-fromme) for a detailed overview of the case. Additionally, you can explore [this article](https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/lynette-squeaky-fromme-tries-to-assassinate-president-ford) for more information on the events leading up to the assassination attempt and its aftermath.

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