Nixon White House Tapes › Topic
Nixon Tapes on Assassination attempt
29 conversations · frequently with Nixon, Haldeman, Colson, Bull
When Assassination attempt comes up
Related topics: George WallaceJohn C. StennisPresidential securitySecret ServiceFBILaw enforcementWhite House operationsVietnam WarPresidential communicationPat NixonFBI investigationWilliam P. RogersWhite House protocolWhite House communications
President Nixon met with an unknown individual to discuss the aftermath of the attempted assassination of George Wallace. The participants exchanged commentary on Wallace’s controversial rhetoric, debating the extent to which his political style incited hostility. Additionally, the conversation briefly touched upon Senator Jacob Javits and the political skill of John Connally.
President Nixon met with George Shultz, Caspar Weinberger, and H.R. Haldeman to discuss the immediate aftermath of the attempted assassination of George Wallace and to formalize upcoming cabinet shifts. The group reviewed the details of the shooting and coordinated the administration's public response and schedule. Additionally, Nixon confirmed the appointment of George Shultz as Secretary of the Treasury and Caspar Weinberger as Director of the Office of Management and Budget, emphasizing the necessity of a stringent fiscal policy and budget control.
President Nixon met with Alexander P. Butterfield to receive an urgent update regarding the assassination attempt on Governor George Wallace, including details about the assailant, the victims, and the severity of Wallace’s injuries. Following this, the President consulted with H. R. Haldeman and First Lady Pat Nixon to assess how to handle a scheduled Blue Room reception in light of the national tragedy. They ultimately decided to restrict press access to the event to avoid optics that would appear inappropriate given the gravity of the shooting.
President Nixon and First Lady Pat Nixon discussed the appropriateness of holding a scheduled Blue Room reception following the attempted assassination of George Wallace. Concerned that appearing in a festive public setting while the nation was in crisis would be insensitive, the couple weighed options including cancellation or excluding the press. They ultimately reached a tentative plan for the First Lady to host the event alongside curator Clement Conger while excluding media coverage to maintain decorum.
President Nixon called Cornelia Wallace to express his concern and offer prayers following the assassination attempt on her husband, George Wallace. Mrs. Wallace provided an update on the Governor's condition, noting the presence of a bullet near his spine and ongoing medical complications involving his liver. The President offered encouragement by comparing the resilience of politicians to Theodore Roosevelt's experience after being shot, emphasizing George Wallace's reputation as a fighter.
President Nixon, H. R. Haldeman, Charles Colson, and other staff members met to discuss the immediate aftermath and implications of the assassination attempt on Governor George Wallace. The President expressed intense frustration with the lack of information and the perceived incompetence of the Secret Service, repeatedly ordering his staff to bypass them and mobilize the FBI to take control of the investigation. Nixon specifically emphasized the need to determine the assailant's identity and political motivations—particularly any potential ties to anti-Vietnam War sentiments—to prevent media speculation or a repeat of the perceived failures following the John F. Kennedy assassination.
Secret Service official Thomas J. Kelley briefs H. R. Haldeman and President Nixon on the identification of Arthur Herman Bremer as the suspect in the assassination attempt on Governor George Wallace. Kelley details Bremer’s background, including his purchase of the weapon and prior arrest record, while confirming that no other conspirators are currently suspected. The participants discuss security measures to ensure the suspect’s safety while in custody at the hospital to prevent a situation similar to the murder of Lee Harvey Oswald by Jack Ruby.
Charles W. Colson and Kenneth W. Clawson discuss the ongoing investigation into the attempted assassination of George C. Wallace. Clawson provides intelligence updates, noting that the FBI traced the perpetrator's gun to a recent purchase in Milwaukee by Arthur H. Bremer. Colson instructs Clawson to keep him updated every 15 minutes and to ensure any new findings are immediately relayed to him at the Oval Office.
Following the assassination attempt on Governor George Wallace, President Nixon and his aides, including H. R. Haldeman and Charles Colson, discussed strategies to manipulate public perception of the assailant's political affiliations. They explicitly directed staff to leak a story portraying the gunman as a supporter of Democratic candidates George McGovern and Edward Kennedy to associate the act with the political left. Additionally, the President reviewed the security implications for his own public appearances and coordinated with John Connally regarding future travel assignments.
Attorney General Richard Kleindienst and H.R. Haldeman discuss the aftermath of the attempted assassination of George Wallace. They review the status of Arthur Bremer’s medical examinations, interrogation progress, and a report from W. Mark Felt. The conversation focuses on coordinating the investigation and determining the appropriate scope of federal involvement following the shooting.
President Nixon met with Nellie L. Yates and briefly conferred with FBI Associate Director W. Mark Felt following the attempted assassination of Governor George Wallace. The conversation centered on the implications of the shooting, with Nixon drawing historical parallels to the assassinations of Robert F. Kennedy and the wounding of John B. Connally. Nixon emphasized the need for a thorough FBI investigation to avoid the controversies associated with previous high-profile political shootings.
President Nixon and First Lady Pat Nixon discussed the aftermath of the attempted assassination of George Wallace, specifically reviewing his medical condition and the political ramifications regarding public sentiment. They also coordinated their respective roles and attendance for an upcoming Blue Room reception, including the specific inclusion of Janet Neff. The conversation highlights the personal stress of the political climate and the logistical challenges of maintaining official appearances following the shooting.
President Nixon and Charles Colson briefly discussed the aftermath of the attempted assassination of Governor George Wallace, which had occurred earlier that same day. They exchanged remarks regarding the governor's medical condition and physical injuries, as well as the initial response to the incident. No major policy decisions were made during this short, informal check-in regarding the shooting.
President Nixon and Henry Kissinger discuss the security assessment and handling of the individual responsible for the attempted assassination of Governor George Wallace, who had occurred earlier that day. Nixon expresses concern regarding the potential for leaks and mismanagement, explicitly instructing Kissinger to withhold related information from Secretary of State William Rogers. The conversation focuses on ensuring the matter is handled securely and that the assailant’s radical background is contained without triggering the public scrutiny experienced during previous political assassinations.
President Nixon received a medical update from Dr. William Lukash regarding George C. Wallace's condition following an assassination attempt. Dr. Lukash detailed the three bullet wounds, the successful abdominal surgery, and the critical concern about potential paralysis from a bullet near the spine, with a neurosurgeon set to evaluate the situation. A decision on further surgery or observation for paralysis would be made after a spinal tap and further X-rays, with an update expected within the hour.
President Nixon instructed the White House operator to contact Dr. Lukacs regarding the medical status of George Wallace, who was recently hospitalized following an assassination attempt. During the call, Nixon also inquired about the whereabouts of Henry Kissinger to determine if he was available or currently occupied in a staff meeting. The exchange served primarily to facilitate urgent communication regarding the aftermath of the Wallace shooting and to coordinate the President's internal schedule.
President Nixon and his close associate Bebe Rebozo discuss the recent assassination attempt on Alabama Governor George Wallace, focusing on the assailant’s political background and the public reaction. Nixon notes that he has ordered Secret Service protection for Senator Ted Kennedy and offered the presidential suite for Wallace's potential recuperation. The conversation reflects Nixon’s desire to project a sense of presidential concern and bipartisanship in the wake of the violent incident.
President Nixon discusses the recent assassination attempt on George Wallace with a White House operator, expressing skepticism about the shooter's political affiliation and motives. He highlights his decision to order Secret Service coverage for Ted Kennedy and contrasts the massive security detail assigned to the Kennedy family with his own philosophy on presidential risk. The conversation serves as a reflection on political violence and the logistical challenges of protecting high-profile public figures.
President Nixon met with John Cardinal Krol to discuss the political climate following the attempted assassination of George Wallace, as well as the President’s upcoming summit in the Soviet Union. Nixon explained his decision to maintain public appearances despite the violence, emphasizing his refusal to govern under a climate of fear. The two also addressed the strategic necessity of the U.S. naval blockade in Vietnam and the positive signals regarding the stability of the Soviet summit.
President Nixon consulted with his physician, Dr. William M. Lukash, regarding the medical prognosis of Governor George Wallace following his recent assassination attempt. Dr. Lukash advised that there was a high likelihood of paralysis, noting the unpredictability of Wallace's recovery. Nixon concluded the brief call by arranging to contact the governor later that day through the White House operator.
President Nixon and Charles Colson discuss the political fallout and public relations surrounding the recent assassination attempt on George Wallace. They evaluate the administration’s response to Wallace’s injury, the impact of busing as a political issue, and strategies for maintaining a strong stance on the ongoing bombing campaign in Indochina. Nixon emphasizes his intent to avoid appearing to back down in the face of international criticism, reinforcing a firm diplomatic line regarding the Soviet Union.
President Nixon consulted his physician, William M. Lukash, to receive a medical update on George C. Wallace following his recent assassination attempt. Lukash reported that while Wallace’s morale was improving and he was gaining weight, his paralysis appeared to be permanent and he continued to struggle with a localized infection. The President concluded the call by instructing Lukash to inform the Wallace family that he had inquired about the governor’s condition and expressed his support.
Henry Kissinger informs President Nixon that Senator John Stennis was shot twice during a robbery outside his home and is currently undergoing surgery at Walter Reed Army Hospital. The two discuss the potential political implications of the shooting, specifically noting that the incident elevates Senator Stuart Symington to acting chairman of the Armed Services Committee. Nixon decides to personally contact Mrs. Stennis to express his concern regarding the Senator’s condition.
On January 30, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and the White House operator talked on the telephone at an unknown time between 9:01 pm and 9:07 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 036-128 of the White House Tapes.
President Nixon consulted with Stephen B. Bull to gather additional details regarding the shooting of Senator John C. Stennis. Bull provided updates on the Senator's injuries, his status in exploratory surgery, and the circumstances surrounding what appeared to be an attempted robbery. The call served to ensure the President was accurately informed before he placed a follow-up outreach call to Mrs. Stennis.
President Nixon called Coy H. Stennis to express his concern and offer support following the shooting of Senator John C. Stennis during a robbery outside his home. Mrs. Stennis recounted the details of the attack, describing the young assailants and confirming that the Senator remained conscious after being struck. President Nixon emphasized the Senator's vital importance to the country and instructed his medical team to ensure the Senator received the highest level of care at Walter Reed Army Hospital.
President Nixon spoke with Coy Stennis to express his concern and offer support following the attempted assassination of Senator John C. Stennis. The discussion focused on the senator’s medical status, the circumstances of the shooting, and the importance of his recovery to the nation. Nixon affirmed the significance of the senator’s role in government and committed to visiting him once his condition allowed.
On January 30, 1973, President Richard M. Nixon and Stephen B. Bull talked on the telephone from 9:17 pm to 9:18 pm. The White House Telephone taping system captured this recording, which is known as Conversation 036-132 of the White House Tapes.