Chester A. ArthurPresidency |
Why was Arthur embroiled in controversy when President Garfield was shot? |
Charles Guiteau, the assassin that shot President Garfield in July 1881, committed his heinous act in part because he was a strident supporter of the Stalwart wing of the Republican Party. President Garfield was not a Stalwart and Arthur was. Guiteau allegedly said after the shooting: “I did it and will go to jail for it. I am a Stalwart and Arthur will be president.”