Who was President when MLK was assassinated?
When Martin Luther King Jr. was tragically assassinated on April 4, 1968, Lyndon B. Johnson was the President of the United States.
The Presidency of Lyndon B. Johnson
Lyndon B. Johnson, often referred to as LBJ, served as the 36th President of the United States from 1963 to 1969. His presidency was a period of significant social and political upheaval, marked by both the escalation of the Vietnam War and groundbreaking civil rights legislation.
MLK's Assassination and the National Response
Dr. King was pronounced dead at St. Joseph's Hospital at 7:05 P.M. on April 4, 1968, following the shooting in Memphis, Tennessee. The assassination sent shockwaves across the nation and the world, triggering a wave of grief, protests, and riots in numerous cities.
In response to the profound loss and to honor the slain civil rights leader, President Johnson declared a national day of mourning. This somber observance was set for April 7, allowing the nation to collectively grieve and reflect on Dr. King's legacy. Johnson, who had signed the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, recognized the immense impact of King's nonviolent struggle for equality.
Key Presidential Actions During the Crisis
- Calling for Calm: Amidst the nationwide unrest, President Johnson appealed for calm and urged Americans to continue King's work of peace and justice.
- Congressional Address: Shortly after the assassination, Johnson delivered a televised address to the nation and a joint session of Congress, emphasizing the need for unity and the pursuit of racial equality.
- Fair Housing Act: Just days after King's death, President Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act of 1968, also known as the Fair Housing Act, into law. This legislation prohibited discrimination in the sale, rental, and financing of housing based on race, religion, national origin, and sex. Its passage was seen by many as a tribute to King's lifelong fight for an equitable society.
President Johnson's term was deeply intertwined with the Civil Rights Movement, and his actions following King's assassination underscored his administration's commitment to advancing the cause of civil rights.
Timeline of Key Events
| Event | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Martin Luther King Jr. Assassinated | April 4, 1968 | Dr. King shot and killed in Memphis, TN. |
| National Day of Mourning Declared | April 5, 1968 | President Lyndon B. Johnson calls for a day of mourning on April 7th. |
| Civil Rights Act of 1968 Signed | April 11, 1968 | President Johnson signs the Fair Housing Act into law. |
For more information on Lyndon B. Johnson's presidency, you can visit the White House Archives.
