37 Facts About Sara Jane Moore

Who is Sara Jane Moore?

Sara Jane Moore is a name that resonates in American history due to her infamous attempt to assassinate President Gerald Ford in 1975. Her life story is filled with twists and turns that make her a fascinating figure to study. Let's delve into some intriguing facts about her.

1. Born in Charleston, West Virginia
   Sara Jane Moore was born on February 15, 1930, in Charleston, West Virginia. Her early life was relatively unremarkable, but she would later become a household name.

2. Worked as a bookkeeper
   Before her criminal activities, Moore worked as a bookkeeper. This job gave her a sense of normalcy and stability, which contrasted sharply with her later actions.

3. Married five times
   Moore had a tumultuous personal life, marrying five times. Each marriage ended in divorce, reflecting her unstable personal relationships.

4. Mother of four children
   She had four children, though her relationships with them were strained due to her erratic behavior and criminal activities.

5. Joined radical groups
   In the 1970s, Moore became involved with radical political groups. Her associations with these groups influenced her decision to attempt an assassination.

The Assassination Attempt

Sara Jane Moore's most notorious act was her attempt to assassinate President Gerald Ford. This event shocked the nation and left an indelible mark on American history.

6. Attempted assassination on September 22, 1975
   Moore tried to shoot President Ford on September 22, 1975, in San Francisco, California. Her actions were part of a turbulent period in American politics.

7. Used a .38 caliber revolver
   She used a .38 caliber revolver in her assassination attempt. The weapon was easily concealed, making it a popular choice for such acts.

8. Missed her target
   Moore missed President Ford by a mere six inches. Her failure to hit the target was due to a bystander, Oliver Sipple, who intervened.

9. Arrested immediately
   She was arrested immediately after the attempt. Her quick capture prevented any further danger to the President.

10. Pled guilty to attempted assassination
    Moore pled guilty to the charge of attempted assassination. Her plea led to a swift sentencing.

Life in Prison

After her conviction, Sara Jane Moore spent many years in prison. Her time behind bars was marked by reflection and eventual release.

11. Sentenced to life in prison
    Moore received a life sentence for her crime. This sentence reflected the severity of her actions.

12. Incarcerated at the Federal Correctional Institution in Dublin, California
    She served her sentence at the Federal Correctional Institution in Dublin, California. This facility housed many high-profile inmates.

13. Parole denied multiple times
    Moore's requests for parole were denied multiple times. Authorities considered her a continued threat to society.

14. Released on December 31, 2007
    After serving 32 years, Moore was released on December 31, 2007. Her release was met with mixed reactions from the public.

15. Expressed regret for her actions
    Upon her release, Moore expressed regret for her actions. She acknowledged the gravity of her crime and its impact on the nation.

Post-Prison Life

After her release, Sara Jane Moore attempted to lead a quieter life. However, her past continued to follow her.

16. Lived in a halfway house
    Following her release, Moore lived in a halfway house. This arrangement helped her transition back into society.

17. Changed her name
    To escape her notorious past, Moore changed her name. This change was an attempt to start anew.

18. Avoided public attention
    Moore largely avoided public attention after her release. She sought to live a life away from the media spotlight.

19. Health issues
    In her later years, Moore faced several health issues. These problems further isolated her from the public eye.

20. Remained under supervision
    Despite her release, Moore remained under supervision. Authorities kept a close watch on her activities to ensure public safety.

Legacy and Impact

Sara Jane Moore's actions left a lasting impact on American society and politics. Her story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of radicalization.

21. Increased security for Presidents
    Her assassination attempt led to increased security measures for Presidents. The Secret Service implemented new protocols to prevent similar incidents.

22. Public fascination
    Moore's story continues to fascinate the public. Books, documentaries, and articles have been written about her life and actions.

23. Influenced pop culture
    Her actions have influenced pop culture, appearing in various forms of media. Movies, TV shows, and even plays have depicted her story.

24. Subject of psychological studies
    Psychologists have studied Moore's behavior to understand the mindset of political assassins. Her case provides valuable insights into the psychology of radicalization.

25. Symbol of the 1970s political turmoil
    Moore's actions symbolize the political turmoil of the 1970s. Her story is often cited in discussions about that turbulent decade.

Interesting Tidbits

Beyond her infamous act, there are several lesser-known facts about Sara Jane Moore that add depth to her story.

26. Briefly worked as an FBI informant
    Before her assassination attempt, Moore briefly worked as an FBI informant. Her role was to infiltrate radical groups, but she eventually became radicalized herself.

27. Inspired by Patty Hearst
    Moore was inspired by Patty Hearst, another infamous figure from the 1970s. Hearst's kidnapping and subsequent radicalization fascinated Moore.

28. Had a troubled childhood
    Her troubled childhood contributed to her later actions. She experienced instability and neglect, which shaped her worldview.

29. Attempted suicide in prison
    During her time in prison, Moore attempted suicide. This act reflected her deep remorse and mental anguish.

30. Maintained correspondence with other radicals
    While incarcerated, Moore maintained correspondence with other radicals. These letters provided insight into her continued political beliefs.

Final Facts

As we wrap up, here are a few more facts that round out the complex portrait of Sara Jane Moore.

31. Studied law in prison
    Moore studied law while in prison. This education helped her understand the legal system and advocate for herself.

32. Participated in prison programs
    She participated in various prison programs aimed at rehabilitation. These programs helped her cope with her incarceration.

33. Received psychological counseling
    Moore received psychological counseling during her imprisonment. This counseling addressed her mental health issues.

34. Wrote a memoir
    She wrote a memoir detailing her life and actions. The memoir provided a firsthand account of her motivations and regrets.

35. Interviewed by major media outlets
    After her release, Moore was interviewed by major media outlets. These interviews shed light on her current views and reflections.

36. Continued to follow politics
    Despite her past, Moore continued to follow politics. She remained interested in the political landscape and its developments.

37. Legacy of controversy
    Moore's legacy remains controversial. While some view her as a misguided radical, others see her as a cautionary tale about the dangers of extremism.

Final Thoughts on Sara Jane Moore

Sara Jane Moore's life is a mix of unexpected twists and turns. From her early days as a nursing student to her radical transformation into an FBI informant and eventually an attempted assassin, her story is anything but ordinary. Her actions on that fateful day in 1975 left a mark on American history, reminding us how unpredictable human behavior can be.

Moore's attempt on President Ford's life was a wake-up call about the vulnerabilities even the most protected individuals face. Her subsequent imprisonment and release also highlight the complexities of the justice system. While some view her as a misguided individual, others see her as a symbol of the turbulent times she lived through.

Understanding Moore's life offers a glimpse into a period of American history filled with political unrest and social change. Her story remains a fascinating chapter in the annals of true crime.