Robert Kennedy Sr vs Jr: Assassination, Health, and Family Facts

When someone says “Robert Kennedy,” which one comes to mind? The U.S. senator and attorney general gunned down in 1968, or the environmental lawyer turned health secretary? The confusion is understandable—father and son share the exact same name, but their lives couldn’t be more different. This article lays out the key facts, from the assassination that shocked the nation to the health controversies that followed the younger Kennedy, so you can keep them straight.

Robert F. Kennedy Sr – Born: November 20, 1925 ·
Robert F. Kennedy Sr – Assassinated: June 5, 1968 ·
Robert F. Kennedy Sr – Shots fired: 3 ·
Robert F. Kennedy Jr – Born: January 17, 1954 ·
Robert F. Kennedy Jr – Health conditions: Spasmodic dysphonia, brain worm

Here’s a quick reference for the key differences between father and son.

Why was Robert Kennedy shot?

On June 5, 1968, Robert F. Kennedy had just won the California Democratic primary. As he walked through the pantry of the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles, a 24-year-old Palestinian immigrant named Sirhan Sirhan opened fire. Kennedy was struck three times, once fatally behind the right ear (JFK Library).

Who shot Robert Kennedy?

• The shooter was Sirhan Bishara Sirhan (Wikipedia).
• Sirhan was convicted of first-degree murder and is serving life in prison.

What was the motive behind the assassination?

Sirhan’s trial revealed that he was angered by Kennedy’s support for Israel during the 1968 presidential campaign. In his notebook, investigators found repeated entries: “RFK must die.” (JFK Library). Some conspiracy theories suggest a second gunman or a broader plot, but official records point to Sirhan acting alone (Wikipedia).

Where did the shooting take place?

The assassination occurred in the kitchen pantry of the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles, California (JFK Library).

The implication: The motive was political, tied to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict of the late 1960s. While the core facts are clear, decades of speculation have kept the case in the public eye.

How is JFK related to Robert Kennedy?

John F. Kennedy and Robert F. Kennedy were brothers. Robert was the seventh child of Joseph P. Kennedy and Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy (JFK Library).

Were they brothers?

Yes. John was the second eldest, Robert the seventh. Both served in the administration – John as president, Robert as attorney general from 1961 to 1964 (JFK Library).

What was Robert Kennedy’s role in JFK’s administration?

Robert served as U.S. Attorney General and was widely seen as JFK’s closest advisor and confidant (JFK Library).

How did JFK’s assassination affect Robert Kennedy?

The death of his brother on November 22, 1963, devastated Robert. He stayed on as attorney general under President Lyndon B. Johnson but resigned in 1964. He was elected U.S. Senator from New York in 1964 and eventually ran for president in 1968 (Wikipedia).

What this means: The Kennedy brother bond shaped American history. Robert’s drive for the presidency was directly fueled by John’s assassination.

How long did Robert Kennedy live after he was shot?

Robert F. Kennedy was shot at approximately 12:15 a.m. on June 5, 1968. He died 25 hours later, at 1:44 a.m. on June 6, 1968 (JFK Library).

What time was Robert Kennedy shot?

The shooting occurred shortly after midnight, around 12:15 a.m. on June 5.

When did he die?

He was pronounced dead at Good Samaritan Hospital at 1:44 a.m. on June 6, 1968 (JFK Library).

What were his injuries?

Kennedy was shot three times. One bullet entered behind his right ear and lodged in his brain, causing fatal damage. Two other bullets struck him in the shoulder and the back (Wikipedia – medical details).

The pattern: Despite swift medical attention, the brain injury was too severe for 1968 medicine. He survived just over a day, long enough for the nation to watch in horror.

What caused RFK’s spasmodic dysphonia?

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was diagnosed with spasmodic dysphonia in the 1990s (Colorado Sun). The condition causes involuntary spasms of the vocal cords, leading to a strained, strangled voice.

What is spasmodic dysphonia?

It is a neurological disorder that affects the larynx. The vocal cords contract involuntarily, making speech difficult and often halting (Britannica – medical reference).

When did RFK Jr develop it?

Kennedy Jr. has said his symptoms began in his late 30s, and he received a formal diagnosis in the early 1990s (Colorado Sun).

How is it treated?

Current treatment includes regular botox injections into the vocal cords and speech therapy (Britannica). These treatments help relax the muscles but do not cure the condition.

The catch: RFK Jr.’s voice has become one of his most recognizable traits. It has also fueled public scrutiny, especially as he took on a national health role.

Could RFK have survived today?

The fatal bullet that hit Robert F. Kennedy behind the right ear caused massive brain trauma. In 1968, CT scans and advanced neurosurgery did not exist. Modern neurocritical care might have improved his chances, but experts say survival was far from guaranteed (Wikipedia – medical context).

What were the critical injuries?

The most critical was the bullet that entered behind his right ear and destroyed significant brain tissue. That injury was immediately life-threatening.

What modern medical techniques could have saved him?

Today, surgeons could use CT and MRI to locate the bullet precisely, perform craniotomy to relieve pressure, and use advanced neuroimaging to minimize damage. But the initial impact may have been too great (Britannica – medical analysis).

How do survival rates for similar injuries compare?

For penetrating gunshot wounds to the head, modern survival rates vary widely. One study from 2023 shows about 30–50% survival for similar injuries, but those are often with less extensive brain damage. Kennedy’s injury was catastrophic.

The trade-off: Modern medicine might have extended his life, but the odds of full recovery were low. The 1968 medical team did what they could, but the era’s limitations were fatal.

For readers trying to separate the two Robert Kennedys, the lesson is simple: don’t let the same name fool you. The father’s story is one of tragedy and martyrdom, cut short by an assassin’s bullet. The son’s is one of controversy and survival, with a voice that betrays a neurological disorder and a career that has taken him to the highest levels of health policy. Readers can now confidently distinguish the two Robert Kennedys, knowing the facts behind each legacy.