The culprit was Charles J. Guiteau or Freeport, Illinois. He practiced law in Chicago and started an unsuccessful law firm. He briefly became a preacher before he turned to politics. He wrote a speech in support of candidate Garfield. The speech was delivered at most twice, but Guiteau believed he was responsible for Garfield's victory. He demanded to be made an ambassador, but his requests were rebuffed and eventually told to never return to the Secretary of State.
Angry, he bought a gun. He had the choice between a revolver with a wooden grip or one with an ivory grip. He chose the ivory grip because he wanted it to look nice when it was eventually displayed in a museum.
He then stalked President Garfield until he had a chance one day at a railroad station. Guiteau shot Garfield in the back twice before handing himself to the authorities. He was later executed by hanging.
