Charles J. Guiteau was an American lawyer and writer, best known for assassinating President James A. Garfield in 1881. Guiteau believed that he played a crucial role in Garfield's election and expected to be rewarded with a government position. When his requests were ignored, he decided to take drastic action. On July 2, 1881, Guiteau shot Garfield at a train station in Washington, D.C.. The president succumbed to his injuries on September 19, 1881, leading to Guiteau's arrest and subsequent trial. He was found guilty of murder and executed by hanging on June 30, 1882.