Sirhan Bishara Sirhan is a Palestinian-Jordanian man whose name became internationally known on June 5, 1968, when he assassinated U.S. Senator Robert F. Kennedy in Los Angeles. The killing shocked the United States and the world, occurring just five years after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, Robert’s older brother. Sirhan was immediately arrested and later convicted of first-degree murder, receiving the death penalty—later commuted to life imprisonment. Over half a century later, many still ask: Is Sirhan Sirhan still alive?
This article provides a factual, comprehensive, and respectful account of Sirhan Sirhan’s current life status, his time in prison, legal history, public perception, and the broader context of his actions and legacy.
Is Sirhan Sirhan Still Alive in 2025?
Yes, Sirhan Sirhan is still alive as of 2025.
Now 81 years old, Sirhan remains incarcerated in California, where he has spent more than five decades behind bars. Despite multiple parole hearings over the years, and even a brief period where parole was granted, Sirhan remains in custody. His name continues to evoke strong emotions and debate surrounding political violence, justice, and forgiveness.
Who Is Sirhan Sirhan?
Sirhan Bishara Sirhan was born on March 19, 1944, in Jerusalem, which was then under British rule as part of the British Mandate of Palestine. He immigrated with his family to the United States in the 1950s, settling in California.
He became a U.S. resident and lived an unremarkable early life, working various jobs and studying at Pasadena City College. Over time, Sirhan grew increasingly politicized, particularly around the issue of U.S. foreign policy and its relationship with Israel. His radicalization culminated in his decision to assassinate Senator Robert F. Kennedy, who had just won the California Democratic presidential primary.
The Assassination of Robert F. Kennedy
On June 5, 1968, Senator Robert F. Kennedy was giving a victory speech at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles following his win in the California primary. Shortly after midnight, as Kennedy exited through the hotel kitchen, Sirhan Sirhan approached him and opened fire with a .22 caliber revolver.
Key Facts:
- Kennedy was shot multiple times and died the following day, June 6, 1968.
- Five other people were injured in the shooting.
- Sirhan was tackled and disarmed at the scene by hotel staff and bodyguards.
- He later confessed to the crime, expressing anger over Kennedy’s pro-Israel stance.
The killing occurred during a period of extreme political and social unrest in the United States and had a devastating impact on the 1968 presidential election and national psyche.
Trial, Conviction, and Sentencing
Sirhan Sirhan was tried in 1969 for first-degree murder and was found guilty. The court initially sentenced him to death, but in 1972, the California Supreme Court ruled that the death penalty as it was applied at the time was unconstitutional.
Sentence:
- Death penalty commuted to life imprisonment with the possibility of parole.
- Sirhan has been serving his sentence in various California state prisons since then.
His trial and conviction were widely covered in the media, and he has remained one of the most high-profile political prisoners in the United States.
Prison Life and Behavior
Over the decades, Sirhan has been held in several correctional institutions, including:
- San Quentin State Prison
- Corcoran State Prison
- Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego (as of recent years)
Notable Aspects of His Incarceration:
- Sirhan has generally been described as a model prisoner.
- He has completed educational courses, including philosophy and theology.
- In interviews and parole hearings, he has expressed remorse, though inconsistently.
Sirhan has claimed memory loss regarding the assassination, stating that he does not recall the moment of the shooting. This claim has been met with skepticism from prosecutors and some members of the Kennedy family.
Parole Hearings and Legal Developments
Sirhan Sirhan has appeared before the parole board more than 15 times since becoming eligible for parole.
Significant Parole Events:
- In August 2021, a California parole board recommended Sirhan for parole after more than 50 years in prison. This decision came after he expressed regret and was considered low risk due to his age and behavior.
- However, in January 2022, California Governor Gavin Newsom reversed the parole board’s decision, citing public safety concerns and Sirhan’s lack of full accountability.
Newsom’s decision was met with mixed reactions. Some of Kennedy’s surviving children supported the parole, while others—such as Kerry Kennedy—strongly opposed it.
As of 2025, Sirhan remains incarcerated, and no new parole date has been publicly set.
Public Perception and Controversies
Sirhan Sirhan remains a controversial figure in American history. While he admitted to killing Robert F. Kennedy, his motivations, mental state, and the possibility of a broader conspiracy have been the subject of ongoing speculation.
Key Public Debates:
- Conspiracy Theories: Some researchers and eyewitnesses believe that more than one shooter may have been involved. This theory has been repeatedly investigated but remains unproven.
- Mental Health: Sirhan’s mental state at the time of the assassination and throughout his incarceration has been examined in various reports.
- Political Motivation: Sirhan has cited Kennedy’s support for Israel during the Six-Day War as a key motivator for the assassination.
The Kennedy family remains divided on the issue of Sirhan’s parole and legacy. Some call for mercy and rehabilitation, while others argue that releasing him would be a miscarriage of justice.
Legal Representation and Advocacy
Over the years, Sirhan Sirhan has been represented by numerous attorneys and supported by advocates who argue for his release or retrial.
Legal Arguments Often Include:
- The claim that Sirhan was mentally unwell or under hypnotic suggestion
- The assertion of withheld evidence or forensic inconsistencies
- Challenges to the fairness of his original trial
To date, none of these legal arguments have resulted in a new trial or sentence reversal.
Current Health and Living Conditions
At 81 years old, Sirhan Sirhan is elderly and faces age-related health challenges common among long-term inmates. While detailed medical records are private, it has been reported that:
- He receives routine healthcare within the prison system.
- He has no known history of violent behavior in custody.
- His mobility and physical capacity have reportedly declined in recent years.
His advanced age has become a focal point for some parole advocates who argue that he poses no public safety threat.
Broader Historical Significance
The assassination of Robert F. Kennedy remains one of the most pivotal events in American political history. It not only altered the trajectory of the 1968 presidential race but also deeply affected the national mood in a year already marked by political unrest and tragedy.
Sirhan Sirhan’s actions contributed to:
- The shift in public discourse on gun violence and political security
- Heightened fears of domestic and political terrorism
- Lasting changes in Secret Service protocol and political campaign protection
His life has been the subject of documentaries, books, and scholarly analysis, reflecting the continued fascination with one of the 20th century’s most notorious political crimes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sirhan Sirhan still alive in 2025?
Yes, Sirhan Sirhan is alive and remains incarcerated in California at the age of 81.
Where is Sirhan Sirhan now?
As of 2025, he is being held at a California correctional facility, most recently reported at Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility.
Why did Sirhan Sirhan assassinate Robert F. Kennedy?
Sirhan claimed he was angered by Kennedy’s support for Israel during the Six-Day War and said this motivated the assassination.
Has Sirhan Sirhan ever been released from prison?
No. Although parole was briefly granted in 2021, it was overturned in 2022 by California Governor Gavin Newsom.
What sentence did Sirhan Sirhan receive?
He was sentenced to death in 1969, but the sentence was commuted to life imprisonment in 1972 after California abolished the death penalty.
Is there any chance he will be paroled?
While parole remains legally possible, it is uncertain. His previous parole approval was reversed, and future decisions will depend on legal reviews and public policy considerations.
Conclusion
So, is Sirhan Sirhan still alive? Yes—but his life has been confined to prison walls for over 55 years. As the man who assassinated a promising presidential candidate and national figure, Sirhan’s name remains intertwined with one of America’s most painful political tragedies. While debates continue about justice, redemption, and accountability, his actions in 1968 continue to reverberate through history.
In 2025, Sirhan Sirhan lives not just as a prisoner, but as a symbol in the ongoing discourse around violence, politics, forgiveness, and the long reach of historical trauma.