James A. Garfield, the 20th President of the United States, was assassinated on July 2, 1881, by Charles J. Guiteau, a disgruntled office seeker. The assassination took place at the Baltimore and Potomac Railroad Station, located at 6th Street and Constitution Avenue NW in Washington, D.C., as Garfield was preparing to leave for a summer vacation. Guiteau, who had repeatedly been denied a government position, approached Garfield from behind and shot him twice, once in the arm and once in the back. Garfield was immediately attended to by doctors and was later moved to the White House, where he endured a prolonged struggle with his injuries.

Despite the efforts of numerous physicians, Garfield's condition worsened over the following weeks, exacerbated by infections caused by unsanitary medical practices. On September 6, 1881, he was moved to the New Jersey seaside in hopes that the fresh air and cooler temperatures would aid in his recovery, but his health continued to decline. President Garfield succumbed to his wounds on September 19, 1881, making him the second U.S. president to be assassinated. His death highlighted the need for reforms in the medical field and the civil service system, leading to the eventual passage of the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act in 1883.

Sources:

1. Miller Center, University of Virginia. "James A. Garfield: Assassination." Miller Center. https://millercenter.org/president/garfield/assassination
2. History.com Editors. "James A. Garfield is shot." History.com. https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/james-a-garfield-shot