Lectures in History Geri Spieler on Housewife Assassin: The True Story Behind a Suburban Double Life
Nov 23, 2025
Geri Spieler, an author and journalist, delves into the life of Sara Jane Moore, who attempted to assassinate President Ford in 1975. Geri shares her firsthand experiences meeting Moore in prison and details the shocking demeanor she exhibited. The conversation explores Moore's radical connections, motivations behind her actions, and her complex personal life, including multiple marriages. Geri also reveals FBI insights suggesting Moore acted as a double agent, shedding light on the tangled web of radical movements and agency failures surrounding this historical moment.
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First Meeting In Prison
- Geri Spieler met Sarah Jane Moore in Terminal Island prison and was surprised by her ordinary demeanor.
- Moore presented as charming and familiar, not as the stereotypical presidential assassin.
A Six-Inch Error Prevented Tragedy
- Sarah Jane Moore fired at President Ford from the St. Francis Hotel but missed because the gun sight was off by six inches.
- FBI agent Richard Vitamonte later said Moore had had him between the eyes, showing how narrowly assassination was avoided.
Gadfly At People In Need
- Moore volunteered at People In Need and became a gadfly who crossed lines among radicals and community groups.
- The FBI recruited her as an informant because she could access diverse networks during the Patty Hearst era.
