WI: Charles Guiteaux is acquitted of President Garfield's assassination on grounds of temporary insanity

WI: Charles Guiteaux is acquitted of President Garfield's assassination on grounds of temporary insanity


Well, that was his actual defense, after all.  Having printed a speech he wrote extolling Garfield's virtues, and after Garfield had been elected President, he repeatedly approached the new President expecting, apparently, an ambassadorial appointment in return.  Being, quite naturally, totally ignored, he became frustrated and stalked and killed President Garfield.  

It's hard to know exactly what's going on inside an extreme narcissistic personality of this type, but, it doesn't sound too different from the typical "going postal" effect of anyone deprived of gainful employment.  Arguably, he was "temporarily insane", or, at least, a little more insane than he usually was.  So, what happens if the jury buys this plea, instead of having him hung about a year later?  Does he become a successful media celebrity?  Is he shot down the moment he leaves prison?  Do we have an "open season" on federal politicians from frustrated office seekers?