President James A. Garfield was shot on July 2, 1881, in Washington, D.C., by Charles J. Guiteau, a disgruntled office seeker. Garfield had been president for only a few months when he was attacked at a train station. Although he survived the initial shooting, poor medical treatment led to infections that worsened his condition. After suffering for over two months, Garfield died on September 19, 1881. His assassination highlighted the need for civil service reform, which helped lead to the Pendleton Civil Service Act.