When homeschooling my son, I picked out a RFK documentary for a history lesson, and we watched it when my daughter, who's a bit older was also available. I never told them a thing about him, just let the movie play out. When it got to the California primary I was trying to decide if I should say something to warn them. But I didn't.
They were both very taken with how charismatic RFK was. And they're used to my nerdy film choices.
Then a shot rang out, and there was chaos, screaming. My son was just staring, trying to work out what was happening. My daughter was gaping at the screen. She spun around and looked aghast. "They SHOT him?!?" Yes, he was assassinated. They were both just stunned. My daughter actually cried.
I've felt a bit guilty occasionally for sneaking that on them but mostly I think it was a way to teach them a horrible, necessary lesson about violence and hate, without having to experience personal damage. It was a shock, for sure, but it wasn't life changing trauma.
For the Kennedys, it was life changing trauma. I don't understand why we would let this man walk free.