On April 4 , 1968 , Robert Kennedy flew to Indianapolis for a planned inner-city rally promoting his presidential campaign , and was informed upon landing about King 's assassination . Kennedy was told that riots had broken out in other cities and was advised not to make the speech , but he proceeded to address the gathered crowd at 17th and Broadway , near the site where the memorial now stands . Instead of a campaign stump speech , he delivered a five-minute improvised statement informing the crowd of King 's death and urging racial reconciliation . No riots took place in Indianapolis , a fact many attribute to the effect of Kennedy 's speech
King 's assassination
Assassination of Martin Luther King Jr.
Landmark for Peace Memorial