JFK Assassination: What Happened and Why It Still Captivates
On November 22, 1963, President John F. Kennedy was shot while riding in a motorcade through Dallas, Texas. The world watched the live TV broadcast and felt the shock instantly. Within minutes, the motorcade stopped, and the president was rushed to Parkland Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The assassin’s name, Lee Harvey Oswald, was announced the same day, but the story didn’t end there.
Why does this event keep popping up in movies, books, and endless online debates? Part of the answer lies in how quickly the tragedy unfolded and how many unanswered questions remain. The official Warren Commission report concluded that Oswald acted alone, but critics point out gaps in the evidence, conflicting eyewitness accounts, and a rushed investigation. Those doubts have kept the conversation alive for more than half a century.
The Day It Unfolded
The motorcade started at 12:30 p.m., heading from the Dallas Trade Mart to the Dallas Love Field airport. As the car turned onto Elm Street, shots rang out from the Texas School Book Depository. Two bullets struck the president, one in the back and the fatal shot to the head. The crowd erupted, three police officers started a hurried chase, and Oswald was arrested later that afternoon in a movie theater.
Fans of history love the detail: the rifle used was a 6.5 mm Carcano, the exact timing of the shots was recorded on a police radio, and a subtle change in the car’s speed helped investigators piece together the bullet trajectory. Even the tiny piece of paper found on the stairs of the depository—later known as the “magic bullet”—has become a symbol of the case’s complexity.
Enduring Questions and Theories
Since the Warren Report, dozens of alternative theories have surfaced. Some suggest a second shooter on the grassy knoll, others point to organized crime, the CIA, or even a Soviet plot. The 1979 House Select Committee on Assassinations re‑examined the evidence and concluded there was a “probable conspiracy,” though it never identified a second gunman.
What keeps people researching? New documents keep getting declassified, and each release adds a fresh piece to the puzzle. For many, the JFK case is more than a historical footnote; it’s a reminder that power, secrecy, and public trust can clash dramatically. Whether you believe Oswald acted alone or think a broader plot was at play, the debate forces us to ask how we hold leaders accountable and how transparent investigations should be.
If you’re new to the topic, start with the basic timeline, watch the original Zapruder film (it’s public domain), and read a balanced summary of the Warren Commission findings. Then, explore a few of the most cited counter‑arguments. You’ll notice that even seasoned researchers admit some gaps will likely stay unsolved.
In the end, the JFK assassination isn’t just about a single event in 1963. It’s a case study in media coverage, forensic science, and the power of conspiracy thinking. By looking at the facts, the theories, and the ongoing releases, you can form your own view and understand why this piece of history still matters to everyone who cares about truth and democracy.
Kieran Lockhart, Jan, 24 2025
In an unexpected turn of events, Donald Trump has signed an executive order to release the remaining classified files about one of America's most discussed historical events—the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. The announcement has been met with criticism, most notably from JFK's grandson, Jack Schlossberg, who views the decision as a political maneuver rather than a quest for truth.
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