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 By Ebuka Dili

The assassination of President John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963, remains one of the most shocking and debated events in modern history.

Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States, was shot and killed while riding in a motorcade through Dealey Plaza in Dallas, Texas. His death not only stunned the nation but also sparked decades of speculation, conspiracy theories, and investigations.

Despite official conclusions, many questions remain unanswered. What really happened that day? Who was responsible? And why does this event continue to captivate the world? Let’s dive into the details, examine the evidence, and explore the theories surrounding JFK’s assassination.

The Day of the Assassination

On the morning of November 22, 1963, President Kennedy and his wife, Jacqueline Kennedy, arrived in Dallas as part of a political trip to Texas. The president was riding in an open-top limousine, waving to the crowds that lined the streets. At 12:30 p.m., as the motorcade passed the Texas School Book Depository, shots rang out. Kennedy was struck twice, once in the neck and once in the head. He was rushed to Parkland Memorial Hospital but was pronounced dead at 1:00 p.m.

The nation was plunged into mourning. Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson was sworn in as president aboard Air Force One just hours later, with a visibly shaken Jacqueline Kennedy by his side. The events of that day would forever change the course of American history.

The Official Story: Lee Harvey Oswald and the Warren Commission

Within hours of the shooting, police arrested Lee Harvey Oswald, a 24-year-old former Marine and self-proclaimed Marxist. Oswald had worked at the Texas School Book Depository, and witnesses reported seeing him on the sixth floor of the building around the time of the shooting. A rifle was found near the window, and Oswald’s fingerprints were on the weapon.

Two days later, while being transferred to another jail, Oswald was shot and killed by Jack Ruby, a Dallas nightclub owner with alleged ties to organized crime. Ruby’s actions silenced Oswald, leaving many questions unanswered.

To investigate the assassination, President Johnson established the Warren Commission, named after its chairman, Chief Justice Earl Warren. After a 10-month investigation, the commission concluded that Oswald acted alone, firing three shots from the sixth floor of the depository. They also determined that Jack Ruby acted alone in killing Oswald.

Key Evidence Supporting the Lone Gunman Theory

The Warren Commission’s findings were based on several pieces of evidence:

1.    The Rifle and Bullets: Oswald’s Mannlicher-Carcano rifle was found on the sixth floor of the depository. Ballistic tests matched the bullets to the rifle and the wounds on Kennedy’s body.

2.    Oswald’s Motive: Oswald had a history of defecting to the Soviet Union and expressing pro-communist views. He was also known to be disgruntled and unstable.

3.   Eyewitness Accounts: Several witnesses saw Oswald in the depository building and near the sixth-floor window.

4.  The Zapruder Film: A home movie shot by Abraham Zapruder captured the assassination in real time. The film shows Kennedy’s head jerking backward, which some argue supports the theory of a shot from behind.

The Conspiracy Theories

Despite the Warren Commission’s conclusions, many people believe there is more to the story. Over the years, numerous conspiracy theories have emerged, each offering a different explanation for what happened. Let’s explore some of the most popular ones.

1. The Mafia Theory

The Mafia, or organized crime, had reasons to want Kennedy dead. JFK’s brother, Attorney General Robert Kennedy, was leading a crackdown on organized crime. Some believe the Mafia orchestrated the assassination to stop Robert’s efforts. Jack Ruby’s involvement adds fuel to this theory, as he had ties to the mob.

2. The CIA Theory

The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) was allegedly unhappy with Kennedy’s handling of the Bay of Pigs invasion in Cuba. Some theorists suggest that rogue CIA agents or anti-Castro Cubans may have been involved in the assassination. They argue that Kennedy’s push for détente with the Soviet Union and Cuba made him a target.

3. The Second Shooter Theory

Many believe there was more than one shooter. Witnesses reported hearing shots from different directions, including the infamous “grassy knoll” in Dealey Plaza. Some argue that the Zapruder film shows Kennedy’s head moving backward, suggesting a shot from the front, not just from behind.

4. The Soviet Union or Cuba Theory

During the Cold War, tensions between the U.S. and the Soviet Union were high. Some theorists suggest that the Soviets or Cuban leader Fidel Castro may have orchestrated the assassination in retaliation for U.S. actions against Cuba.

5. The Military-Industrial Complex Theory

President Dwight D. Eisenhower had warned about the growing power of the military-industrial complex. Some believe that powerful business and military leaders may have wanted Kennedy dead because he was pushing for peace and reducing defense spending.

Problems with the Official Story

While the Warren Commission’s findings were widely accepted at the time, many inconsistencies and unanswered questions have fueled skepticism:

1.    The Magic Bullet Theory: One bullet was said to have caused multiple wounds to Kennedy and Texas Governor John Connally, who was also in the car. Critics argue that the bullet’s trajectory defies physics.

2. Oswald’s Marksmanship: Oswald was not known to be an expert shooter. Some question whether he could have fired three accurate shots in such a short time.

3.   Jack Ruby’s Motive: Why did Jack Ruby kill Oswald? Was he trying to silence him, or was he acting on someone else’s orders?

4.    Missing Evidence: Key pieces of evidence, such as Kennedy’s brain and certain autopsy photos, have gone missing, raising suspicions of a cover-up.

Later Investigations

In response to public pressure, the U.S. government conducted further investigations. The House Select Committee on Assassinations (HSCA) concluded in 1979 that Kennedy was likely assassinated as a result of a conspiracy. They agreed that Oswald fired the shots but suggested the possibility of a second shooter based on acoustic evidence. However, this evidence has since been disputed.

Why Does It Matter?

The assassination of JFK is more than just a historical event—it’s a cultural touchstone. It marked the end of an era of optimism and idealism, often referred to as “Camelot.” Kennedy’s death also raised important questions about transparency, government accountability, and the vulnerability of leaders.

The enduring fascination with JFK’s assassination stems from its mystery. The idea that such a pivotal event could be the result of a lone gunman seems too simple for many. Conspiracy theories offer a way to make sense of the chaos, even if they can’t be proven.

The Legacy of JFK

Despite the tragedy of his death, JFK’s legacy lives on. He inspired a generation with his vision of a better world, encapsulated in his famous words: “Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.” His push for civil rights, space exploration, and global peace continues to influence the world today.

 What Really Happened?

The truth about JFK’s assassination may never be fully known. While the official story points to Lee Harvey Oswald as the lone gunman, the abundance of conspiracy theories and unanswered questions keeps the debate alive. Whether it was a lone shooter, the Mafia, the CIA, or another group, the assassination of JFK remains a defining moment in history, one that continues to captivate and haunt us.