Report of the President's Commission on the Assassination of President John F. Kennedy

The Assassin

The Commission addressed numerous speculations supporting the theory that Oswald could not have assassinated President Kennedy. Findings include: Oswald could have known the motorcade route because it was published in Dallas papers on November 19, at least 72 hours before he reported for work; the published route clearly showed the motorcade turning from Main onto Houston and then left onto Elm, with no mention of continuing on Main through the Triple Underpass; the route was decided on November 18 and not changed thereafter; the only permissible route from Main to the Stemmons Freeway was via Houston and Elm Streets, as a direct route from Main would have required an extremely difficult S-turn; Oswald likely did not carry curtain rods—the room had curtains and rods already, and no curtain rods were found in the empty package recovered near the window; Oswald did not spend the morning with other workers and was last seen on the sixth floor around 11:55 a.m. by Charles Givens; the chicken lunch remains on the sixth floor were eaten by Bonnie Ray Williams, not an accomplice; the chicken lunch was not 2 days old but left shortly after noon on November 22 by Williams; the 8-millimeter photograph shadow in the southeast corner window was from cartons, not silhouettes; the man on the front steps thought to be Oswald was actually Billy Lovelady; the post office box listing of “A. Hidell” cannot be verified because the relevant portion of the application was discarded, and “Hidell” was merely Oswald’s alias; the Presidential car was traveling at approximately 11.2 miles per hour—a favorable target; and expert tests demonstrated Oswald could fire three shots from the Mannlicher-Carcano within 5½ seconds.

Oswald’s Movements Between 12:33 and 1:15 p.m. on November 22, 1963

This section addresses speculations about Oswald’s movements between 12:33 and 1:15 p.m. on November 22, 1963.

The Murder of Patrolman Tippit

This section addresses speculations concerning the murder of Patrolman Tippit.

Oswald After His Arrest

This section addresses speculations about Oswald after his arrest.

Oswald in the Soviet Union

This section addresses speculations concerning Oswald’s time in the Soviet Union.

Oswald’s Trip to Mexico City

This section addresses speculations concerning Oswald’s trip to Mexico City.

Oswald and U.S. Government Agencies

This section addresses speculations concerning Oswald and U.S. Government agencies.

Conspiratorial Relationships

This section addresses speculations about conspiratorial relationships.

Miscellaneous Charges

This section addresses miscellaneous charges related to the assassination.

CAPÍTULO II. With the assistance of Agent in Charge Sorrels of the

Chapter II examines various speculations and conspiracy theories surrounding the assassination of President Kennedy and the murder of Patrolman Tippit, presenting the Warren Commission’s findings to address each claim. The chapter covers Oswald’s marksmanship and the rifle used, forensic evidence, Oswald’s movements after the assassination, and circumstances surrounding Tippit’s murder in Oak Cliff.

Oswald’s Marksmanship Ability

The Commission rejected speculation that Oswald lacked the marksmanship ability to commit the assassination. Oswald qualified as a marksman and sharpshooter with the M-1 rifle in the Marine Corps, and Marina testified he practiced operating the bolt of his rifle in New Orleans. Experts noted the scope was a substantial aid for rapid, accurate firing.

Identification of the Assassination Rifle

The Commission found that the rifle did not bear any manufacturer’s name visible upon examination. An inscription indicated it was made in Italy. The weapon was identified as a 6.5 Mannlicher-Carcano by Captain Fritz and Lieutenant Day, who were the first to handle it.

Misidentification of the Rifle as a Mauser

Deputy Constable Seymour Weitzman speculated the rifle was a 7.65 Mauser, but the Commission found he did not actually handle the weapon and had only a brief glimpse of it. The Mauser and Mannlicher-Carcano are similar in appearance. Police laboratory technicians later correctly identified the weapon as a 6.5 Italian rifle.

Speculation of a Second Rifle

The Commission found no evidence of a second rifle on the roof of the Texas School Book Depository or on the overpass, or in any other location. The shots that struck President Kennedy and Governor Connally came from the single rifle found on the sixth floor of the building.