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

CAPÍTULO I.

This is Chapter I of the Warren Commission report investigating the 1963 assassination of President John F. Kennedy, covering findings on the shooting, Lee Harvey Oswald’s actions, conspiracy determinations, Secret Service performance, and recommendations for future presidential protection.

Kennedy and Connally Wound Analysis and Shot Origin

Kennedy and Connally Wound Analysis and Shot Origin Analysis of the gunshot wounds to President Kennedy and Governor John Connally confirms the bullets were fired from above and behind the Presidential limousine. Kennedy sustained two wounds: a non-lethal shot entering the back of his neck and exiting the lower front of his neck, followed by a fatal shot entering the right-rear of his head. Connally was struck by a bullet that entered the right side of his back, traveled downward through his right chest, exited below his right nipple, passed through his right wrist, and caused a superficial wound to his left thigh. No credible evidence supports claims that shots were fired from the Triple Underpass, ahead of the motorcade, or any other location outside the Texas School Book Depository.

Number of Shots Fired

Number of Shots Fired The preponderance of evidence indicates three shots were fired during the assassination.

Single Bullet Theory for Kennedy and Connally Wounds

Single Bullet Theory for Kennedy and Connally Wounds While confirming which specific shot struck Connally is not required for the Commission’s core findings, persuasive expert evidence indicates the same bullet that pierced the President’s throat caused all of Connally’s wounds. Disagreement over this conclusion stems from Connally’s testimony and other factors, but all Commission members agree all shots that injured Kennedy and Connally were fired from the sixth-floor window of the Texas School Book Depository.

Oswald as Assassination Shooter

Oswald as Assassination Shooter The Commission concludes the shots that killed Kennedy and wounded Connally were fired by Lee Harvey Oswald, supported by the following evidence: the Mannlicher-Carcano 6.5mm rifle used was owned and possessed by Oswald; he carried the rifle into the Depository on the morning of November 22, 1963; he was present at the sixth-floor firing window at the time of the assassination; the rifle was found partially hidden between cartons on the sixth floor shortly after the attack, alongside the improvised paper bag Oswald used to transport it to the building; expert analysis of assassination footage confirms a rifleman of Oswald’s skill level could have fired all shots within the elapsed time of the shooting; Oswald lied about key substantive matters to police following his arrest; and he had previously attempted to kill Maj. Gen. Edwin A. Walker in April 1963, demonstrating his willingness to commit murder.

Oswald’s Killing of Officer J.D. Tippit

Oswald’s Killing of Officer J.D. Tippit Oswald killed Dallas Police Patrolman J.D. Tippit roughly 45 minutes after the JFK assassination, a finding that supports the conclusion that Oswald fired the shots at Kennedy and Connally. Supporting evidence includes: nine eyewitnesses (two who observed the shooting, seven who heard gunshots and saw the gunman flee with a revolver) positively identified Oswald as the shooter; cartridge casings at the Tippit scene were matched to the revolver found in Oswald’s possession at arrest, excluding all other weapons; the revolver was owned by Oswald; and Oswald’s jacket was found along the flight path of the gunman who fled the Tippit killing scene.

Oswald’s Arrest Resistance

Oswald’s Arrest Resistance Within 80 minutes of the JFK assassination and 35 minutes of the Tippit killing, Oswald resisted arrest at a local theatre by attempting to shoot another Dallas police officer.

Commission Findings on Oswald’s Interrogation and Detention

Commission Findings on Oswald’s Interrogation and Detention The Commission’s findings on Oswald’s interrogation and detention by Dallas police are: (a) aside from the force required to effect his arrest, Oswald was not subjected to physical coercion; he was informed he could not be compelled to provide information, that his statements could be used against him in court, was advised of his right to counsel, given the opportunity to obtain counsel of his choice, and rejected legal assistance offered by the Dallas Bar Association at the time; (b) unrestricted access for newspaper, radio, and television reporters to the areas Oswald was moved through in the police station subjected him to harassment and created chaotic conditions that hindered orderly interrogation and protection of his prisoner rights; (c) numerous erroneous public statements from local law enforcement officials during this period of confusion created obstacles to a fair trial for Oswald, and the misleading information contributed to public doubt, speculation, and fear that may not have otherwise arisen.