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

The Shot That Missed

Beginning on page 111, this section analyzes evidence related to the shot that did not strike the president or governor, including its estimated point of impact and trajectory.

The First Shot

Also starting on page 111, this section details the timing, origin, and impact of the first shot fired during the assassination.

The Second Shot

Found on page 115, this section covers the timing, origin, and impact of the second shot fired, which struck both President Kennedy and Governor Connally.

The Third Shot

This page 115 section details the timing, origin, and impact of the third and final shot, which struck President Kennedy in the head.

Time Span of Shots

Starting on page 117, this section analyzes the elapsed time between the first and last shots fired, based on witness testimony, film footage, and forensic analysis.

Conclusion

This final section of the chapter, also on page 117, summarizes the key findings presented in the chapter regarding the origin of the shots fired from the Texas School Book Depository.

CAPÍTULO IV. THE ASSASSIN 118

This chapter presents the full body of evidence establishing Lee Harvey Oswald as the assassin of President John F. Kennedy, covering the ownership and use of the assassination rifle, his presence and actions at the Texas School Book Depository, the murder of Patrolman J.D. Tippit, his arrest and detention, his history of targeted violence against public figures, and his demonstrated capability to carry out the assassination.

Ownership and Possession of Assassination Weapon

This opening section frames the chapter’s core examination of the Mannlicher-Carcano rifle used in the presidential assassination, laying the foundation for all subsequent evidence related to the weapon’s connection to Lee Harvey Oswald.

Purchase of Rifle by Oswald

Details the complete documented record of Oswald’s purchase of the 6.5mm Mannlicher-Carcano assassination rifle, including records of the mail-order purchase made under an alias, delivery to a post office box in his name, and payment tied to his personal funds.

Oswald’s Palmprint on Rifle Barrel

Presents key forensic evidence: a unique palmprint belonging to Lee Harvey Oswald was recovered from the underside of the assassination rifle’s barrel, confirming his physical handling of the weapon.

Fibers on Rifle

Documents forensic analysis of fibers found embedded in the stock and other parts of the assassination rifle that match the fabric of Oswald’s clothing, providing a tangible physical link between Oswald and the weapon.

Photograph of Oswald With Rifle

Introduces authenticated photographic evidence showing Oswald posing in his backyard with the Mannlicher-Carcano rifle, along with other items consistent with the assassination, corroborating his possession of the weapon prior to the shooting.

Rifle Among Oswald’s Possessions

Details the recovery of the assassination rifle from the garage of Ruth and Michael Paine, where Oswald stored his personal belongings, confirming the weapon was in his possession in the weeks leading up to the assassination.

Conclusion

Synthesizes the evidence presented in the first six sections to conclude that the Mannlicher-Carcano rifle used to assassinate President Kennedy was owned and possessed by Lee Harvey Oswald.

The Rifle in the Building

Examines evidence confirming the assassination rifle was present inside the Texas School Book Depository on the day of the assassination, including its discovery on the building’s sixth floor amid sniper’s nest materials.

The Curtain Rod Story

Investigates Oswald’s claim that the long package he carried into the Depository on the morning of the assassination contained curtain rods, evaluating witness testimony and physical evidence to assess the credibility of this explanation for the rifle’s entry into the building.

The Missing Rifle

Traces the disappearance of the Mannlicher-Carcano rifle from Oswald’s known personal belongings after the assassination, and its eventual recovery from the sixth floor of the Depository, refuting any claim that the weapon was never inside the building.

The Long and Bulky Package

Analyzes consistent witness observations of a long, bulky package carried into the Depository by Oswald on the morning of November 22, 1963, confirming its dimensions match those of a disassembled Mannlicher-Carcano rifle.