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

Oswald Resists Arrest, Draws Firearm at Texas Theatre

McDonald approached Oswald, stopping abruptly in his row and ordering him to stand. Oswald rose with both hands raised and, as McDonald began searching his waist for a weapon, remarked, “Well, it’s all over now.” Oswald then struck McDonald between the eyes with his left fist while drawing a revolver with his right hand. A physical struggle ensued, with both men falling into the seats before three additional officers seized Oswald from the front, rear, and side. During the scuffle, McDonald felt the pistol graze his cheek and heard what sounded like the hammer snapping as he wrenched the weapon away; Detective Bob K. Carroll then seized the gun from McDonald.

Witness Accounts of Oswald’s Arrest and Treatment

Multiple officers corroborated McDonald’s account of the struggle, though none confirmed hearing Oswald’s remark except Deputy Sheriff Eddy R. Walthers, who arrived after Oswald had been knocked to the floor. Most officers heard a clicking sound they attributed to the revolver’s hammer, though firearms testimony later established the hammer never contacted a shell; the sound likely resulted from the cylinder being pulled away during the struggle. Theatre patrons offered varying accounts: George Jefferson Applin, Jr., claimed an officer struck Oswald with the butt of a shotgun in the back, a detail not corroborated by any officer, patron, or by Oswald himself, and contradicted by Officer Ray Hawkins and Deputy Sheriff Walthers. John Gibson reported hearing a gun misfire but saw no shotgun, while Johnny Brewer confirmed witnessing the struggle over the revolver and reported hearing an officer say “Kill the President, will you,” though the arresting officers were pursuing Oswald specifically for Tippit’s murder. As Oswald was led out in handcuffs, he cursed and shouted accusations of police brutality.