Oswald and the Press
When Oswald arrived at police headquarters at about 2 p.m. on Friday, reporters and cameramen were already present. Police formed a wedge around him and took him to the elevator, with several newsmen crowding inside. From Friday afternoon through Sunday, Oswald traversed the 20-foot corridor between the homicide office and the jail elevator at least 15 times, with escorting officers having to push through throngs of newsmen. The Dallas press normally sought permission before photographing prisoners, but this practice was abandoned with Oswald, as newsmen aggressively took pictures, thrust microphones at his face, and shouted questions during his movements, though reporters exercised somewhat more restraint on Saturday.
Friday Night Press Conference
Oswald’s most prolonged exposure occurred at the midnight Friday press conference in the basement assembly room, announced by District Attorney Wade after consulting with Chief Curry and Captain Fritz. An estimated 70 to 100 people, including Jack Ruby and other unauthorized persons, crowded the small room without any identification required. The space was so packed that Deputy Chief Stevenson and Captain Fritz could not enter. Despite Curry’s instructions not to touch Oswald or get close, and his order to reporters not to interview him, the newsmen immediately began shouting questions and shoving microphones. Curry had insisted Oswald stand on the floor rather than the lineup platform, placing him in front of the one-way screen because cameramen complained about photographing through the screen. After a few minutes, Curry ordered Oswald removed because the newsmen “tried to overrun him.”
The original text of this work is in the public domain. This page focuses on a guided summary article, reading notes, selected quotes, and visual learning materials for educational purposes.