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

Midnight Press Conference

Ruby accompanied the newsmen to the basement press conference, established by television tapes and at least 12 witnesses. When Oswald arrived, Ruby stood atop a table alongside other reporters. After Oswald’s brief appearance, Ruby remained to hear reporters question District Attorney Wade, who stated Oswald would likely be moved to the county jail the following week and that Oswald belonged to the “Free Cuba Committee.” Ruby was among the voices correcting Wade on the organization’s name. After the conference, Ruby introduced himself to Wade, who did not initially recognize him, and also met Justice of the Peace David L. Johnston, giving him a Carousel Club business card. He obtained the KLIF “hot line” number from a KBOX representative, facilitated a phone interview between KLIF and Wade, and directed Russ Knight to Wade for a second interview.

At Radio Station KLIF

Ruby left police headquarters and drove to radio station KLIF, arriving at approximately 1:45 a.m. and remaining about 45 minutes. He distributed his sandwiches and soft drinks, settled in the newsroom for the 2 a.m. newscast, and was credited with suggesting that Russ Knight ask Wade whether Oswald was sane. Speaking with Danny Patrick McCurdy, Ruby mentioned closing his clubs, saying he would rather lose $1,200 or $1,500 than remain open, and McCurdy noted Ruby looked pale and kept looking at the floor. To Glen Duncan, Ruby expressed satisfaction that evidence was mounting against Oswald and seemed pleased about his earlier contact with the investigation. Upon leaving, Ruby gave Knight a “Heroism” radio script from the “Life Line” program and suggested that the radio station owner should editorialize against a group of “radicals” he believed partially responsible for the assassination.