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

Conduct of Secret Service Agents in Fort Worth on November 22

In the early morning hours of November 22, 1963, in Fort Worth, a breach of discipline occurred among Secret Service agents officially traveling with the President. After the President retired at his hotel, nine off-duty agents went to the nearby Fort Worth Press Club at midnight or slightly thereafter seeking food. Finding no food, all stayed for a drink of beer or, in several cases, a mixed drink; according to affidavits, no one consumed more than three glasses of beer or 1½ mixed drinks, and no agent was inebriated or acted improperly. They remained from 30 minutes to an hour and a half, and the last left by 2 a.m. Two agents returned to their rooms, while the other seven went to the Cellar Coffee House, where no intoxicating drinks were consumed. During the night, three members of the midnight-to-8 a.m. White House detail shift also visited the Cellar during their half-hour relief breaks, but none had any beverage there. The agents involved had duty assignments beginning no later than 8 a.m., and several had key responsibilities in Dallas, including assignments at Love Field, the Trade Mart, and the followup car. Chief Rowley testified he was satisfied that each agent reported for duty on time, with full possession of his mental and physical capabilities, and that their conduct did not impede their actions or prevent them from taking any action that might have averted the tragedy. However, Chief Rowley did not condone the action, since it violated a Secret Service regulation prohibiting the use of intoxicating liquor of any kind, including beer and wine, by members of the White House Detail and special agents cooperating with them on Presidential protective assignments while in travel status.