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

Shooting of Oswald and Aftermath

Following the interview, Oswald was provided with different clothing including a sweater. After Captain Fritz confirmed arrangements with the County Jail, he and Homicide Bureau detectives escorted Oswald from the third-floor Homicide Office to the basement, where Oswald was shot by Jack Ruby. SAIC Sorrels and Kelley rushed to the basement, where Kelley found Oswald unconscious and in very serious condition. Captain Fritz informed Kelley that Oswald had been shot by Jack “Rubio,” a tavern operator known to police. Kelley accompanied the stretcher to the ambulance but was unable to board the following cruiser. Special Agents Warner and Patterson arrived at Parkland Hospital shortly after Oswald; one or the other remained in close proximity throughout treatment. Oswald made no statements after being shot, remained unconscious during transport and treatment, and died. At the time of his death, Kelley, Detective Daugherty, and Colonel Garrison of the Texas State Police were on the fifth floor arranging a security room. Kelley proceeded to the morgue and arranged for the family to view the body. Oswald’s family, except brother Robert, viewed the body before autopsy, accompanied by the hospital chaplain. Burial arrangements were made through the chaplain and another clergyman, and the family was taken to a secluded location under the protection of Special Agents Kunkel and Howard and the Irving, Texas police. SAIC Bouck advised that President Johnson and the Attorney General were concerned for the family’s safety; Kelley confirmed the family was already under Secret Service protection. Later, SA Robertson of the FBI inquired about the family’s safety; Kelley confirmed protection was in place and the family was available for FBI interviews, though Robertson indicated no immediate interview was planned.