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

Secret Service Emergency Security Arrangements

Secret Service Emergency Security Arrangements Secret Service agents immediately took positions at the door of trauma room 1, identified hospital personnel, and cleared the area of nonessential staff. Special Agent Lawson ensured that Dallas police kept the public and press away. Agents Kellerman and Hill telephoned Gerald A. Behn, head of the White House detail, and the line to Washington was kept open. Agents at later stops along the President’s itinerary, including the Trade Mart and Austin, were redeployed, with the Austin contingent instructed to return to Washington. At Love Field, security measures were instituted for the Presidential aircraft, the terminal, and surrounding areas, including clearing adjacent warehouses, terminal buildings, and parking lots. The agents chose to leave the aircraft in its original secure location. When hospital security arrangements were complete, the Vice President and Mrs. Johnson were driven to Love Field in unmarked police cars, with Chief Curry driving the Vice President’s car. Motorcycle escorts were asked not to use sirens, and the Vice President was instructed to remain below window level during the drive.

Removal of the President’s Body

Removal of the President’s Body Mrs. Kennedy alternated between watching the medical team and waiting outside during the resuscitation efforts. After the President was pronounced dead, O’Donnell tried to persuade her to leave, but she refused, stating she intended to stay with her husband. A casket was obtained and the body prepared. Two Dallas officials told the President’s staff that the body could not be removed until an autopsy was performed; despite their protests, the casket was wheeled out and placed in an ambulance. It arrived at the airport shortly after 2 p.m. and was loaded onto Air Force One at approximately 2:15 p.m., with some difficulty because of the narrow airplane door. Concerned that local officials might attempt to prevent takeoff, O’Donnell asked the pilot to depart immediately, but was informed that takeoff would be delayed until Vice President Johnson was sworn in.