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

Review of Ruby’s conduct before the President’s arrival

Scrutiny of Ruby’s activities during the several days preceding the President’s arrival revealed no indication of unusual activity. Ruby discussed the impending trip with only two persons and only briefly. Two newspapers describing expected motorcade routes through Dallas and Fort Worth were found in Ruby’s car at his arrest, but such papers circulated widely in Dallas, and Ruby’s car, like his apartment, was so cluttered with other newspapers, notebooks, brochures, cards, clothing, and personal items that the papers carry no special significance.

Reasons to doubt Ruby conspired to kill Oswald

Multiple reasons undermine the theory that Ruby would have shot Oswald as part of a conspiracy. By striking in the city jail, Ruby was certain to be apprehended, creating exceptionally grave dangers for any co-conspirators. If the attempt had failed, Oswald might have disclosed his confederates; if it succeeded, the additional killing might have produced a trail to them. Moreover, Ruby was regarded by most acquaintances as moody and unstable, hardly the type to inspire confidence among those involved in a sensitive conspiracy.

Ruby’s post-arrest cooperation with federal authorities

Since his apprehension, Jack Ruby has provided federal authorities with several detailed accounts of his activities both preceding and following the assassination of President Kennedy, showing no reluctance to answer any questions. The accounts he provided are consistent with evidence available to the Commission from other sources.