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

In the Presidential Limousine

Inside the Presidential limousine, Mrs. Kennedy heard a sound resembling a motorcycle noise, saw a quizzical look on her husband’s face as he raised his hand to his throat, then heard a second shot that tore open his skull, prompting her to cradle him and cry out. Governor Connally recognized the first noise as a rifle shot and instinctively turned right, but was struck in the back by the second shot, which he did not hear. Roy Kellerman, in the right front seat, heard a firecracker-like pop, the President say “My God, I am hit,” and radioed ahead to get to the hospital. Driver Greer initially mistook the noise for a motorcycle backfire, then accelerated rapidly when ordered to “get out of here fast.” Mrs. Connally pulled her wounded husband into her lap, and both observed brain tissue splattered over the car’s interior after the fatal head shot, after which the car accelerated toward the hospital.

Reaction by Secret Service Agents

Special Agent Clinton J. Hill, stationed on the left front running board of the followup car, heard a firecracker-like noise, saw the President lurch forward and to the left, and ran to the Presidential limousine. He heard a second shot approximately five seconds later that removed part of the President’s head, then pushed Mrs. Kennedy back into the car when she climbed onto the rear bumper, likely saving her life. Special Agent Emory P. Roberts recalled Agent Ready back to the followup car, and Special Agent George W. Hickey, Jr. cocked an automatic rifle as the cars sped to the hospital. Special Agent Rufus W. Youngblood vaulted into the rear seat of the Vice-Presidential car to shield Vice President Johnson with his body immediately after the first shot. Most agents had drawn their sidearms, and none entered the Texas School Book Depository Building, per Secret Service procedure of remaining with their protectees. Special Agent Forrest V. Sorrels was the first to return to the shooting scene approximately 20 to 25 minutes later.