Assassination of John F. Kennedy (1963)
On 22 November 1963, President John F. Kennedy was fatally shot from the Texas School Book Depository while riding in a Dallas motorcade. Lee Harvey Oswald was arrested for the murder, killed two days later by Jack Ruby, and subsequent investigations yielded divergent official conclusions about a possible conspiracy.
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Our thoughts are with the families of President Kennedy, Officer Tippit, and all those whose lives were lost in these tragic events.
Timeline
- 22 November 1963 — President John F. Kennedy is shot and fatally wounded while riding in a motorcade through Dealey Plaza, Dallas, Texas.
- 24 November 1963 — While being transferred at Dallas Police Headquarters, Oswald is shot dead by nightclub owner Jack Ruby.
- 1967 — Businessman Clay Shaw is tried for Kennedy’s murder and is acquitted.
- 1979 — The United States House Select Committee on Assassinations concludes Kennedy was likely assassinated as part of a conspiracy and suggests a second gunman.
- 1967 — Jack Ruby dies in prison while awaiting a new trial for the murder of Oswald.
Frequently asked questions
Who was identified as the shooter of President Kennedy?
The Warren Commission concluded that Lee Harvey Oswald fired the shots that killed President Kennedy.
How many shots were reported to have been fired during the assassination?
Most witnesses recalled hearing three shots, and the Warren Commission concluded that three shots were fired.
What did the Warren Commission conclude about a conspiracy?
It found no evidence of a conspiracy and stated that Oswald acted alone.
What did the 1979 HSCA report state regarding the assassination?
The HSCA concluded that Kennedy was likely assassinated as a result of a conspiracy and that a second gunman probably fired.
How did Lee Harvey Oswald die?
He was shot dead by Jack Ruby on 24 November 1963 while being escorted at Dallas Police Headquarters.
Was anyone convicted for killing Oswald?
Jack Ruby was convicted of murdering Oswald, but the conviction was later overturned on appeal; he died in prison in 1967.
Did any other person face trial for Kennedy’s murder?
Businessman Clay Shaw was tried in 1967 for the assassination and was acquitted.
Myths and evidence
- Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone in killing Kennedy FAIT
The Warren Commission concluded Oswald assassinated Kennedy and found no conspiracy; the later HSCA report, however, suggested a likely conspiracy and a second gunman. - The 'single‑bullet' or 'magic bullet' theory is implausible FAIT
The Warren Commission’s single‑bullet theory, which links one bullet to both Kennedy’s and Governor Connally’s wounds, is described in the excerpt and noted as derided by conspiracy theorists.
Primary sources and references
The cases · Investigation glossary · On this day in history · The daily puzzle · Which detective are you? · Historical word search maker