Where is the Gun that Killed JFK?
One of the most enduring and intriguing questions in American history is the location of the gun that killed President John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963. The event itself is well-documented, but the subsequent investigations and controversies surrounding the shooting have led to numerous conspiracy theories and conflicting information.
The Shooting
At approximately 12:30 PM on November 22, 1963, President Kennedy’s motorcade was making its way through Dealey Plaza in Dallas, Texas. As the President’s limousine turned onto Elm Street, multiple shots rang out, striking Kennedy in the head and neck. Lee Harvey Oswald, a 24-year-old former Marine and employee of the Texas School Book Depository, was charged with the crime and was subsequently shot and killed by nightclub owner Jack Ruby while in police custody.
Initial Investigations
The FBI was immediately called to the scene and began investigating the assassination. The agency collected physical evidence, including bullets, shell casings, and clothing, and conducted extensive interviews with witnesses. In September 1964, the Warren Commission, a Presidential Commission established by President Lyndon B. Johnson to investigate the assassination, released its findings. The commission concluded that Oswald acted alone, shooting Kennedy from the sixth floor of the Texas School Book Depository building.
The Gun
But what about the gun itself? The Warren Commission identified the weapon used in the shooting as a 7.65mm Mauser C96 pistol**, which was reportedly fired six times from the sixth floor of the Texas School Book Depository. According to the commission, Oswald obtained the gun from Klein’s Sporting Goods in Chicago and brought it back to Dallas.
What Happened to the Gun?
So, where did the gun go? In theory, the gun should be preserved as evidence and held by the FBI or another official agency. However, the gun was not entered into evidence. In a 1964 article in the New Orleans States-Item, Warren Commission member and lawyer William R. Hundley was quoted as saying, "I don’t think it was ever found. I don’t think anyone has ever seen it**."
Rumors and Theories
Despite the lack of concrete evidence, numerous rumors and theories have emerged over the years regarding the gun’s fate. Some believe that Oswald may have thrown the gun out of the window during his escape from the Texas School Book Depository. Others suggest that the gun was destroyed or disposed of by the FBI or Warren Commission to cover up the truth.
Physical Evidence
In an attempt to shed light on the gun’s whereabouts, various individuals and organizations have analyzed the physical evidence collected from the crime scene. Bullet fragments and shell casings were found in the limousine and surrounding areas, but no evidence of the gun itself has been found.
Conspiracy Theories
The lack of evidence and the Commission’s findings have led to numerous conspiracy theories regarding the assassination. Some believe that Oswald was a patsy and that the true culprit was a government official, organized crime figure, or foreign agent. Others believe that the Zapruder film, which captured the assassination on film, was altered or staged.
Table: Possible Fates of the Gun
| Theory | Possible Location |
|---|---|
| Oswald threw the gun out of the window | Unknown location (possibly destroyed or buried) |
| Gun was destroyed or disposed of by the FBI or Warren Commission | Unknown location (possibly in a secure facility or incinerated) |
| Gun was taken by someone else (e.g., Oswald’s associates or the FBI) | Unknown location (possibly in a safe or hidden location) |
Conclusion
The fate of the gun that killed JFK remains a mystery. While the Warren Commission’s findings suggest that Oswald acted alone, the lack of concrete evidence and numerous conspiracy theories have led to widespread speculation and debate. Regardless of the truth, the assassination of President Kennedy is a pivotal moment in American history, and the gun’s whereabouts will likely continue to be a topic of interest and intrigue for generations to come.
Important Notes
- The FBI and Warren Commission have repeatedly stated that the gun was not entered into evidence.
- No physical evidence of the gun has been found.
- Various individuals and organizations have analyzed the crime scene and physical evidence, but no conclusive findings have been made.
- The assassination of President Kennedy has spawned numerous conspiracy theories and remains a topic of public fascination.
