Where is the Rifle that Killed Kennedy?
The assassination of President John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963, is one of the most infamous events in American history. The investigation into the shooting, led by the Warren Commission, concluded that Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone in firing three shots from the sixth floor of the Texas School Book Depository building in Dallas, Texas. However, the whereabouts of the rifle used in the assassination have remained a topic of controversy and debate for decades.
The Original Investigation
During the Warren Commission’s investigation, the rifle was identified as a Mannlicher-Carcano 6.5mm Model 1903 Carbine, which was purchased by Oswald from a mail-order catalog. The rifle was found on the sixth floor of the Texas School Book Depository building, and it was examined by experts who concluded that it was the weapon used to fire the shots that killed Kennedy.
The Rifle’s Disappearance
In 1964, the rifle was transferred to the FBI’s headquarters in Washington, D.C., where it was stored in a secure evidence room. However, in 1978, the rifle was stolen from the FBI’s evidence room. The theft was discovered in 1979, and an investigation was launched to determine how the rifle had gone missing.
Theories and Speculation
The disappearance of the rifle has led to numerous theories and speculations about its current whereabouts. Some believe that the rifle was stolen by a government agent or a conspiracy theorist who wanted to conceal evidence of a larger conspiracy. Others believe that the rifle was destroyed or disintegrated over time.
The FBI’s Investigation
In 2017, the FBI launched a new investigation into the disappearance of the rifle, using advanced forensic techniques and technology to try to determine what happened to it. The investigation included reviewing old case files, interviewing witnesses, and analyzing evidence.
The Current Status
As of today, the current status of the rifle that killed Kennedy is still unknown. The FBI’s investigation has not yielded any conclusive evidence about what happened to the rifle, and it is still considered a missing piece of evidence in the Kennedy assassination.
Table: Timeline of the Rifle’s Disappearance
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 1964 | Rifle transferred to FBI’s evidence room |
| 1978 | Rifle stolen from FBI’s evidence room |
| 1979 | Theft discovered |
| 2017 | FBI launches new investigation into disappearance |
Significance of the Rifle’s Disappearance
The disappearance of the rifle that killed Kennedy has significant implications for the ongoing debate about the assassination. Without the rifle, it is impossible to conduct a thorough analysis of the physical evidence and to determine with certainty whether Oswald acted alone or whether there was a larger conspiracy involved.
Conclusion
The disappearance of the rifle that killed Kennedy is a mystery that has endured for decades. Despite numerous investigations and theories, the current whereabouts of the rifle remain unknown. The significance of the rifle’s disappearance cannot be overstated, as it is a crucial piece of evidence in the ongoing debate about the assassination. As the investigation continues, it is hoped that the truth about the rifle’s disappearance will eventually be revealed.
Additional Resources
- Warren Commission Report: The official report of the Warren Commission, which investigated the assassination of President Kennedy.
- FBI Files: The FBI’s files on the Kennedy assassination, including reports and testimony from witnesses.
- Kennedy Assassination Archives: The National Archives’ collection of documents and records related to the Kennedy assassination, including the Warren Commission’s report and the FBI’s files.
Bullets List:
• The rifle that killed Kennedy was a Mannlicher-Carcano 6.5mm Model 1903 Carbine.
• The rifle was purchased by Lee Harvey Oswald from a mail-order catalog.
• The rifle was found on the sixth floor of the Texas School Book Depository building.
• The rifle was stolen from the FBI’s evidence room in 1978.
• The FBI launched a new investigation into the disappearance of the rifle in 2017.
• The current status of the rifle is still unknown.
