What bullet killed jfk?

What Bullet Killed JFK?

The assassination of President John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963, remains one of the most debated and intriguing events in American history. The question of what bullet killed JFK has been the subject of much speculation and controversy. Over the years, various conspiracy theories have emerged, some claiming that there was more than one shooter, or that the official story is a cover-up. But what does the evidence really suggest?

The Official Account

The Warren Commission, established by President Lyndon B. Johnson to investigate the assassination, concluded that a single bullet, designated as CE 399, caused multiple non-fatal wounds to Kennedy and Texas Governor John Connally, who was riding in the car with the president. The commission’s findings were based on a comprehensive analysis of physical evidence, including bullet fragments, X-rays, and eyewitness accounts.

The Magic Bullet Theory

The Warren Commission’s theory, often referred to as the "Magic Bullet Theory," suggests that CE 399, a.38 caliber FMJ (full metal jacket) bullet, was fired from the sixth floor window of the Texas School Book Depository building by Lee Harvey Oswald. The bullet, which was recovered from the presidential limousine, is believed to have caused the following injuries:

• Kennedy’s head wound: The bullet entered the back of Kennedy’s head, causing a fatal wound.
• Connally’s chest wound: The bullet then continued on its path, exiting the president’s body and entering Connally’s chest, causing a non-fatal wound.
• Kennedy’s neck wound: The bullet may have also caused a minor neck wound to Kennedy.

The commission’s theory relies on the assumption that the bullet was deflected by the vertebrae in Kennedy’s neck, causing it to change direction and inflict the additional wounds.

Critics of the Warren Commission

Despite the official account, many experts and researchers have questioned the Commission’s findings, citing numerous inconsistencies and flaws in their theory. Some of the key criticisms include:

• Lack of fragmentation: The Warren Commission claims that CE 399 was a fragmentary bullet, which would explain why it caused multiple wounds. However, some researchers argue that the bullet should have been more severely fragmented if it had indeed undergone such a violent trajectory.
• Inconsistent ballistic testing: The Commission conducted ballistic tests on CE 399, which produced inconsistent results. Some argue that this casts doubt on the bullet’s ability to cause the injuries attributed to it.
• Insufficient eyewitness testimony: Eyewitness accounts of the shots fired that day are also subject to scrutiny. Many witnesses reported hearing multiple shots, and some claimed to have seen smoke or a flash from the rear of the motorcade, suggesting that shots may have been fired from multiple directions.

Alternative Theories

Over the years, several alternative theories have emerged, seeking to explain the assassination in alternative ways. Some of these theories include:

• The "Grassy Knoll" theory: Some researchers believe that shots came from the "grassy knoll" in Dealey Plaza, rather than the Texas School Book Depository building. This theory suggests that there was more than one shooter.
• The "Magic Bullet" was not the cause of the head wound: Some researchers argue that CE 399 did not cause the fatal head wound, and that there may have been a separate bullet or shooter involved.

Recent Developments and Reevaluations

In recent years, new research and analysis have shed further light on the assassination. The National Archives and the House Select Committee on Assassinations have made available previously classified documents and recordings, which have been subjected to further analysis.

One notable development is the discovery of a "money shot" photograph taken by photographer Orville Nix, which appears to show a flash or plume of smoke coming from the rear of the motorcade, suggesting that shots may have been fired from multiple directions. This discovery has been met with enthusiasm by some researchers, while others remain skeptical.

Conclusion

The question of what bullet killed JFK remains a complex and contentious issue. While the Warren Commission’s theory remains the official account, many experts and researchers continue to question the evidence and alternative theories persist. As new research emerges and previously classified documents become available, it is clear that the debate surrounding JFK’s assassination will continue.

Key Points:

• The Warren Commission’s theory suggests that a single bullet, CE 399, caused multiple non-fatal wounds to Kennedy and Connally.
• Critics of the Warren Commission argue that the bullet would have been more severely fragmented if it had indeed undergone such a violent trajectory.
• Alternative theories, including the "Grassy Knoll" theory and the "Magic Bullet" was not the cause of the head wound, continue to gain traction.
• Recent developments, including the discovery of a "money shot" photograph, have shed further light on the assassination, but the debate remains ongoing.

Table: Major Findings of the Warren Commission