The Assassination of President John F. Kennedy: What Gun Killed the President?
On November 22, 1963, President John F. Kennedy’s life was cut short by an assassin’s bullet in Dallas, Texas. The event sent shockwaves around the world, and the question of what gun killed the president has remained a topic of intense debate and speculation. In this article, we will explore the events surrounding the assassination and provide a direct answer to the question: What gun killed Kennedy?
The Events Surrounding the Assassination
President Kennedy’s motorcade was making its way through Dealey Plaza in Dallas when shots rang out from the sixth floor of the Texas School Book Depository building. The president’s limousine sped away from the scene, but not before Kennedy was struck by multiple bullets. Governor John Connally, who was riding in the car with Kennedy, was also injured.
The Warren Commission’s Investigation
The Warren Commission, established by President Lyndon B. Johnson to investigate the assassination, concluded that Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone in shooting Kennedy. According to the commission’s findings, Oswald fired three shots from a Mannlicher-Carcano Model 36/40 carbine, a Italian-made rifle, from the sixth floor of the Texas School Book Depository building.
The Gun Used in the Assassination
The Mannlicher-Carcano Model 36/40 carbine is a bolt-action rifle that was commonly used in Italy during World War II. The rifle used in the assassination was purchased by Oswald in March 1963 from a local gun shop in Dallas.
The Bullet Evidence
The Warren Commission’s investigation found that three bullets were fired from the rifle, and two of them struck Kennedy. The commission concluded that one bullet, known as the "magic bullet," caused the majority of Kennedy’s injuries, including a severe head wound.
The Bullet Evidence Table
| Bullet | Location | Damage |
|---|---|---|
| Magic Bullet | Kennedy’s head and neck | Severe head wound, neck wound |
| Fragmented Bullet | Kennedy’s neck and shoulder | Neck wound, shoulder wound |
| Unfired Bullet | Found on the sixth floor of the Texas School Book Depository | None |
The Conspiracies and Controversies
Despite the Warren Commission’s findings, numerous conspiracy theories have emerged over the years, suggesting that there was a larger plot to kill Kennedy. Some of the most popular theories include:
- Grassy Knoll: A conspiracy theory that suggests that there was a second gunman on the "grassy knoll" in Dealey Plaza, which is not supported by any credible evidence.
- Magic Bullet Theory: A theory that suggests that the "magic bullet" could not have caused the injuries that it did, and that there must have been multiple shooters.
- Government Cover-Up: A theory that suggests that the government was involved in a cover-up to conceal the truth about the assassination.
The Conclusion
Despite the controversies and conspiracy theories, the overwhelming evidence points to Lee Harvey Oswald as the lone gunman responsible for the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. The Warren Commission’s investigation, which included a thorough examination of the bullet evidence and eyewitness testimony, concluded that Oswald acted alone.
The Gun Used in the Assassination: The Verdict
In conclusion, the gun used in the assassination of President John F. Kennedy was a Mannlicher-Carcano Model 36/40 carbine, which was fired by Lee Harvey Oswald from the sixth floor of the Texas School Book Depository building.
Key Takeaways:
- The Warren Commission concluded that Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone in shooting Kennedy.
- The rifle used in the assassination was a Mannlicher-Carcano Model 36/40 carbine.
- The bullet evidence suggests that two bullets struck Kennedy, one causing a severe head wound and the other causing neck and shoulder wounds.
- Despite numerous conspiracy theories, the overwhelming evidence points to Oswald as the lone gunman.
Final Thoughts
The assassination of President John F. Kennedy was a tragic event that sent shockwaves around the world. While the question of what gun killed the president remains a topic of debate, the evidence suggests that Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone using a Mannlicher-Carcano Model 36/40 carbine. As we continue to study the events surrounding the assassination, it is essential to separate fact from fiction and rely on credible evidence to uncover the truth.
