The Mysterious Death of President John F. Kennedy
The assassination of President John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963, is one of the most infamous events in American history. Kennedy was shot while riding in an open-top car in a motorcade through Dallas, Texas. The bullet ridden limousine quickly turned into a chaotic scene of panic and despair.
Despite numerous investigations and years of research, the debate continues to rage on: What gun was JFK killed with? In this article, we will delve into the history of the investigations and present the most plausible answers.
The Magic Bullet Theory
The Wade Commission, also known as the Warren Commission, was established by President Lyndon B. Johnson in November 1963 to investigate the assassination of Kennedy. The commission presented the Magic Bullet Theory as the most probable scenario. According to the commission’s findings, a Bullseye Clip Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) 6.5mm cartridge (referred to as a CE 399 bullet) passed through Kennedy’s head, neck, and clothing of Texas Governor John Connally, who was seated directly in front of him in the car.
However, many experts and critics question the accuracy of this conclusion, citing inconsistencies and a lack of concrete evidence to support the theory. This has led to more than 50,000 pages of documents remaining sealed until 2025, sparking further suspicion about the true nature of Kennedy’s assassination.
Allegations of Government Misconduct
In recent years, researchers have proposed several alternative theories, alleging government misconduct or conspiracy. One of the most popular theories is the presence of a SECOND Gunman on the Sixth Floor of the Texas School Book Depository, claiming that Lee Harvey Oswald was not alone during the assassination.
Others claim that the assassination was orchestrated by the FBI or CIA, or that the Grassy Knoll shot was an audible sound that indicated further shooters outside. These theories have remained unproven or have been completely debunked as having no scientific evidence backing up the claims.
Examining the Evidence
Since the Warren Commission report in 1964, significant evidence has been analyzed to shed light on the conspiracy theories. Some important finds include:
- Crime Scene Analysis: Many analysts have pointed out issues with the bullet marks, trajectory, and clothing worn by Kennedy which were inconsistent with the Official version.
- Eddleman’s Error: Photographer Willie Dorroh took several iconic photos of the Zapiola Garage, with witnesses claiming the assassin emerged from the right, or the grassy knoll.
- Kellerman’s Affidavit: Secret Service agent Roy Kellerman stated in 2003 that at least 4 shots rang out, contradicting official government reports.
Scientific Analysis
Recent examinations using modern technology, have led to some revealing information:
- CSUMB (California State University-Monterey Bay): Researchers used high-energy X-rays to visualize internal bullets, revealing potential inconsistency of the CE 399’s trajectory.
- The Warren Commission Files 2013: Examination by engineer Charles F. Newcomb showed significant deviation from the official Magic Bullet Theory.
Banned Evidence
The release of declassified FBI memos in the mid-1990s suggested possible government agencies withholding evidence. Specific bullet points include:
• FBI Agent Elam’s Memo: On February 26, 1947, Federal Judge Elam investigated whether Lee Harvey Oswald may have been involved. The memo remains unreleased.
• Lynden B. Sheeler, a Dallas Police Investigator, wrote a confidential memorandum stating there may be more than one perpetrator involved.
Timeline for the Truth
A consensus on the events remains an elusive goal. Yet, the cumulative evidence casts further doubt on the accuracy of the official story:
| Data / Evidence | Public Disclosures |
|---|---|
| CE 399 & Magic Bullet | Warren Commission report (1964) (Official) |
| CSUMB Experiments | 2019 and 2020 CSUMB research papers (Published |
| LFI (Lyndon F. Johnson Investigation) | No report or documents released in more than 50 years; remains classified |
A Search for the Truth Continues
Despite the intense interest and scrutiny, a precise answer to the question What gun was JFK killed with still remains elusive. Whether JFK was killed by the sole action of Lee Harvey Oswald or a larger web of conspiracy, the enduring investigation and controversy continue.
Further research, new data collection, and a rigorous reappraisal of past investigation findings will likely push toward a clearer understanding. If the truth remains forever distorted, we must maintain scrutiny and an open mindset until then.
In Summary: The question What gun was JFK killed with continues to spark debate and questions after more than 57 years. The official verdict attributed the assassination to the Mannlicher-Carcano with a 6.5mm bullet, now as the CE 399 magic bullet. However, there are significant inconsistencies with key evidence, leading experts and researchers to propose numerous alternate theories and investigations into supposed government misconduct. In spite of ongoing efforts and analyses, the definitive answers of the JFK assassination case elude us.
