What Gun was JFK Shot With?
The Assassination of John F. Kennedy
November 22, 1963, is a day etched in American history forever. The 35th President of the United States, John F. Kennedy, was shot while riding in an open-top car in a motorcade through Dealey Plaza in Dallas, Texas. The tragic event sent shockwaves around the world, and it remains one of the most infamous and intriguing events of the 20th century.
The Search for the Truth
In the aftermath of the assassination, the FBI and the Warren Commission, led by Chief Justice Earl Warren, conducted an extensive investigation to determine the facts surrounding JFK’s death. The Commission’s findings, released in September 1964, concluded that Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone in shooting Kennedy from the sixth floor of the Texas School Book Depository building. However, numerous conspiracy theories have emerged over the years, questioning the Commission’s findings and claiming that the government was involved in the assassination.
The Physical Evidence
What gun was JFK shot with? The most significant piece of physical evidence is the Carcano Model 6.5mm Mannlicher-Carcano carbine, rifle #603534, also known as the "CeCe rifle." This rifle was discovered on the sixth floor of the Texas School Book Depository building by the police on November 22, 1963. The rifle was later proven to be the weapon used to shoot President Kennedy.
Here is a brief summary of the physical evidence:
| Evidence | Description |
|---|---|
| Rifle | Carcano Model 6.5mm Mannlicher-Carcano carbine (rifle #603534) |
| Cartridges | Three expended 6.5mm cartridges were found on the sixth floor of the Texas School Book Depository building |
| Bullet fragments | Fragmented bullet fragments were recovered from the President’s limousine and from the rear seat of the car |
| Bullet entry points | The President was struck by two bullets: one to the head (back of the head, estimated entry point ) and one to the neck ( estimated entry point ) |
The Bullets
The autopsy report, conducted by a team of doctors at Bethesda Naval Hospital, revealed that there were two entry points and two exit points on the President’s body. The bullets were recovered from the President’s head and neck, and from the seat of the limousine. The Warren Commission concluded that the first bullet caused a non-fatal neck wound, and the second bullet caused a fatal head wound.
What Gun was JFK Shot with?
Based on the physical evidence and the scientific analysis, the consensus among experts is that JFK was shot with a Carcano Model 6.5mm Mannlicher-Carcano carbine, rifle #603534. The rifle was found on the sixth floor of the Texas School Book Depository building, and the bullets used were from the same manufacturer and had the same markings.
The Controversies and Theories
Despite the overwhelming evidence pointing to a single gunman, conspiracy theories have persisted over the years. Some claim that there was a second shooter, while others believe that the government was involved in the assassination. However, there is no credible evidence to support these claims.
Here are some of the most significant controversies and theories:
• Magic Bullet Theory: The idea that a single bullet, known as CE399, caused multiple non-fatal wounds in the President and Texas Governor John Connally is a point of contention among experts. Some argue that the bullet was altered or manipulated, while others maintain that the evidence supports the Warren Commission’s findings.
• Second Shooter: The idea of a second shooter has been debunked by numerous experts, including the FBI, the CIA, and the Warren Commission. No credible evidence has been found to support this theory, and many witnesses testified that they did not hear a second shot.
• Government Involvement: The most enduring conspiracy theory claims that the government was involved in JFK’s assassination. While there have been many allegations and claims, there is no credible evidence to support this theory. Multiple investigations, including those conducted by the Church Committee and the Assassination Records Review Board, have found no evidence of government involvement.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the overwhelming evidence suggests that JFK was shot with a Carcano Model 6.5mm Mannlicher-Carcano carbine, rifle #603534. The rifle was found on the sixth floor of the Texas School Book Depository building, and the bullets used were from the same manufacturer and had the same markings. While conspiracy theories have persisted, there is no credible evidence to support claims of a second shooter or government involvement. The search for the truth has led to a clearer understanding of the events surrounding JFK’s assassination, and it continues to be a fascinating topic of study and debate.
References:
• Warren Commission Report (1964)
• FBI Records (1963-1964)
• Autopsy Report (1963)
• Assassination Records Review Board (1994-1998)
• Church Committee Report (1976)
