What Gun Was Used to Shoot JFK?
One of the most enduring and debated questions in American history is what gun was used to shoot President John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963. The assassination of President Kennedy has been the subject of numerous investigations, conspiracies, and theories, but the question of the gun remains a central piece of the puzzle.
The Warren Commission Investigation
In 1964, the Warren Commission was established by President Lyndon B. Johnson to investigate the assassination of President Kennedy. The commission was led by Chief Justice Earl Warren and included seven other members. After a thorough investigation, the commission concluded that Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone in shooting Kennedy from the sixth floor of the Texas School Book Depository building in Dallas, Texas.
The Key Evidence
The Warren Commission’s report highlighted several pieces of evidence that pointed to Oswald as the lone assassin:
- The Sniper’s Nest: The commission found that Oswald had rented a room on the sixth floor of the Texas School Book Depository building, where he had set up a sniper’s nest to shoot Kennedy.
- The Rifle: The commission discovered a Mannlicher-Carcano rifle on the sixth floor, which they believed was the gun used to shoot Kennedy.
- The Bullet Holes: The commission examined the President’s limousine and found bullet holes consistent with shots fired from the sixth floor.
The Alternative Theories
Despite the Warren Commission’s findings, many researchers and conspiracy theorists have proposed alternative theories about the gun used to shoot Kennedy. Some of the most popular theories include:
- The Magic Bullet Theory: Some researchers argue that the Warren Commission’s conclusion that a single bullet caused all of the non-fatal wounds to Kennedy and Texas Governor John Connally was flawed.
- The Second Gunman: Many conspiracy theorists believe that there was a second gunman involved in the assassination, perhaps from the "grassy knoll" in Dealey Plaza.
- The CIA/NSA/ FBI Cover-Up: Some researchers argue that government agencies were involved in the assassination and covered up the evidence to protect their own secrets.
The rifle in question: The Mannlicher-Carcano**
The Mannlicher-Carcano rifle, manufactured in Italy, was the subject of much debate and speculation. Here are some key facts about the rifle:
| **Fact** | **Description** |
| — | — |
| **Model** | 6.5x52mm Carcano Model 1938 |
| **Manufacturer** | Beretta |
| **Serial Number** | C2766 |
| **Purchase Date** | March 24, 1963 |
**The Forensic Analysis**
The Warren Commission commissioned a forensic analysis of the rifle and its bullets to determine if they matched the evidence found at the scene. The analysis concluded that the rifle was the same make and model as the one found on the sixth floor, and that the bullets found in the president’s body and the governor’s body were consistent with the rifle’s caliber.
The Controversy Surrounding the Gun**
Despite the forensic evidence, many researchers have challenged the conclusion that the Mannlicher-Carcano rifle was the gun used to shoot Kennedy. Some argue that the rifle was altered or tampered with before the investigation, while others claim that the bullets were not consistent with the rifle’s caliber.
**Recent Developments**
In 2017, the House Intelligence Committee released a declassified document revealing that the CIA had considered the possibility of a second gunman and had investigated the possibility of a conspiracy. The document did not conclude that the CIA was involved in the assassination, but it raised further questions about the Commission’s findings.
**Conclusion**
The question of what gun was used to shoot JFK remains one of the most enduring and debated topics in American history. While the Warren Commission concluded that Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone with a Mannlicher-Carcano rifle, alternative theories and conspiracy theories continue to abound. The controversy surrounding the gun is a microcosm of the broader questions surrounding the assassination and its implications for American society.
**Final Thoughts**
* The Warren Commission’s conclusion that Oswald acted alone with a Mannlicher-Carcano rifle remains the most widely accepted theory, but alternative theories and conspiracy theories continue to be explored.
* The controversy surrounding the gun highlights the ongoing debate about the assassination’s motivations and the role of government agencies.
* Ultimately, the truth about what gun was used to shoot JFK may never be known for certain, but ongoing research and investigations continue to shed new light on one of the most significant events in American history.
