Who Killed John F. Kennedy? Facts and Theories

The assassination of President John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963, remains one of history's most enigmatic and debated events. Officially, the investigation pointed to Lee Harvey Oswald as the lone perpetrator, yet decades of speculation have cast doubt on this conclusion, leading to numerous alternative theories and unanswered questions.

The Official Narrative: Lee Harvey Oswald

According to the Warren Commission’s 1964 report, Lee Harvey Oswald, a former U.S. Marine, acted alone in assassinating President Kennedy. Oswald is said to have fired three shots from the Texas School Book Depository, two of which struck Kennedy, fatally wounding him. He was arrested shortly after the assassination but was murdered by Jack Ruby, a Dallas nightclub owner, before he could stand trial.

Oswald's background has often been scrutinized. His defection to the Soviet Union in 1959 and subsequent return to the United States, coupled with his pro-communist sentiments, raised questions about his motivations and whether he was acting independently.

Theories and Speculation
Despite the official findings, the public has remained skeptical about Oswald being the sole assassin. Various theories have emerged over the years:

1. Government Involvement: Some theories suggest internal agencies orchestrated the assassination, citing reasons such as disagreements over foreign policy or Kennedy's push for reforms.

2. Organized Crime: Others argue that the Mafia was involved, possibly in retaliation for the Kennedy administration's crackdown on organized crime.

3. Cold War Connections: There has been speculation about the roles of Cuba or the Soviet Union, due to tensions over the Bay of Pigs invasion and the Cuban Missile Crisis.

4. Second Shooter Hypothesis: Witness accounts of hearing shots from directions other than the book depository led to the popular "grassy knoll" theory, which posits the involvement of a second gunman.

In 1979, the House Select Committee on Assassinations suggested the possibility of a conspiracy, although it did not identify specific individuals or groups.

The Recent Release of Files
The recent public release of additional documents related to Kennedy's assassination has rekindled interest in the case. While these records offer further insights, they have not provided definitive evidence to challenge or overturn the original conclusion that Oswald acted alone.

Conclusion
The question of who killed John F. Kennedy continues to fascinate and divide opinions. Official investigations concluded that Lee Harvey Oswald was the lone assassin, but the persistent doubts and alternative theories ensure that the event remains one of the most enduring mysteries of the 20th century. Whether future discoveries will shed more light on this case remains uncertain.

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