# Study Notes: The Assassination of President John F. Kennedy The assassination of President John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963, remains one of the most debated events in modern history. These notes explore three perspectives on the event: the findings of the Warren Commission, the views of filmmaker Oliver Stone, and the arguments of prosecutor Vincent Bugliosi. Each source provides unique insights into the question of whether Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone or as part of a larger conspiracy. --- ## The Warren Commission's Findings The Warren Commission, established to investigate the assassination, concluded that **Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone**. Below are the key points supporting their conclusion: ### Key Evidence Supporting Oswald's Sole Responsibility - **No Assistance in Planning or Execution**: - The Commission found no evidence that anyone helped Oswald plan or carry out the assassination. - Investigations included: - The motorcade route through Dallas. - Oswald's employment at the Texas School Book Depository (hired October 15, 1963). - How the rifle was brought into the building. - The arrangement of book cartons at the window used for the shooting. - Oswald's escape from the building and eyewitness testimony. - **No Links to U.S. Government Agencies**: - The Commission thoroughly investigated Oswald's relationships with agencies like the FBI and CIA. - It found no evidence that Oswald was an agent, employee, or informant of any governmental agency. - **Conclusion**: - Based on the evidence, the Commission determined that Oswald acted alone in assassinating President Kennedy. Remember: The Warren Commission's findings are based on extensive investigations into Oswald's actions and relationships. --- ## Oliver Stone's Perspective: A Conspiracy Theory Filmmaker Oliver Stone, known for his movie *JFK*, strongly disagrees with the Warren Commission's findings. He argues that the assassination was part of a **larger conspiracy**. ### Key Points of Stone's Argument 1. **A Coup d'État**: - Stone believes Kennedy's assassination was a coup orchestrated by a "shadow government." - He suggests this same group may have been responsible for the deaths of Robert Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr. 2. **Two Conspiracies**: - **First Conspiracy**: A small group of 5–12 people planned and executed the assassination. - **Second Conspiracy**: A larger effort to cover up the truth and mislead the public. 3. **Criticism of the Warren Commission**: - Stone views the Commission as biased, particularly due to the involvement of Allen Dulles, a former CIA director. - He likens this to "asking the fox to investigate the chicken coop." 4. **Eyewitness Discrepancies**: - Stone highlights inconsistencies in eyewitness accounts, which he believes undermine the official narrative. Stone's perspective emphasizes distrust in government institutions and the possibility of hidden agendas. In *JFK*, Stone dramatizes the idea of multiple shooters and a coordinated effort to frame Oswald, challenging the "lone gunman" theory. --- ## Vincent Bugliosi's Argument: Oswald's Guilt Vincent Bugliosi, a former prosecutor and author of *Reclaiming History*, presents a detailed case for Oswald's guilt. He argues that the evidence overwhelmingly supports the conclusion that Oswald acted alone. ### Key Evidence Highlighted by Bugliosi 1. **The Murder Weapon**: - Oswald's Mannlicher-Carcano rifle was identified as the weapon used to kill Kennedy. 2. **Oswald's Behavior**: - Oswald was the only employee at the Texas School Book Depository who fled the building after the assassination. - Forty-five minutes later, he shot and killed Officer J.D. Tippit, a Dallas police officer. - This murder, according to Bugliosi, reflects the actions of a man in "desperate flight" from a crime. 3. **Resisting Arrest**: - Oswald resisted arrest at a Texas theater, even pulling a gun on the arresting officer. 4. **Consciousness of Guilt**: - During interrogation, Oswald told numerous provable lies, which Bugliosi interprets as evidence of guilt. 5. **Volume of Evidence**: - Bugliosi lists 53 separate pieces of evidence pointing to Oswald's guilt, arguing it would be "humanly impossible" for him to be innocent. Bugliosi's argument is grounded in physical evidence, witness testimony, and Oswald's own actions. Some conspiracy theorists dismiss Bugliosi's evidence without fully engaging with the details, focusing instead on broader distrust of the government. --- ## Key Takeaways - **Warren Commission**: Concluded that Oswald acted alone, based on extensive investigations into his actions and relationships. - **Oliver Stone**: Argues for a conspiracy, suggesting both a small group of assassins and a larger cover-up effort. - **Vincent Bugliosi**: Asserts that the evidence overwhelmingly proves Oswald's guilt, with no need for conspiracy theories. --- ## Practice Questions 1. What were the main reasons the Warren Commission concluded that Oswald acted alone? 2. How does Oliver Stone's theory differ from the findings of the Warren Commission? 3. List three pieces of evidence Vincent Bugliosi uses to argue for Oswald's guilt. 4. Why does Oliver Stone criticize the involvement of Allen Dulles in the Warren Commission? --- ## Final Thoughts The assassination of President Kennedy remains a polarizing topic, with interpretations ranging from a lone gunman to elaborate conspiracies. Understanding the evidence and arguments from multiple perspectives is essential for forming an informed opinion. Whether you lean toward the official findings or alternative theories, the debate highlights the complexities of historical events and the challenges of uncovering the truth.