The President’s Commission on the Assassination of President Kennedy

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The Warren Commission, formally known as The President’s Commission on the Assassination of President Kennedy, was established by President Lyndon B. Johnson through Executive Order 11130 on November 29, 1963, just seven days after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in Dallas, Texas. The Commission was tasked with investigating the circumstances surrounding Kennedy’s assassination and subsequent events, a mandate that arose from the public’s demand for a thorough and transparent investigation.

The assassination of President Kennedy on November 22, 1963, shocked the nation and the world. Given the high-profile nature of the crime and the proliferation of various theories and rumors, there was an immediate and overwhelming demand for a comprehensive investigation to ascertain the facts of the President’s death. The initial investigation by the Dallas police and the FBI did little to quell public speculation and conspiracy theories. Recognizing the need for an authoritative investigation, President Johnson appointed the Commission.

Johnson’s decision to form the Commission was also influenced by concerns about international implications and the Cold War context. There were fears that the assassination might be the prelude to a larger conspiracy involving foreign powers. To ensure credibility, Johnson sought a bipartisan body comprising prominent figures.

The Warren Commission was chaired by Earl Warren, the Chief Justice of the United States. Other members included:

1. Senator Richard Russell Jr. (Democrat, Georgia)

2. Senator John Sherman Cooper (Republican, Kentucky)

3. Representative Hale Boggs (Democrat, Louisiana)

4. Representative Gerald Ford (Republican, Michigan)

5. Allen Dulles, former Director of the Central Intelligence Agency

6. John J. McCloy, a prominent banker and former president of the World Bank

After an extensive investigation, which included reviewing numerous testimonies and various pieces of evidence, the Commission concluded in its report, released on September 24, 1964, that:

1. Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone in assassinating President Kennedy.

2. Jack Ruby, who killed Oswald two days after the assassination, also acted alone.

3. There was no credible evidence of a conspiracy, either domestic or international, in the assassination.

4. The Secret Service, FBI, and other agencies were deficient in their performance but did not contribute to the assassination.

The Warren Commission’s report was met with mixed reactions. Initially, it was widely accepted by the American public, helping to alleviate some of the widespread speculation and uncertainty surrounding Kennedy’s assassination. However, over time, skepticism and criticism grew. Critics pointed out various perceived inadequacies in the Commission’s investigation, including its reliance on the FBI’s report, failure to adequately explore certain leads, and dismissal of potential conspiracy theories. This skepticism contributed to the proliferation of alternative theories about Kennedy’s assassination, which continue to be the subject of debate and research.

The Warren Commission’s legacy is complex. While it played a critical role in the immediate aftermath of a national tragedy by providing a semblance of closure, its conclusions have been continually scrutinized and questioned, reflecting the enduring mystery and controversy surrounding Kennedy’s assassination.