On November 22, 1963, in Dallas, Texas, the tragic assassination of President John F. Kennedy unfolded. The widely accepted narrative attributes the killing to a lone gunman, Lee Harvey Oswald, who allegedly fired shots at the president’s car from the top floors of an old book depository. The prevailing belief is that Kennedy succumbed to his injuries before the car came to a halt, and Oswald acted independently. Shortly after the assassination, Oswald, too, was assassinated by Jack Ruby, a nightclub owner with mafia connections, adding further complexity to the events and fueling various conspiracy theories.
The aftermath of Kennedy’s assassination has given rise to numerous conspiracy theories, with four main contenders implicating the government, the mafia, Lyndon B. Johnson, and the mysterious grassy knoll shooter. Although the details of these JFK conspiracy theories remain elusive, a significant portion of the American population, around 60%, questions the validity of the “Oswald JFK theory.”
One prevalent theory suggests government involvement in Kennedy’s death. Those within the government associated with the military-industrial complex are suspected of having motives related to Kennedy’s plans to reduce the military’s size. Kennedy’s intention to end U.S. involvement in Vietnam and negotiate peace with the Soviet Union may have threatened the interests of the Pentagon and military contractors, providing a potential motive.
Another theory implicates the Mafia in Kennedy’s assassination. The belief is rooted in the Mafia’s alleged collaboration with Joe Kennedy to secure JFK’s election. However, when Kennedy failed to protect U.S. interests in Cuba, the Mafia’s financial interests suffered. Some conspiracy evidence suggests a Mafia-CIA alliance in attempting to assassinate the president, and Jack Ruby’s ties to organized crime further intertwine the Mafia in this web of theories.
Lyndon B. Johnson, the Vice President, is also a subject of conspiracy theories. With much to gain from Kennedy’s death, Johnson’s swift swearing-in after Kennedy’s assassination raises suspicions. While there is no concrete evidence linking Johnson to the event, his rapid assumption of the presidency fuels conspiracy speculation.
The grassy knoll theory presents an enigma, challenging the official account. Witnesses claim to have heard a fourth shot from the grassy knoll, raising questions about a potential second shooter. The presence of a mysterious figure, the “JFK umbrella man,” and physical evidence of three shots contribute to the belief that an unidentified assailant might have played a role in the president’s death.
Decades later, the JFK conspiracy theories persist, reflecting the enduring fascination and uncertainty surrounding that fateful day in Dallas.