The aftermath of President John F. Kennedy’s assassination in 1963 gave rise to a plethora of conspiracy theories, but none have captivated public interest quite like the single-bullet theory. This theory, put forth by the Warren Commission’s 1964 investigation into Kennedy’s death, suggests that a single bullet struck both Kennedy and Texas Gov. John Connally, seated beside him in the presidential limousine. However, skepticism surrounding this theory has persisted over the years, with many derisively dubbing it the “magic-bullet theory.”
Despite the Warren Commission’s endorsement of the single-bullet theory in its final report, criticism of the investigation’s conclusions has endured. Even Attorney General Robert Kennedy, the president’s brother, disparaged the Warren Report as subpar craftsmanship. Additionally, several commission members expressed doubts regarding the feasibility of the single-bullet trajectory.
According to proponents of the single-bullet theory, Lee Harvey Oswald, positioned in the Texas School Book Depository, fired a 6.5-millimeter bullet that first struck Kennedy’s back before coursing through Connally’s body. This bullet, later identified as Commission Exhibit 399, inflicted multiple injuries on Connally, including fractured ribs and a wrist bone, before being discovered at Parkland Memorial Hospital.
Critics of the single-bullet theory contend that the bullet’s purported trajectory, traversing two adult bodies and causing extensive damage, is implausible. Moreover, the circumstances surrounding the recovery of CE 399, described as “pristine,” have fueled suspicions and skepticism among conspiracy theorists. Despite these criticisms, various re-enactments, computer analyses, and forensic investigations have lent credence to the single-bullet theory.
The Zapruder film, capturing pivotal moments of Kennedy’s assassination, remains a centerpiece of the debate surrounding the single-bullet theory. Frames depicting the trajectory of the fatal shot and its impact on Kennedy and Connally have been scrutinized extensively. However, discrepancies in witness testimonies, as well as unresolved questions regarding Oswald’s motives and possible accomplices, continue to fuel speculation and skepticism surrounding the events of November 22, 1963.
Ultimately, the assassination of President Kennedy remains shrouded in uncertainty and controversy, with numerous unanswered questions persisting even half a century later. Despite the passage of time, public opinion remains divided, underscoring the enduring fascination and intrigue surrounding one of the most significant events in modern American history.