Around noon on November 22, 1963, President John F. Kennedy met his untimely end in a tragic assassination while traveling in a motorcade through Dealey Plaza in downtown Dallas, Texas.
In the autumn of 1963, President Kennedy and his political advisors were gearing up for the upcoming presidential campaign. Despite not formally declaring his candidacy, it was evident that he intended to run, displaying confidence in his chances for re-election.
In September, the president embarked on a tour of nine states within a week, shedding light on natural resources and conservation efforts while testing potential themes for his 1964 campaign, including education, national security, and world peace.
Campaigning in Texas became a focal point as President Kennedy recognized the need to unite Democrats amid internal disputes in the state. He was also aware of the influence of a vocal group of extremists, particularly in Dallas, where an attack on US Ambassador Adlai Stevenson had occurred a month earlier.
The Texas tour commenced on November 21, with President and Mrs. Kennedy traveling to various cities. The president aimed to strengthen Democratic unity, understanding the political challenges and tensions in the state.
The tour took the presidential party to San Antonio, Houston, and Fort Worth, where President Kennedy addressed various gatherings, emphasizing themes such as military preparedness and the nation’s leadership role.
On the morning of November 22, in Fort Worth, President Kennedy addressed a crowd outside the Texas Hotel, highlighting the nation’s defense, space exploration, and economic growth. The warmth of the audience’s response was evident, creating a positive atmosphere.
The presidential party then proceeded to Dallas for a luncheon at the Trade Mart. However, tragedy struck as the motorcade passed through Dealey Plaza around 12:30 p.m. Gunfire erupted, hitting President Kennedy and Governor John Connally. Despite swift transportation to Parkland Memorial Hospital, President Kennedy succumbed to his injuries at 1:00 p.m. Governor Connally, though seriously wounded, would recover.
Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson was sworn in aboard Air Force One before departing from Love Field. Meanwhile, Lee Harvey Oswald, an employee at the Texas School Book Depository, was arrested for the assassination. Oswald was shot and killed by Jack Ruby on live television two days later.
President Kennedy’s funeral took place on November 25, 1963, with a procession to Arlington National Cemetery. The ceremony was attended by dignitaries from around the world, and millions watched on television as Mrs. Kennedy and her husband’s brothers, Robert and Edward, lit an eternal flame at the gravesite.
In the aftermath, investigations were conducted, including the Warren Commission in 1963 and the House Select Committee on Assassinations in 1976. The findings were subject to ongoing public scrutiny, leading to the creation of the Assassination Records Collection Act of 1992, directing the consolidation of all related materials under the National Archives and Records Administration.
