DALLAS (AP) — Over six decades have passed since President John F. Kennedy was assassinated, yet conspiracy theories continue to thrive. Each new revelation about the fateful events of November 22, 1963, in Dallas captures public interest.
President-elect Donald Trump has vowed during his reelection campaign to declassify all remaining government documents related to the assassination if he regains office. Although he made a similar commitment during his first term, he ultimately decided to withhold some documents due to concerns expressed by the CIA and FBI.
Currently, only a fraction of the millions of records associated with the assassination have been made publicly available. Experts who have examined the released files suggest that even if more documents come to light, they do not expect any groundbreaking discoveries.
“Anyone hoping for a definitive piece of evidence that will radically change our understanding of this case will likely be disappointed,” remarked Gerald Posner, the author of “Case Closed,” which asserts that Lee Harvey Oswald acted independently.
As the 61st anniversary approaches on Friday, a moment of silence will be observed at 12:30 p.m. in Dealey Plaza, the site where JFK’s motorcade was ambushed. Commemorative events have been taking place throughout the week.
Nov. 22, 1963
When Air Force One, carrying Kennedy and First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, arrived in Dallas, they were met by bright skies and enthusiastic supporters. Their visit aimed to mend political fences in preparation for the upcoming reelection campaign.
However, as the motorcade concluded its route downtown, gunshots erupted from the Texas School Book Depository. Police detained 24-year-old Oswald, who was later killed by nightclub owner Jack Ruby during a jail transfer.
One year following the assassination, the Warren Commission, established by President Lyndon B. Johnson, determined that Oswald acted alone without any evidence of a conspiracy, a conclusion that has done little to silence longstanding theories.
The Collection
In the early 1990s, legislation mandated the creation of a single collection housing all documents related to the assassination, housed within the National Archives and Records Administration. This extensive collection, consisting of over 5 million documents, was required to be opened by 2017, unless exempted by presidential decision.
During his first term starting in 2017, Trump claimed he would release all remaining records but ultimately chose to withhold some citing national security concerns. Under President Joe Biden, files continue to be released, yet many remain undisclosed.
The documents that have been made public in recent years outline the operations of intelligence agencies at the time, including CIA memos regarding Oswald’s visits to both the Soviet and Cuban embassies in Mexico City only weeks ahead of the assassination. Oswald, a former Marine, had earlier defected to the Soviet Union before returning to Texas.
Mark S. Zaid, a national security lawyer based in Washington, noted that the released documents have significantly enhanced our understanding of that era, painting “a comprehensive picture” of Cold War dynamics and CIA activities.
Withheld Files
Posner estimates that approximately 3,000 to 4,000 documents within the collection are still not fully accessible. Some of these documents remain entirely redacted, while others have minor redactions, such as Social Security numbers.
“For those following the case closely, like myself, we’re particularly focused on pages that may reveal additional historical insights,” Posner explained.
According to Posner, there are around 500 documents that remain completely withheld, including tax returns for both Oswald and Ruby. These particular files, according to the National Archives, are exempt from the 2017 disclosure requirements.
This week, Trump’s transition team has not responded to inquiries concerning his plans regarding the withheld records upon taking office.
A Continued Fascination
From the outset, many have felt there must be more to the assassination than Oswald acting alone, as noted by Stephen Fagin, curator of the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, which uniquely narrates the assassination story from the very site where Oswald fired the fatal shots.
“People are driven to make sense of this and seek a solution that aligns with their views of the crime,” Fagin observed, emphasizing that while questions remain, law enforcement established “a compelling case” against Oswald.
Larry J. Sabato, director of the University of Virginia Center for Politics, shared that his intrigue with the assassination dates back to when he was a child during the event itself.
“It seemed almost fantastical that one deeply troubled individual could perpetrate such a monumental crime,” Sabato reflected. “Yet, the more I delved into the subject, the more it seemed plausible—perhaps even probable—in my perspective.”
