Over 60 years after the tragic assassination of President John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963, interest in the event remains robust, with numerous conspiracy theories continually capturing public intrigue. Former President Donald Trump, during his reelection campaign, vowed to declassify all remaining government documents related to the assassination if he were to return to office. However, during his first term, he ultimately decided to keep some documents hidden, responding to requests from agencies like the CIA and FBI.
As of now, only a small portion of the millions of records related to the assassination has been fully disclosed. Experts caution that even if the remaining files are made public, there are unlikely to be any significant revelations. Gerald Posner, author of “Case Closed,” asserts that those hoping for a dramatic turn of events will likely be disappointed; he maintains that Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone in the assassination.
The somber events of that day unfolded as Air Force One landed in Dallas amid clear skies and a warm reception from crowds, reflecting a pre-election haul aimed at mending political fences. However, the excitement quickly turned to horror as shots rang out during the motorcade, leading to Oswald’s arrest. Just two days later, nightclub owner Jack Ruby fatally shot Oswald during his transfer to jail.
In the wake of the assassination, the Warren Commission, established by President Lyndon B. Johnson, concluded that Oswald acted independently, finding no evidence of a conspiracy. Nevertheless, a multitude of alternative theories continue to circulate over the years.
In the early 1990s, the U.S. government mandated that all assassination-related documents be compiled and archived in the National Archives and Records Administration. This collection comprises over five million records, which were supposed to be opened to the public by 2017, with some exceptions designated by the president. While Trump initially indicated his willingness to release all remaining documents during his first term, he ultimately withheld them, citing potential national security risks. President Joe Biden’s administration has also continued to release files, but many remain undisclosed.
The documents that have been made public have provided insights into the operations of intelligence agencies during that time, including CIA memos and correspondence regarding Oswald’s interactions with Soviet and Cuban embassies shortly before the assassination. National security attorney Mark S. Zaid noted that these records shed light on the Cold War climate and CIA activities during that period.
Currently, it is estimated that between 3,000 to 4,000 documents are still not fully released, with some remaining entirely redacted. Notably, around 500 documents, including Oswald’s and Ruby’s tax returns, have yet to be made public as they were exempt from the 2017 disclosure requirement.
Despite the myriad of theories and speculation, Stephen Fagin, curator of the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, observes that many people have an innate desire to understand the events surrounding Kennedy’s assassination. He emphasizes that while questions remain, law enforcement provided a strong case against Oswald.
The fascination with this moment in history continues, resonating with individuals such as Larry J. Sabato, who recalls his childhood reaction to the assassination. As he delved deeper into the events, he found the notion of a disturbed individual being capable of such a catastrophic crime both probable and riveting.
The enduring interest in the assassination of JFK signals a collective yearning for clarity amid lingering uncertainties, emblematic of our broader quest for truth in complex historical narratives. As the remaining documents are slowly released, they may yet provide a clearer picture of this pivotal moment in American history.