More than six decades after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963, in Dallas, conspiracy theories continue to thrive. Each new piece of information regarding that fateful day captivates the public’s attention.
During his reelection campaign, President Donald Trump pledged to declassify all remaining government documents related to the assassination if he were to return to the White House. He had made a similar promise during his first term but ultimately agreed to requests from the CIA and FBI to keep certain documents secret.
To date, only a small fraction of the millions of documents related to the assassination have been released. Experts who have examined the disclosed records suggest that while some remaining files might be unveiled, they are unlikely to contain any groundbreaking revelations. “Anyone hoping for a smoking gun that will overturn this case will be disappointed,” noted Gerald Posner, author of “Case Closed,” which asserts that assassin Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone.
The tragic event began as Kennedy and First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy arrived in Dallas on a clear day, greeted by festive crowds during a political trip aimed at strengthening ties in Texas ahead of an upcoming reelection campaign. However, as their motorcade approached downtown, shots rang out from the Texas School Book Depository, leading to Oswald’s arrest. Two days later, Oswald was killed by nightclub owner Jack Ruby during a transfer to jail.
A year following the assassination, the Warren Commission, established by President Lyndon B. Johnson, determined that Oswald acted alone and found no evidence of a conspiracy. However, the case has sparked numerous alternative theories over the years.
In the early 1990s, the federal government required that all assassination-related documents be stored in a single collection at the National Archives and Records Administration. The collection, which comprises over 5 million records, was mandated to be opened by 2017 unless the president designated exceptions. Although Trump initially promised to release all remaining records during his administration, he cited concerns about national security to justify withholding some documents. Under President Joe Biden, additional files have been disclosed, although many remain undisclosed.
The recently released documents shed light on the operational methods of intelligence agencies during that era, including CIA cables discussing Oswald’s interactions with Soviet and Cuban embassies prior to the assassination. Mark S. Zaid, a national security attorney, emphasized that the released files have provided valuable context regarding the Cold War and CIA activities.
According to Posner, about 3,000 to 4,000 documents remain unreleased, with some completely redacted and others partially concealed. Notably, around 500 documents, such as the tax returns of Oswald and Ruby, have been withheld entirely, as they were not subject to the 2017 disclosure requirement.
Despite the lack of consensus, interest in the assassination persists. Stephen Fagin, curator of the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, noted that many believe there must be more to the story than Oswald acting alone. Fagin remarked that although there are still questions, law enforcement presented a “pretty compelling case” against Oswald.
Larry J. Sabato, director of the University of Virginia Center for Politics, reflected on the incredibility of one disturbed individual committing such a monumental crime. The attention derived from this historical incident continues to engage scholars and the public alike, fueling ongoing exploration of the truth behind one of America’s darkest days.
As new documents surface and theories continue to evolve, there remains hope that clarity may one day be achieved regarding this tragic event, allowing society to grapple more fully with its implications and lessons for the future.