The assassination of President John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963, remains one of the most debated events in American history. Lee Harvey Oswald, a 24-year-old former Marine, was arrested for the crime, but before he could be interrogated, he was shot by Jack Ruby, a nightclub owner with underworld connections. This sudden turn of events fueled conspiracy theories, questioning whether Oswald acted alone or was part of a larger plot involving the CIA, KGB, or organized crime.
The Warren Commission, established in 1964, concluded that Oswald was the lone assassin. However, skepticism persisted, reinforced by media like Oliver Stone's 1991 film "JFK." Many believed crucial evidence was hidden in classified government files. In 2023, following a directive from President Trump, the National Archives released over 80,000 records related to the case. Scholars examining these documents found no definitive proof of a broader conspiracy but noted how much the CIA had known about Oswald before the assassination. The files also revealed instances of CIA misconduct, such as unauthorized surveillance of American citizens.
Despite these disclosures, public doubt remains. A Gallup poll showed that two-thirds of Americans believe Oswald did not act alone. The lack of absolute certainty has contributed to widespread distrust in the government, making the JFK assassination an enduring mystery.
Vocabulary:
• Assassination (noun): The act of murdering a public figure, often for political reasons.
• Culprit (noun): A person responsible for a crime or wrongdoing.
• Interrogate (verb): To question someone thoroughly, often in an official setting.• Skepticism (noun): Doubt about the truth of a statement or claim.
• Disclosures (noun): The act of revealing previously secret information.
• Surveillance (noun): Close observation, especially by authorities.
• Conspiracy (noun): A secret plan by a group to commit an unlawful act.
Source: CNBC News