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The assassination of President John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963, involved the main suspect, Lee Harvey Oswald. While many citizens disagree, the Warren Commission’s official answer is that the only shooter was Lee Harvey Oswald. Conspiracy theories such as the influence of organized crime, the involvement of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), and an additional shooter. While many of the theories were neither confirmed nor denied,  each reflects a public mistrust of government institutions during and after the Cold War. 

A main theory is that the Central Intelligence Agency staged the assassination in response to President Kennedy’s failure to accept the foreign policy with the Soviet Union and Cuba. Oswald’s ambiguous background: a former U.S. Marine who joined the USSR in 1959, lived in  Minsk for over two years, then returned to the United States in 1962 (Mailer 154). Norman  Mailer, in his biographical study of Oswald, draws on declassified files and FBI transcripts to argue that Oswald’s movements attracted the sustained attention of intelligence agencies,  suggesting he was more than an ordinary private citizen (Mailer 74–78). Mailer’s theory highlights Oswald’s ties to the USSR and previous military connections, yet there is no evidence linking these contacts to CIA leadership. The significance of this theory due to the mistrust of the security state during the Cold War, suggesting that the President was not killed by a random citizen but by a government agency acting in its own interests.

Lee Harvey Oswald, a 24-year-old former military service member, is widely recognized for assassinating President John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963. Born in 1939, Oswald experienced a difficult upbringing characterized by instability and psychological distress, which contributed to his withdrawn, attention-seeking, and reckless behavior. This analysis examines how Oswald’s early traumatic experiences influenced his eventual apostate to the United States. During Oswald's childhood, he showed social withdrawal from his peers. This behavior can be traced to his birth in 1939, following his father's departure and frequent relocations by his mother. Psychologists have observed that the lack of emotional care in Oswald's early years hindered his ability to socialize as an adult (Bugliosi, 4-7). His early isolation fostered increasing estrangement from society and contributed to his later radicalized actions. Alongside lack of support, Oswald had the need to be seen which became a driving force behind his actions, coming low self-worth and lack of emotional care during his childhood years. Unable to keep a job, Oswald’s stability started to diminish (Lee Harvey Oswald, 2026). The evidence describes Oswald’s search for validation as linked to his sense of isolation and a fragmented self-identity. Additionally, suggesting that the assassination stood for not a political act, but a desperate attempt to secure a legacy (Abrahamsen, 1967; Posner, 2003).

Lee Harvey Oswald and The Assassination of JFK

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Oswald’s actions of recklessness further damage his personal relationships in his life. Specifically, his documented abuse in marriage to Marina Oswald, which, according to Mailer (1995), proves a pattern instability and difficulty forming healthy attachments, is a part of his struggles. In addition, his frequent job losses and recurring interpersonal conflicts, described in detail by biographical accounts ("Lee Harvey Oswald" 2026), show efforts and repeated failures to keep relationships outside his marriage. (Abrahamsen, 1967) Viewing these patterns together, it's clear that these behaviors reflect what Abrahamsen (1967) characterizes as deep-seated feelings of inadequacy, isolation, and a instability characterisitc. Incorporating abuse in his marriage, show the extent to which his external conflicts were a direct result of internal psychological distress. (Abrahamsen, 1967) Lee Harvey Oswald exemplifies how an unstable childhood, evolving beliefs, and an intense need for recognition can coalesce to drive an individual toward extreme actions. While the complete reality of the assassination contest, a deeper analysis of Oswald’s psychological makeup reveals the mechanisms by which chronic isolation and unmet emotional needs contributed to his decision-making. This case highlights not only the personal repercussions of unresolved psychological conflict but also the wider societal implications when such issues go unaddressed. Therefore, Oswald's life underscores the importance of understanding individual psychological factors within broader historical events, suggesting that comprehensive attention to mental health could be critical in preventing similarly catastrophic outcomes.

The Theories

Abrahamsen, David. “A Study of Lee Harvey Oswald: Psychological Capability of Murder.” Bulletin of the New York Academy of Medicine, vol. 43, no. 10, Oct. 1967, pp. 861–888. PubMed Central, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1806829/.

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Bugliosi, Vincent. Reclaiming History: The Assassination of President John F. Kennedy. W. W. Norton, 2007.

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“John F. Kennedy’s Assassination: Photo Showing Lee Harvey Oswald with Gun Used to Kill Former President ‘Authentic.’” The Independent, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/john-f-kennedy-s-assassination-photo-showing-lee-harvey-oswald-with-gun-used-to-kill-former-president-authentic-a6699751.html.

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“Lee Harvey Oswald.” Encyclopedia Britannica, 2026.

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Mailer, Norman. Oswald’s Tale: An American Mystery. Random House, 1995.

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“Oswald in the USSR.” The New Yorker, 10 Apr. 1995, https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/1995/04/10/oswald-in-the-ussr.

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Posner, Gerald. Case Closed: Lee Harvey Oswald and the Assassination of JFK. Anchor Books, 1993.

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“Surgeon’s Sketch Suggests 2 Gunmen Killed JFK.” New York Post, 21 June 2017, https://nypost.com/2017/06/21/surgeons-sketch-suggests-2-gunmen-killed-jfk/.

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United States, House Select Committee on Assassinations. Report of the Select Committee on Assassinations of the U.S. House of Representatives. United States Government Printing Office, 1979. National Archives, www.archives.gov/research/jfk/select-committee-report/toc. Accessed 4 May 2026.

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“White House Delays the Release of Secret JFK Assassination Records, Citing COVID-19.” WUNC, 25 Oct. 2021, https://www.wunc.org/2021-10-25/white-house-delays-the-release-of-secret-jfk-assassination-records-citing-covid-19.

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“Who Was Jack Ruby? Man Who Killed Lee Harvey Oswald Explained.” The Sun, https://www.the-sun.com/news/6922392/who-jack-ruby-lee-harvey-oswald-assassination/.

The second most accepted theory involves the possibility of two shooters on the grassy knoll near Dealey Plaza. This idea gained attention from eyewitnesses due to the difficulty of a lone gunman firing multiple precise shots within the available time window. The House Select  Committee on Assassinations (HSCA), in its final report, concluded there was a “high probability”  that two gunmen had fired at President Kennedy, while acknowledging that it was “unable to identify the other gunman or the extent of the conspiracy” (United States, House Select Committee on Assassinations 1). A later review by the National Academy of Sciences disputed the underlying assumption of that conclusion, and no physical evidence has ever been produced from the knoll area (Posner 234– 241). The theory endures in part because of the public’s difficulty in accepting that a lone individual could have altered history. 

A third theory implies that American organized crime was involved in the assassination. There is a link to Jack Ruby, the Dallas nightclub owner who fatally shot Oswald inside Dallas Police  Headquarters just two days after the assassination. The HSCA’s 1979 report found that the  Warren Commission had significantly underestimated Ruby’s ties to the criminal underworld,  noting that he had “numbers of associates in the underworld” in the months leading up to the assassination (United States, House Select Committee on Assassinations 149–150). This theory is supported by the clear motive of mob leaders like Carlos Marcello; however, Vincent Bugliosi argues that the Mafia would never risk having them on the FBI watchlist, which would follow the assassination of a U.S. President (Bugliosi 1142). This theory is important because it connects the assassination to the immediate execution of the suspect.  

The assassination of John F. Kennedy is most known for the official lone-gunman conclusion and theories involving the CIA, a second shooter, and organized crime. While each 

Conspiracy offers a different perspective on the motives of the crime; they all reflect a national struggle to accept that a single, disillusioned individual changed history

John fitzgerald Kennedy
May 29, 1917 - November 22, 1963

35th president of the United States
 

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Work Cited 
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"The energy, the faith, the devotion

     which we bring to this endeavor

    will light our country 

  and all who serve it,

      and the glow from that fire

       can truly light the world". -JFK's     gravesite plaques.

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Fig. 2. Lee pictured with two Dallas officers.   

The Portal to Texas

Fig. 4. Lee pictured with his wife, Marina, and his daughter, June. 

The New Yorker

Photo from November 22nd, 1963. 

WUNC News

Photo of Jack Ruby. 

The U.S. Sun

Signed sketch titled ''President Kennedy's Wounds," by Dr. Robert McClelland, one of the physicians who attended to John F. Kennedy after the shooting.

NYPOST

Analyzing the Evidence: JFK Assassination Theories Explored

  • Apr 29
  • 4 min read

The assassination of President John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963, remains one of the most controversial and debated events in American history. With countless theories and speculations surrounding the circumstances of his death, the quest for truth continues to captivate historians, conspiracy theorists, and the general public alike. This blog post will explore various theories regarding JFK's assassination, examining the evidence and arguments that support each perspective.


High angle view of Dealey Plaza, the site of JFK's assassination
High angle view of Dealey Plaza, the site of JFK's assassination

The Official Account: The Warren Commission


The Warren Commission was established by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1963 to investigate the assassination. The Commission concluded that Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone in shooting Kennedy from the sixth floor of the Texas School Book Depository. Key findings included:


  • Oswald's Background: The Commission examined Oswald's life, including his time in the Soviet Union and his pro-Cuban sentiments.

  • Ballistic Evidence: The analysis of the bullets and shell casings found at the scene supported the conclusion that Oswald was the shooter.

  • Eyewitness Testimonies: Numerous witnesses placed Oswald at the scene, and some reported seeing him fire the shots.


Despite the thorough investigation, many Americans were dissatisfied with the findings, leading to the emergence of alternative theories.


The Grassy Knoll Theory


One of the most popular conspiracy theories suggests that there was a second shooter on the "grassy knoll," a small hill located near the assassination site. Proponents of this theory argue that:


  • Multiple Gunshots: Many witnesses reported hearing shots from different directions, suggesting that Oswald was not the only shooter.

  • Zapruder Film Analysis: The famous Zapruder film, which captured the assassination, has been scrutinized for evidence of a second shooter. Some analysts claim that the film shows Kennedy reacting to shots coming from the knoll.

  • Government Cover-Up: Supporters of this theory believe that the government suppressed evidence of a second shooter to protect powerful individuals involved in a conspiracy.


While the grassy knoll theory remains popular, it lacks definitive evidence to support its claims.


The Mafia Connection


Another theory posits that organized crime had a motive to assassinate JFK due to his administration's crackdown on the Mafia. Key points include:


  • Kennedy's Anti-Mafia Campaign: The Kennedy administration, particularly through Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, aggressively pursued Mafia leaders, which angered powerful figures in organized crime.

  • Alleged Involvement of Carlos Marcello: Some theorists suggest that New Orleans mob boss Carlos Marcello orchestrated the assassination as retaliation against the Kennedy family.

  • Testimonies from Mobsters: Some former mobsters have claimed knowledge of a conspiracy to kill Kennedy, although these claims are often met with skepticism.


While the Mafia connection theory presents a compelling narrative, it remains largely circumstantial.


The CIA and the Cold War


The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has also been implicated in various conspiracy theories surrounding JFK's assassination. Supporters of this theory argue that:


  • Cuban Relations: JFK's handling of the Cuban Missile Crisis and the failed Bay of Pigs invasion created animosity between the U.S. government and Fidel Castro, leading to speculation that the CIA may have wanted Kennedy removed.

  • Internal Conflicts: Some believe that JFK's desire to reduce U.S. involvement in Vietnam and his approach to the Soviet Union conflicted with CIA interests, prompting agency members to conspire against him.

  • Evidence of CIA Involvement: Various documents and testimonies have surfaced over the years, suggesting that the CIA had motives to eliminate Kennedy.


Despite the intriguing nature of this theory, concrete evidence linking the CIA to the assassination remains elusive.


The Lone Gunman Theory Revisited


While many theories challenge the official account, some researchers continue to support the lone gunman theory. They argue that:


  • Oswald's Capability: Oswald was a marksman with a military background, making it plausible that he could have fired the shots that killed Kennedy.

  • Lack of Credible Evidence for Other Theories: Many alternative theories rely on circumstantial evidence and speculation rather than solid proof.

  • Historical Precedent: Assassinations of public figures have often been carried out by lone individuals acting independently, suggesting that Oswald's actions were not part of a larger conspiracy.


This perspective emphasizes the importance of relying on verified evidence rather than conjecture.


The Role of Media and Public Perception


The media played a significant role in shaping public perception of the assassination and the various theories that emerged. Key factors include:


  • Sensationalism: Media coverage often sensationalized the event, leading to widespread speculation and conspiracy theories.

  • Documentaries and Books: Numerous documentaries and books have explored the assassination, often presenting alternative theories that capture public interest.

  • Social Media Influence: In the digital age, social media has amplified conspiracy theories, allowing them to spread rapidly and gain traction among audiences.


Understanding the media's role in shaping narratives around the assassination is crucial for discerning fact from fiction.


The Impact of JFK's Assassination on American Society


The assassination of JFK had profound effects on American society, including:


  • Distrust in Government: The event contributed to a growing distrust in government institutions, leading to skepticism about official narratives.

  • Cultural Shifts: The assassination marked a turning point in American culture, influencing art, literature, and music in the years that followed.

  • Political Consequences: JFK's death led to significant political changes, including the escalation of U.S. involvement in Vietnam and shifts in domestic policy.


These impacts continue to resonate in contemporary discussions about leadership and accountability.


Conclusion: The Search for Truth


The assassination of John F. Kennedy remains a complex and multifaceted event that continues to spark debate and inquiry. While various theories have emerged over the years, the lack of definitive evidence for many of them leaves the question of who was truly responsible for JFK's death open to interpretation. As we analyze the evidence and explore the theories, it is essential to approach the topic with a critical mind, seeking truth amid the myriad of narratives that have developed.


The quest for understanding JFK's assassination is not just about uncovering historical facts; it is also about grappling with the implications of that day on American society and the ongoing search for transparency and accountability in government. As new evidence and perspectives emerge, the conversation surrounding this pivotal moment in history will undoubtedly continue.

 
 
 

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