The Warren Commission: Investigating JFK's Assassination

Name: The Warren Commission: Investigating JFK's Assassination
Start: 1963-11-29
Location: Unspecified

The Formation of the Warren Commission

Lyndon B. Johnson's Leadership

On November 22, 1963, the assassination of President John F. Kennedy shocked the nation and the world. In response, President Lyndon B. Johnson swiftly established the Warren Commission on November 29, 1963. Tasked with investigating the circumstances surrounding Kennedy's death, the Commission aimed to provide clarity and mitigate public fears related to the event.

Objectives of the Warren Commission

The Warren Commission was created to determine not only the facts of Kennedy’s assassination but also to examine the broader implications for national security and future presidential protection. The findings were expected to uphold public trust in government institutions during a turbulent era.

Key Findings and Controversies

Investigation Outcomes

After extensive investigations, the Warren Commission released its report in September 1964, concluding that Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone in assassinating JFK. The report noted various details, including the location, events, and the timeline leading up to the tragic event, which drew both substantial public interest and scrutiny.

Public Reaction and Criticism

The Commission’s findings were met with skepticism and generated numerous conspiracy theories suggesting that others were involved in the assassination. Critics argued that the investigation had been rushed and that key evidence had been ignored, leading to ongoing debates that continue to this day.

Fun Fact

The Commission's Name Origin

The Warren Commission was named after its chairman, Chief Justice Earl Warren. The Commission's critical work further ingrained Warren's legacy in American history.