Conspiracy Revisited: The JFK assassination – 95 per cent certain?
Apr 3, 2024
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Investigative journalist Gerald Posner explores theories surrounding the JFK assassination, debunking wild conspiracy theories. Topics include lack of security protocols, Zapruder film analysis, JFK's missing brain, Oswald's ties to intelligence agencies, and motives behind the assassination.
Driver shooting theory of JFK assassination is deemed unlikely due to lack of evidence and implausibility.
Lee Harvey Oswald's failed attempt to assassinate General Walker sheds light on his troubled background and motives.
Deep dives
The Wildest Conspiracy Theories Surrounding the JFK Assassination
One of the wildest conspiracy theories discussed in the podcast episode is the idea that the driver of the presidential limousine shot President Kennedy. Proponents of this theory claim that a Secret Service agent, the driver, turned around and shot the president from the front. However, this theory is deemed outlandish due to the lack of evidence and the implausibility of the scenario, as no other passengers in the car noticed the driver shooting.
Lee Harvey Oswald's Alleged Missed Shot at General Walker
In a separate incident, Lee Harvey Oswald attempted to assassinate General Edwin Walker in April 1963, before the JFK assassination. Oswald believed that Walker, a right-wing figure, posed a significant threat and decided to eliminate him. Despite shooting at Walker, Oswald missed due to a minor obstruction in a window frame, ultimately failing in his attempt to kill the general.
Oswald's Background and Motivations
Lee Harvey Oswald's troubled background and history of unsuccessful endeavors, including his failed attempt to defect to the Soviet Union and his unsuccessful political activities, shed light on his motives and capabilities. Oswald's aspiration to bring about political change through violence was evident in his actions, such as the attempted assassination of General Walker. The JFK assassination presented Oswald with a significant opportunity to enact his revolutionary ideals, marking a culmination of his prior struggles and aspirations.
Missing Brain Speculation and Evidence Handling After the Assassination
A topic of intrigue mentioned in the podcast episode was the missing brain of President Kennedy, fueling conspiracy theories. Speculation arose regarding the government's handling of critical evidence post-assassination, such as retaining Mrs. Kennedy's suit and returning Jack Ruby's revolver to his family, raising concerns about the adequacy of evidence preservation. Furthermore, questions lingered over the Kennedy family's discretion in safeguarding sensitive materials and the aftermath of the investigation, highlighting lapses in evidence management and historical significance.
The killing of President John F Kennedy in Dallas in November 1963 is one of the defining events of the 20th century and the subject of multiple conspiracy theories. In part one of a special bonus episode of our Conspiracy series, Rob Attar rejoins the investigative journalist Gerald Posner to tackle your questions about the assassination and the web of intrigue that surrounds it.
The HistoryExtra podcast is produced by the team behind BBC History Magazine.