Assassination of President John F. Kennedy: Key Events

Prelude to the Assassination

• November 22, 1963, Dallas, Texas: Lee Harvey Oswald, carrying a rifle in a brown paper package, heads to his job at the Texas School Book Depository.
• Fort Worth: President Kennedy, after a speech, prepares for a day filled with engagements aimed at smoothing political tensions in Texas.
• 8:45 AM: The Kennedys deliver a speech at the Hotel Texas.
• 10:40 AM: The motorcade departs for Carswell Air Force Base.

Arrival in Dallas

• 11:40 AM: Kennedys arrive at Love Field; greeted by large crowds.
• 11:55 AM: The presidential motorcade sets off from Love Field, heading through Dallas.

The Assassination

• 12:29 PM: The motorcade approaches Dealey Plaza.
  • Nellie Connolly remarks to JFK about the crowd's enthusiasm.
• 12:30 PM: President Kennedy is shot.
  • First shot hits Kennedy in the throat.
  • John Connolly, also in the car, is injured.
  • Secret Service agent Clint Hill reacts but it's too late.
  • Second fatal shot shatters Kennedy's skull.
• 12:31 PM: The limousine speeds towards Parkland Memorial Hospital.
  • Jacqueline Kennedy is in shock, attempts to gather pieces of JFK's skull.

Immediate Aftermath

• 12:33 PM: Oswald leaves the Texas Book Depository.
  • Avoids capture due to the superintendent's vouching.
• 12:36 PM: JFK is rushed into Parkland Memorial Hospital.
• 12:40 PM: News breaks nationally about the shooting.

Official Pronouncements and Reactions

• 1 PM: President Kennedy pronounced dead.
  • Last rites performed by Father Oscar Huber.
  • Lyndon B. Johnson prepares to assume presidency.
• 1:30 PM: World informed of Kennedy's death.
• 2:38 PM: Lyndon B. Johnson sworn in as President on Air Force One.

Capture and Death of Oswald

• 1:15 PM: Oswald kills Officer J.D. Tippett.
• 1:51 PM: Oswald arrested at Texas Theater.
• 7:05 PM: Oswald charged with Tippett's murder.
• November 24, 1963: Oswald shot by Jack Ruby; dies at Parkland Memorial Hospital.

National Mourning

• November 23, 1963: Declared National Day of Mourning by President Johnson.
• JFK's Body: Transported to Bethesda for autopsy, then laid in repose at the White House.
• Funeral: Attended by a quarter million people, including representatives from over 90 countries.

Additional Notes

• The assassination and its aftermath were heavily documented and scrutinized, giving rise to numerous conspiracy theories.
• The Zapruder film, capturing the assassination, remains a critical piece of evidence studied over the years.