Key Facts at a Glance
Below are the essential, widely corroborated details about the assassination of John F. Kennedy. These points represent information that is consistently supported by official records and historical analysis.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Date of Assassination | November 22, 1963 | Official records, media archives |
| Time (Dallas, CST) | 12:30 p.m. | Official records, Commission hearings |
| Location | Dealey Plaza, Dallas, Texas | Investigative reports, photographs |
| Vehicle | 1961 Lincoln Continental Presidential Limousine | Dealey Plaza Museum, photographs |
| Official Commission | Warren Commission | Government report, public hearings |
| Commission Conclusion | Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone | Warren Commission Report |
| Oswald’s Death | November 24, 1963, shot by Jack Ruby | Police records, news archives |
Exact Time and Place of the Assassination
The Date and Immediate Context
John F. Kennedy was assassinated on Friday, November 22, 1963, in Dallas, Texas. The nation was in the midst of a campaign-style tour in support of upcoming elections, and Dallas had been a site of particularly sharp political rhetoric in the weeks prior. Understanding when president kennedy was assassinated begins with this specific date as the central anchor point for all subsequent investigation and historical reflection.
Time Zone and Clock Time
The assassination occurred at approximately 12:30 p.m. Central Standard Time in Dealey Plaza. This timing is drawn from a combination of witness accounts, television broadcast timestamps, and the official record compiled by the Warren Commission. The clock time is consistently reported across major newspapers, government documents, and televised coverage from that day.
Where the Event Took Place
The shooting happened in Dealey Plaza, the historic civic center in downtown Dallas. As the motorcade proceeded along Houston Street and turned onto Elm Street, shots were fired from the direction of the Texas School Book Depository building. The sequence of shots and the president’s visible injury were captured in contemporaneous film and still photography, providing a detailed visual record for investigators and the public.
The Official Investigation and Findings
The Warren Commission
On November 29, 1963, President Lyndon B. Johnson established the President’s Commission on the Assassination of President Kennedy, popularly known as the Warren Commission. Between December 1963 and September 1964, the commission reviewed documents, heard testimony, and analyzed physical evidence. Its final report concluded that Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone in shooting the president from the sixth floor of the Depository.
Key Conclusions and Subsequent Reviews
The Warren Report determined there were only three shots fired, that all originated from the Depository, and that no other individuals or groups participated in the conspiracy. Later reviews, including the House Select Committee on Assassinations in the late 1970s, stated that there was a probable conspiracy but did not overturn the core factual timeline. The basic sequence of date, time, and location has remained consistent across official updates, press briefings, and historical summaries.
Immediate Aftermath and Public Impact
The shooting was broadcast live on television and radio, creating a shared national trauma that transcended politics or region. Air travel was halted, government operations were temporarily suspended, and millions of citizens tuned in to hear updates through the day. By the evening of November 22, official statements had confirmed the president’s death, Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson had been sworn in aboard Air Force One, and the nation began a period of mourning that would shape public memory for decades.
Lasting Historical Influence
The assassination of John F. Kennedy reshaped American politics, media coverage, and public trust in institutions. Investigations, documentaries, and scholarly works continue to examine the events of that day, though the central facts remain well established. Understanding when president kennedy was assassinated is integral to understanding the broader context of mid-20th century American history and its enduring influence on policy, culture, and civic life.
Summary of Core Details
In summary, the assassination occurred on November 22, 1963, at 12:30 p.m. in Dealey Plaza, Dallas, Texas. The Warren Commission determined that Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone, and this conclusion has been reaffirmed by subsequent reviews. The event’s immediate impact was profound, influencing media, politics, and public sentiment in ways that are still studied today. These verified details provide a dependable foundation for any further exploration of the assassination and its legacy.