Establishment of the Warren Commission

On November 29, 1963, President Lyndon B. Johnson established the Warren Commission to investigate the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, which had occurred just a week earlier on November 22, 1963, in Dallas, Texas. This decision was a pivotal moment in American history, as it sought to provide a thorough and authoritative account of the events surrounding the assassination.

Context Leading to the Commission

• Assassination of JFK: President Kennedy was assassinated while riding in a motorcade through Dealey Plaza in Dallas. Lee Harvey Oswald was arrested for the crime but was killed by Jack Ruby before he could stand trial.
• Public Demand for Answers: The shocking nature of the assassination and the subsequent killing of Oswald led to widespread public demand for a comprehensive investigation to clarify the circumstances and dispel rumors of conspiracy.

Formation of the Warren Commission

• Presidential Order: President Johnson, recognizing the need for a credible and independent investigation, issued Executive Order 11130 to establish the commission.
• Purpose: The commission was tasked with investigating the assassination, evaluating evidence, and reporting its findings to the public.
• Members: The commission was chaired by Chief Justice Earl Warren and included notable figures such as Senators Richard Russell and John Sherman Cooper, Representatives Hale Boggs and Gerald Ford, former CIA Director Allen Dulles, and former World Bank President John J. McCloy.

Key Activities and Findings

• Investigation: The commission conducted a thorough investigation, interviewing witnesses, reviewing evidence, and analyzing the events leading up to and following the assassination.
• Report: On September 24, 1964, the Warren Commission released its final report, concluding that Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone in the assassination of President Kennedy and that there was no credible evidence of a conspiracy.

Aftermath and Historical Significance

• Public Reaction: The report was initially accepted by many, but over time, skepticism grew, leading to numerous conspiracy theories and further investigations.
• Legacy: The Warren Commission’s findings have been both defended and criticized, but the commission remains a significant example of a governmental response to a national crisis.

The establishment of the Warren Commission marked a crucial effort by the U.S. government to address one of the most traumatic events in American history, aiming to provide clarity and closure to a grieving nation.