Magic Bullet, Tragic Path: A Look at the JFK Assassination

Archival images tell the stories of President Kennedy, Lee Harvey Oswald, Jack Ruby and their deadly dates with destiny.
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A motorcade starring President Kennedy, Texas Gov. John Connally and their wives draws Dallas residents in droves on Nov. 22, 1963, despite the city's reputation as a Republican stronghold. When the day turns sunny, Kennedy insists that the limousine's cover be left off.

See related story: JFK Assassin Acted Alone, Says Author of Hefty Reclaiming History

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Dallas' Dealey Plaza is home to the Sixth Floor Museum, which is devoted to the JFK assassination.

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The 26-second movie becomes the most scrutinized film in history.

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Federal investigations determine that Lee Harvey Oswald shot Kennedy with his rifle from the sixth floor of the Texas School Book Depository.

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In the official version of events, Oswald shoots Kennedy with this rifle. Conspiracy theorists question Oswald's sharpshooting abilities and doubt he could fire the rifle quickly enough to account for the wounds suffered by JFK and Connally.

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In addition to Kennedy, both Oswald and Dallas nightclub owner Jack Ruby -- who is convicted of killing Oswald but develops cancer while in jail -- also die at Parkland Memorial.

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This bullet, found in the limousine that carried Kennedy, is thought to be the one that made the president's head explode. According to official accounts, this is the third bullet fired; the first misses the limousine.

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According to the official version of events, Oswald kills Dallas police officer J.D. Tippit with this .38-caliber Smith & Wesson revolver after the JFK assassination. Skeptics who question conspiracy theories wonder why Oswald doesn't have a better escape plan if he is working with other people.

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After his arrest, Dallas police officers parade Oswald in front of reporters crowded into corridors at police headquarters. At least one television camera catches sight of a balding man milling around -- nightclub owner Ruby.

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Oswald passes Ruby in the corridor on his way to this brief midnight press conference. Ruby, who reportedly packs a loaded revolver in his pocket, doesn't shoot the alleged assassin.

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Conspiracy theorists suspect Ruby was part of a bigger plot, while others say he was simply an unstable man seeking both justice and glory who failed to kill Oswald when he had earlier opportunities.