Real Time 1960s

Nov. 23, 1963 - Lee Harvey Oswald, a 24-year-old warehouse worker who once lived in the Soviet Union, was formally charged at 1:35 a.m. Central Standard Time (CST) with assassinating President John F. Kennedy. Oswald was arrested at 1:52 p.m. CST yesterday, nearly an hour after the President died, as the suspected killer of a 39-year-old Dallas policeman, J.D. Tippit, on the street in the Oak Cliff district, 3 miles from where the President was shot. Dallas Police Chief Jesse Curry announced that Oswald had been formally arraigned before a justice of the peace in the homicide bureau at Dallas Police headquarters on a charge of murdering the President. Captain Will Fritz, head of the homicide bureau, identified Oswald as an adherent of the left-wing “Fair Play for Cuba Committee.” Oswald was employed in the Texas School Book Depository, the warehouse from which the fatal shots were fired at the President’s car. The police said at least six witnesses placed Oswald in the building at the time of the assassination. The defendant’s only comment, shouted at reporters as he was led handcuffed through a police building corridor to be questioned, was “I haven’t shot anybody.” “He has not confessed,” Chief Curry said. “Physical evidence is the main thing we have.” Such evidence reportedly includes the murder gun used in the assassination. Oswald had already been formally arraigned on a charge of murder in the death of Officer Tippit. He faces death in the electric chair if convicted of either charge. Support this project at patreon.com/realtime1960s

Nov. 23, 1963 - Captain John William Fritz of the Homicide and Robbery Bureau of the Dallas Police Department said today the case against Lee Harvey Oswald was "in good shape." Oswald has been charged with murdering President Kennedy and Dallas Police Officer J.D. Tippit. Support this project at patreon.com/realtime1960s

Nov. 23, 1963 - Former Vice President Richard M. Nixon appeared briefly on television today to express his sorrow over the death of President Kennedy. “President Kennedy yesterday wrote the last and greatest chapter of his ‘Profiles in Courage,’” Mr. Nixon said. “Today, millions of people throughout the world are trying to find words adequate to express their grief and sympathy to his family. The greatest tribute we can pay to his memory is in our everyday lives to do everything we can to reduce the forces of hatred which drive men to do such terrible deeds.” Mr. Nixon stood in the doorway of the apartment house at 810 Fifth Avenue, at 62nd Street, where he lives. Live cameras of the three television networks, film units, and radio broadcasters ranged in a semicircle on the sidewalk. Mr. Nixon, who lost the Presidential election of 1960 to Mr. Kennedy by a razor-thin margin, will fly to Washington tomorrow with Mrs. Nixon to attend the funeral service for the slain President. Support this project at patreon.com/realtime1960s

Nov. 23, 1963 - Former President Harry S. Truman was interviewed upon his arrival in Washington D.C. for funeral ceremonies for President Kennedy. He will meet with President Johnson today. Support this project at patreon.com/realtime1960s

Nov. 23, 1963 - Lyndon B. Johnson, the new President of the United States, issued a proclamation today designating a national day of mourning for his slain predecessor. In one of his first official actions, Mr. Johnson called on all Americans to go to their churches on Monday and pay the “homage of love and reverence” to the memory of John F. Kennedy. He also ordered all Federal offices in the country to close on that day, the day of Mr. Kennedy’s funeral. Mr. Johnson’s day was one of brisk activity. Through 9:15 p.m., when he went home, the President’s day was filled with intelligence briefings, conferences with top officials on foreign and defense policies, a meeting with the Cabinet, talks with former Presidents Dwight D. Eisenhower and Harry S. Truman, a session with legislative leaders of both parties, a visit with Mr. Kennedy’s widow, and an interlude of prayer in St. John’s Episcopal Church across Lafayette Square from the White House. Support this project at patreon.com/realtime1960s

Nov. 23, 1963 - Just after midnight, Lee Harvey Oswald, alleged murderer of President Kennedy and Dallas Police Officer J.D. Tippit, gave a brief press conference at Dallas Police headquarters. Oswald asserted that he had been questioned by a judge without legal representation. He also denied committing either murder. Support this project at patreon.com/realtime1960s

Nov. 23, 1963 - The body of John Fitzgerald Kennedy lay in repose today in a closed, flag-draped coffin in the East Room of the White House. Two priests, kneeling in silent prayer, and a military guard of honor kept constant watch. Mrs. Kennedy, her two children, and other members of the family were the first to visit the room. Tomorrow, the coffin will be taken to the great Rotunda of the Capitol to lie in state and to permit public viewing. The coffin will be closed. On Monday, proclaimed by President Johnson as a national day of mourning, a funeral will be held in St. Matthew’s Roman Catholic Cathedral in Washington. The White House announced that a horse-drawn caisson, with ceremonial troops representing each service, would bear Mr. Kennedy’s body to the Capitol and from there to the church on Monday in a traditional military procession. A corps of drummers will beat muffled cadence for the procession. Mr. Kennedy will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery in accordance with the wishes of the family. He will thus become the second President to be buried near the famed shrine of the Tomb of the Unknowns. William Howard Taft, the 27th President, lies buried near a towering iron gate at the cemetery entrance. Support this project at patreon.com/realtime1960s

Nov. 23, 1963 - In Dallas today, Police Detective Paul Bentley described the arrest of Lee Harvey Oswald, who has been charged with the murder of President Kennedy and of Officer J.D. Tippit. Oswald was apprehended yesterday at 1:50 p.m. CST in the Texas Theatre, a Dallas movie house located on 231 West Jefferson Boulevard, six blocks from the scene of Officer Tippit’s slaying. Support this project at patreon.com/realtime1960s

Nov. 23, 1963 - Lee Harvey Oswald, a 24-year-old warehouse worker who once lived in the Soviet Union, was formally charged at 1:35 a.m. Central Standard Time (CST) with assassinating President John F. Kennedy. Oswald was arrested at 1:52 p.m. CST yesterday, nearly an hour after the President died, as the suspected killer of a 39-year-old Dallas policeman, J.D. Tippit, on the street in the Oak Cliff district, 3 miles from where the President was shot. Dallas Police Chief Jesse Curry announced that Oswald had been formally arraigned before a justice of the peace in the homicide bureau at Dallas Police headquarters on a charge of murdering the President. Captain Will Fritz, head of the homicide bureau, identified Oswald as an adherent of the left-wing “Fair Play for Cuba Committee.” Oswald was employed in the Texas School Book Depository, the warehouse from which the fatal shots were fired at the President’s car. The police said at least six witnesses placed Oswald in the building at the time of the assassination. The defendant’s only comment, shouted at reporters as he was led handcuffed through a police building corridor to be questioned, was “I haven’t shot anybody.” “He has not confessed,” Chief Curry said. “Physical evidence is the main thing we have.” Such evidence reportedly includes the murder gun used in the assassination. Oswald had already been formally arraigned on a charge of murder in the death of Officer Tippit. He faces death in the electric chair if convicted of either charge. Support this project at patreon.com/realtime1960s

Nov. 23, 1963 - Dallas Police Chief held his fourth and final press conference of the day at Dallas Police headquarters. Support this project at patreon.com/realtime1960s

Nov. 23, 1963 - Senator Ralph Yarborough (D-Tex.) was interviewed today in Washington D.C. by Roger Mudd of CBS-News. Sen. Yarborough, who was with President Kennedy yesterday in Dallas, called the President's assassination a "trying experience." Support this project at patreon.com/realtime1960s

Nov. 23, 1963 - Senator Barry Goldwater voiced shock and sorrow today over the death of President Kennedy, but he indicated that the tragedy would have no effect on his political plans. Mr. Goldwater has not yet announced his candidacy, but he is considered the leading contender for the Republican nomination. The Senator said he thought the death of President Kennedy and the succession of President Johnson would not affect the standing of the U.S. in world affairs. “I have confidence in Lyndon Johnson,” he asserted. “And I think now is a time that will test Americans of all faiths and both parties. We must give this man our full cooperation and our prayers and work with him, and let’s see the kind of President that he will be.” He continued: “President Johnson certainly has the training; he has the instincts; he has the ability. I think we must now, as a nation, unite behind him and help him all we can; and go the usual course of helping a President — of being critical when it’s needed and helpful when that’s needed.” Mr. Goldwater said he and his wife had been “extremely shocked” at news of the assassination, “shocked to think that the world has to lose a young leader at a time like this and in a way like that.” “He was a gentleman,” Mr. Goldwater said of Mr. Kennedy, with whom he served in the U.S. Senate. “He was the kind of an antagonist that I’ve always enjoyed. He would fight like a wildcat for his points and his principles, but there was never anything personal about it.” Support this project at patreon.com/realtime1960s

Nov. 23, 1963 - Dallas Police Chief spoke with reporters for the third time today at Dallas Police headquarters. Support this project at patreon.com/realtime1960s

Dallas Police Detective Paul Bentley and Patrolman M.N. McDonald described today the arrest of Lee Harvey Oswald, who has been charged with the murder of President Kennedy and Dallas Police Officer J.D. Tippit. Oswald, 24 years old, was apprehended at 1:50 p.m. Central Standard Time in the Texas Theatre, a Dallas movie house located on 231 West Jefferson Boulevard, six blocks from the scene of Officer Tippit’s slaying. He faces the death penalty if convicted on either charge. Support this project at patreon.com/realtime1960s

Nov. 23, 1963 - Dallas Police Chief spoke with reporters for the second time today at Dallas Police headquarters. Support this project at patreon.com/realtime1960s

Nov. 23, 1963 - Dallas Police Chief spoke with reporters at Dallas Police headquarters. Support this project at patreon.com/realtime1960s

Nov. 22, 1963 - A suspect in the murder of Dallas police officer J.D. Tippit was apprehended at 1:50 p.m. Central Standard Time in the Texas Theatre, a Dallas movie house located on 231 West Jefferson Boulevard, six blocks from the scene of Officer Tippit’s slaying. Police sources say the man arrested, who appeared to be roughly 25 years of age, may be connected to the assassination of President Kennedy, but this has not been confirmed. The suspect, armed with a .38-caliber revolver under his shirt, was subdued inside the theater by several policemen after slugging one officer in the face. Prior to striking the officer, the suspect had said calmly, “Well, it’s all over now.” During the scuffle, the suspect’s revolver fired once, harmlessly. As the suspect was led out of the theater in handcuffs, he said loudly, “Don’t hit me anymore. I am not resisting arrest. I want to complain of police brutality.” Passing a WFAA-TV cameraman, the suspect said, “I want my lawyer. I know my rights. Typical police brutality. Why are you doing this to me?” Police drove the prisoner to City Hall in downtown Dallas, where he was taken to the Homicide and Robbery Bureau on the third floor for questioning. Support this project at patreon.com/realtime1960s

Nov. 22, 1963 - Questioned by reporters in the corridor of Dallas Police headquarters this evening, 24-year-old Lee Harvey Oswald denied shooting President Kennedy, stating: "I'm just a patsy." Support this project at patreon.com/realtime1960s

Nov. 22, 1963 - President Kennedy, who spent last night at The Texas Hotel in Fort Worth, delivered a speech this morning to a crowd of roughly 5,000 people who had gathered in the rain in the hotel parking lot. The President, bareheaded and without a coat, made his remarks after a brief introduction by Vice President Johnson. Mrs. Kennedy, who remained in the hotel room, is expected to appear later with the President at a Chamber of Commerce breakfast. Support this project at patreon.com/realtime1960s

Nov. 22, 1963 - At 8:28 p.m. this evening, Lee Harvey Oswald, 24-year-old suspected murderer of President Kennedy and Dallas Police Officer J.D. Tippit, asserted that he was being denied legal representation and that he had not shot anyone. Support this project at patreon.com/realtime1960s

Nov. 22, 1963 - Captain John William Fritz of the Homicide and Robbery Bureau of the Dallas Police Department conducted the initial interrogation today of 24-year-old Lee Harvey Oswald, a suspect in the assassination of President Kennedy and in the murder of Dallas police officer J.W. Tippit. Helen Markham, who witnessed the shooting of Patrolman Tippit, picked Mr. Oswald out of a police lineup. Mr. Oswald has denied committing either murder. In this clip, Dallas Police Chief Jesse Curry updates reporters on the situation. Support this project at patreon.com/realtime1960s

Nov. 22, 1963 - President John Fitzgerald Kennedy died today of a wound in the brain caused by a bullet fired at him as he was riding through downtown Dallas in a motorcade. He was 46 years old. He was shot at 12:30 p.m. Central Standard Time. President Kennedy was pronounced dead at Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas at 1:00 p.m. Malcolm Kilduff, assistant White House press secretary, made the following statement to reporters at the hospital: “President John F. Kennedy died at approximately one o’clock Central Standard Time today here in Dallas. He died of a gunshot wound in the brain. I have no other details regarding the assassination of the President. Mrs. Kennedy was not hit. Governor Connally was hit. The Vice President was not hit.” Mr. Kilduff further stated that Vice President Johnson had left the hospital and that he had not yet taken the oath of office. He added that, for reasons of security, he could not discuss the whereabouts or travel plans of the Vice President. “I understand that Governor Connally’s condition is satisfactory. He was shot twice, once apparently in the side and once in the wrist.” Mr. Kilduff added that the death of President Kennedy had been described to him by Dr. George Burkley, President Kennedy’s personal physician, as “a simple matter of a bullet right through the head.” Dallas police sources say a rifle has been found in the Texas School Book Depository but that President Kennedy’s assassin remains at large. Senator Ralph Yarborough (D-Tex.), who was riding with Vice President Johnson two cars behind the Kennedy limousine, with a Secret Service car in between, told newsmen in a voice choked with sobs: “It is too horrible to describe. We did not see them shot, but we knew immediately they were. I saw a Secret Service man in the car beating his fists on the back as they drove off, in frustration, anger, and despair.” Support this project at patreon.com/realtime1960s

Nov. 22, 1963 - The Presidential jet landed at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland at 5:58 p.m. after the flight from Dallas, Texas. Both President Johnson and his wife, Lady Bird, remained aboard the aircraft until the coffin bearing the body of President Kennedy had been removed from a forward compartment to an enclosed ramp and then to a waiting Navy ambulance. A large delegation of Administration officials was on hand as the plane taxied to a stop. President Johnson solemnly shook hands with a few persons and then walked toward a large Congressional delegation. Bareheaded in the November cold, President and Mrs. Johnson stepped into the glare of the airport and television lights. Mr. Johnson stepped up to a podium arrayed with microphones and spoke to the world for the first time as President of the United States. “This is a sad time for all people,” said President Johnson. “We have suffered a loss that cannot be weighed. For me, it is a deep personal tragedy. I know the world shares the sorrow that Mrs. Kennedy and her family bear. I will do my best. That is all I can do. I ask for your help — and God’s.” Support this project at patreon.com/realtime1960s

Nov. 22, 1963 - Vice President Lyndon Baines Johnson, who was riding in the third car behind the late President John F. Kennedy’s car in Dallas today, was sworn in as the 36th President of the United States at 2:39 p.m. Central Standard Time. Mr. Johnson, 55 years old, was not injured in today’s shooting. He took the oath in the Presidential jet plane as it stood on the runway at Love Field in Dallas. The body of Mr. Kennedy was aboard the plane. Standing beside Mr. Johnson as he took the oath of office was Mrs. Jacqueline Kennedy. Her stockings were spattered with her husband’s blood. Mr. Johnson was sworn in as President by Federal Judge Sarah T. Hughes of the Northern District of Texas. She was appointed to the judgeship by President Kennedy in October 1961. The ceremony, delayed about five minutes for Mrs. Kennedy’s arrival from Parkland Memorial Hospital, took place in the private Presidential cabin in the rear of the plane. About 25 to 30 persons — members of the late President’s staff, members of Congress who had been accompanying the President on a two-day tour of Texas, and a few reporters — crowded into the little room. Mrs. Kennedy stood at the left of Mr. Johnson, her eyes and face showing signs of weeping. Mrs. Johnson stood at her husband’s right. As Judge Hughes read the brief oath of office, her eyes were red from weeping. After taking the oath, Mr. Johnson made no statement. He embraced Mrs. Kennedy, and she held his hand for a long moment. He also embraced Mrs. Johnson and Mrs. Evelyn Lincoln, Mr. Kennedy’s private secretary. “Okay,” Mr. Johnson said. “Let’s get this plane back to Washington.” The plane then took off for Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland. Support this project at patreon.com/realtime1960s

Nov. 22, 1963 - At 2:45 p.m., Walter Cronkite announced on CBS-TV that President Kennedy had died, struck down in Dallas by an assassin's bullet. Support this project at patreon.com/realtime1960s