The Feasibility of Lee Harvey Oswald Firing Three Shots in 19 Seconds
The assassination of President John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963, remains one of the most debated events in American history. A central question that often arises is whether Lee Harvey Oswald, the official shooter, could have fired three shots in 19 seconds. This analysis discusses the factors that contribute to the feasibility of this timeline, backed by expert opinions and historical contexts.
Factors Contributing to Feasibility
Rifle Type: Oswald used the Carcano M91/38 bolt-action rifle, a firearm that, while requiring manual cycling of the bolt to load each round, can be operated relatively quickly with practice.
Training and Experience: Oswald had military training, serving in the U.S. Marine Corps where he received marksmanship instruction. This background likely contributed to his proficiency with the rifle.
Positioning: Oswald fired from the sixth floor of the Texas School Book Depository, a position that provided a clear line of sight to the motorcade. The advantageous location may have allowed for more effective and quicker aiming.
Conditions of the Shot: The shots were taken at relatively close range as the motorcade was moving slowly, which would have made it easier to hit the target even with the limited time available.
Timing Analysis
Investigations, including the Warren Commission Report, concluded that Oswald could have fired three shots within 19 seconds. This timeframe includes the time to fire a shot, cycle the bolt, and re-aim. Expert analyses and simulations support this conclusion. The FBI's tests and those conducted by other agencies have shown that skilled marksmen can fire multiple rounds in a short timeframe using the Carcano rifle.
Historical Context and Controversies
While the task was challenging, it was deemed possible given Oswald's background, the rifle's characteristics, and the conditions of the assassination. However, some critics, such as those who argue for a quicker timeline, dispute the official narrative.
One notable critique is the assertion that the shots could not have been fired in 19 seconds. A close analysis of the Zapruder film, which provides a timestamp of the assassination, suggests a timing of approximately seven seconds. This can be observed by timing the moment Kennedy reacts to a throat wound to the moment he is shot in the head. Additionally, the film shows that all the Secret Service men were piled up on the car behind the president, with no one providing protection at the critical moment.
Conclusion
The exact timing of the shots fired by Lee Harvey Oswald remains a subject of debate and analysis. Historical evidence and expert opinions indicate that it was feasible for Oswald to fire three shots in 19 seconds. However, it is also important to consider alternative and contradicting narratives, such as the seven-second timing and the security setup in place during the assassination.