Chapter 164: Exactly How Many Shots Were Fired?
V was even more mysterious than what he saw in the files.
Robert took the video tape back to Washington that same day.
He could tell at a glance that the angle of the video tape was from the County Records Building.
Robert suddenly realized why there were two reports about the masked man.
One from Bonnie, the warehouse manager, and the other from Bill, the County Records Building manager.
The other party had filmed the entire process of Oswald shooting from a high place in the County Records Building.
This gave Robert more confidence in the masked man’s words.
How much information did the other party have to precisely select the perfect camera position.
Not only recording Oswald’s voice, but also capturing the image of the other party firing from the front.
As the video tape played slowly, the short one-minute footage soon finished.
Robert’s heart was pounding wildly inside, because he discovered that Oswald only fired once!
Whether from the FBI’s account or the on-site eyewitnesses’ responses about the gunshots, there were at least three gunshots.
But in the video tape, it clearly recorded that Oswald only fired once and left after that.
Robert sat in front of the television in the living room, playing this video tape over and over repeatedly.
Holding a newspaper in his hand, comparing the video tape with the newspaper’s on-site reports about the incident.
Every newspaper said that several gunshots rang out continuously in a short time at the scene.
This was the consistent confession of the people at the scene.
Nothing more than the difference between three and four gunshots.
And the FBI said it was Oswald acting alone.
But in this video, Oswald clearly only fired once.
This video gave Robert tremendous confidence, confidence for revenge.
Soon, in December, a group of activists advocating racial equality and rejecting racial discrimination broke into the FBI office in Media, Pennsylvania, and took away thousands of documents.
Washington Post reporter Betty Medding was the first to report on these documents, detailing the FBI’s illegal wiretapping, infiltration, and file collection lasting over ten years under Director Hoover’s leadership, activities they internally called COINTELPRO.
Surrounding Kennedy’s death, dark clouds suddenly gathered.
The American public was in an uproar.
The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and other major television stations all reported on this disclosure of COINTELPRO as well as follow-up tracking reports.
Almost overnight, everyone believed Hoover was the real culprit behind Kennedy’s death.
CBS news correspondent Tom Harrison held a microphone, facing the lens in Washington D.C., seeking out the public for street random interviews:
“Hello everyone, I’m Tom Harrison from CBS News.
The assassination of President Kennedy shocked the nation. Today we’re randomly interviewing people on the streets of Washington. Recently, the FBI’s actions have cast a shadow over the federation.
We hope to understand the public’s views on this tragedy, especially the rumors about whether Director Hoover might be involved. Let’s hear their voices.”
Tom Harrison: “Madam, hello. What are your thoughts on the assassination of President Kennedy? Do you think it was a lone act or a larger conspiracy?”
The first interviewee was a housewife.
Mary Johnson said nervously: “Oh, this is too terrible. President Kennedy was a good man; his death is a tragedy.
I don’t know if it was a lone act or some other conspiracy behind it.”
Tom Harrison: “Have you heard the rumors about Director Hoover? Some think he might be connected to this. What do you think of the recording released by the BBC?”
Mary Johnson shook her head: “I don’t know, but if it’s true, it’s too terrifying. The director assassinating the president—that’s too awful.”
Tom Harrison: “Mister, hello. What are your thoughts on Kennedy’s assassination? Do you think Director Hoover might be connected to this tragedy?”
John Smith was an auto worker:
“I’m not sure. I’m just an ordinary worker, but I feel things aren’t that simple. Oswald was killed right after being arrested—that’s too coincidental. Hoover is absolutely suspicious!”
Tom Harrison: “Do you think Hoover might be involved?”
John Smith hesitated for a moment then roared: “That’s right, Hoover is the killer! He holds a lot of secrets; maybe Kennedy didn’t want him to continue as director.”
Tom Harrison: “Miss, hello. As a young person, what are your thoughts on Kennedy’s assassination? Have you heard the conspiracy theories about Hoover?”
Susan Lee, as a female university student, said loudly: “There must be a conspiracy. Hoover hates the Kennedy brothers—that’s something we all know!
Kennedy was our hope; his death is a huge loss. I don’t believe Oswald acted alone; there must be a conspiracy.”
Tom Harrison: “Do you think Hoover might have been involved in the assassination?”
Susan Lee said firmly: “He has the motive and the means. I think he’s implicated.”
The last interviewee was a middle-aged white person. Tom Harrison: “Mister, hello. As a businessman, what are your thoughts on Kennedy’s assassination? Do you think Hoover is connected to it?”
Businessman William Brown calmly answered: “Kennedy’s death is a blow to the country. I previously thought it was a lone act, that Oswald was just a madman.
But now I think Hoover’s suspicion is very great. He acts without any legal awareness, completely for his own power. Oh my God, a FBI director like that is really too dangerous.”
After completing a series of street interviews, Tom Harrison faced the lens and said:
“Compared to a week ago, American public opinion is quickly converging.
A week ago, in our interviews in Washington D.C., we could see that ordinary people’s views on Kennedy’s assassination varied widely.
Some believed the official conclusion that Oswald acted alone.
Some suspected a larger conspiracy behind it, even pointing the finger at Hoover.
And since the FBI’s COINTELPRO was exposed by the media, now the public generally believes Hoover was involved in President Kennedy’s assassination.
No matter what the final truth is, this event will undoubtedly spark discussion and controversy in the years to come. Thank you for watching; I’m Tom Harrison, CBS News.”
Similar reports emerged like carp crossing the river; the public’s voices of doubt were about to break through the skies.
Even Lyndon Johnson got dragged in.
Rumors began circulating that Kennedy’s death was inseparable from Lyndon Johnson.
Lyndon Johnson wanted to be president, so he cooperated with Hoover to take out Kennedy together.
The motive is perfect, isn’t it?
At this time, American public distrust of the White House and Washington reached an unprecedented high.
In the past, there was at least a recording; now there’s not even a recording.
Such rumors were deeply accepted by the public.
“Hoover, I tell you, don’t mess around on me!”
This time, it was Lyndon Johnson who summoned Hoover.
He could tell at a glance that such conspiracy theories were being manipulated by Hoover behind the scenes.
Just to drag him down.
Next year is the presidential election.
His personal charisma was already no match for Kennedy.
Now putting the hat of Kennedy’s death on his head would have an extremely negative impact on next year’s presidential election.
Lyndon Johnson didn’t want to slink away after only serving one year as president.
Not even a full year.
Most of next year would be spent preparing for the election.
At most a few months.
Hoover said indifferently: “Johnson, you can’t blame everything on me.
I regret President Kennedy’s death, and now all of America thinks I did it.
And now even the street rumors you say I did.
This is very serious slander!”
Hoover didn’t take Lyndon Johnson seriously at all.
The other party could at most serve eight years; he could stay in Washington forever.
“You.” Lyndon Johnson naturally knew why such rumors appeared.
It was just to force him to quickly resolve this matter.
To quickly calm public opinion.
On December 20th before Christmas, after about a month’s investigation, the Warren Commission held a press conference in the East Room of the White House to announce their investigation results.
Compared to history, this investigation was a full nine months faster.
This showed how great the pressure from the White House and the FBI was.
Committee Chairman and Chief Justice Earl Warren personally handed the report to Lyndon Johnson.
Earl Warren walked to the podium, took a deep breath, and said in a low and firm voice: “Mr. President, respected everyone, after nearly 1 month of investigation, the Warren Commission is honored to submit the final report to you. This report aims to provide the truth about President Kennedy’s assassination.”
Lyndon Johnson took the report, smiled and nodded: “Thank you, Chief Justice Warren, and every member of the committee. Your hard work is crucial to the nation. We will ensure this report is made public.”
Subsequently, this report would be formally published by the America Printing Office GPO and issued to the public.
The reporters on site raised their hands eagerly; the press secretary called on Tom Harrison to ask the first question.
CBS reporter Tom Harrison asked: “Chief Justice Warren, the report states that Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone and fired three shots. How did the committee reach this conclusion, especially the ‘single bullet theory’?”
Lee Rankin answered for Warren: “The conclusion is based on ballistic analysis, eyewitness testimony, and frame-by-frame analysis of the Zapruder film. The ‘single bullet theory’ explains how the bullet struck both President Kennedy and Governor Connally; this conclusion is supported by ballistic experts.”
Jenny was also sitting in the audience; she asked: “But some eyewitnesses claimed to hear four gunshots, and some even saw a shooter on the grassy knoll. How do you explain these testimonies?”
Earl Warren said firmly: “Eyewitness testimonies from chaotic scenes often have discrepancies. We interviewed 552 witnesses; most reported three gunshots. Acoustic tests show echoes could lead to misjudgment; the grassy knoll shooter rumor lacks physical evidence.”
Time Magazine’s William Brown asked: “The report criticizes the FBI’s oversights. What is Director Hoover’s reaction? Does the committee believe the FBI withheld information or even participated in this murder?”
After the words fell, discussions erupted on site.
Because this was a bit too direct.
The finger pointed straight at Hoover.
Lyndon Johnson responded cautiously: “The report points out the FBI’s deficiencies, but there is no evidence they deliberately withheld anything. This has nothing to do with Director Hoover.”
Jenny followed up: “Mr. President, what is Robert Kennedy’s view on the report? It’s said he privately holds doubts.”
Lyndon Johnson’s expression briefly stiffened, then he calmly said: “Robert Kennedy supports the investigation’s progress; I believe he will respect the conclusion.”
Warren summarized: “Our goal is to uncover the truth and eliminate doubts. The report details will be made public.”
The ceremony ended; reporters surged toward the exit, while committee members and officials discussed follow-up responses in low voices.
The day after the investigation report was released, Robert was already at the BBC’s Face to Face program site in London.
BBC studio, Face to Face program live broadcast site.
Dark backdrop panels created a serious atmosphere.
Two high-backed chairs were placed in the center, with cameras aimed at the two protagonists.
The clock on the wall showed 8 p.m. London time; it was already deep night outside the window.
The air was filled with tension and expectation.
The audience below was packed with reporters, from the free world camp to the Soviet Union camp.
Reporters from various camps gathered here.
Because Robert contacted these reporters through the BBC, saying he would reveal the real truth.
The White House had just held a press conference, and now Robert had the real truth.
This was clearly slapping the White House in the face, saying the White House’s truth was a fake truth.
The reporters spread the word from one to ten to a hundred; almost all reporters covering international news in London gathered here.
The site was extremely quiet; all the reporters held their breath, listening silently.
Funny enough, besides the Kennedy family’s Irish Mob responsible for Robert’s security, the KGB would help watch his safety in London throughout.
This had nothing to do with Lin Ran; it was Robert who sought it himself.
Because during the Cuban Missile Crisis, it was Robert who negotiated with Soviet Union’s Dobrynin.
The Kennedy brothers bypassed the military, Congress, and other senior officials in the White House; at that time, it was Robert and Dobrynin who talked alone in Washington D.C.
John Freeman faced the lens, his voice steady: “Welcome to Face to Face. Tonight we are fortunate to have America Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy.
Mr. Kennedy will question the Warren Commission’s investigation results in this program and claims to have new evidence. We will delve deeply into this topic. Mr. Kennedy, welcome.”
Robert Kennedy nodded slightly, his expression grave. Wearing a black suit, he gripped his hands tightly, his inner calm unusual:
“Thank you, Major Freeman. Glad to be here.”
Freeman: “Mr. Kennedy, the Warren Commission’s report states that Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone and fired three shots. Why don’t you believe this conclusion?”
Robert took a deep breath, his eyes sharp:
“The committee’s investigation was hasty and opaque. Oswald was killed quickly after arrest; this alone raises heavy suspicions. I don’t believe he could plan and execute such a complex assassination alone.”
Freeman pressed: “You mentioned new evidence; can you elaborate?”
Robert hesitated a moment then said: “Recently, I received an anonymous video tape. The video tape shows that Oswald only fired once from the sixth floor of the textbook warehouse, which doesn’t match the committee’s three shots.”
The site erupted in an uproar.
The White House press conference was yesterday.
Robert Kennedy was slapping the face today.
Freeman said in surprise: “Is the source of the video tape credible? How do you confirm its authenticity?”
Robert said firmly: “The video tape comes from Mr. V.”
Major Freeman’s heart tightened; the mysterious Mr. V appeared again.
Previously, the recording tape he released here caused a chain reaction; now providing the video tape to Robert—what exactly does the other party want?
“He filmed the scene on the day of the shooting; the image is clear, and the timestamp matches the Zapruder film. I’ve had experts verify it; it’s confirmed unaltered.
And we can play it now.”
After playback, the reporters on site could no longer hold back.
Voices rose one after another:
“Mr. Kennedy, what are your thoughts on your brother Kennedy’s death?”
“Who at the scene could be the killer?”
“Who is V? How did he capture this precious footage.”
BBC staff had to step in to maintain order.
Freeman pondered: “If Oswald only fired once, was the fatal shot from him, or from someone else, and from where?”
Robert’s eyes were profound: “That’s exactly the problem. The video tape suggests there may be a second gunman, from the grassy knoll or another position.”
Freeman guided the topic: “Do you suspect a larger conspiracy behind it? Which forces might it be?”
Robert chose his words carefully: “President Kennedy offended many people for the American public; I don’t rule out the possibility of these forces conspiring.”
Freeman continued: “Do you think FBI Director Hoover might be involved? That’s the most widespread rumor.”
Robert clenched his fist, his voice low: “Hoover is a dangerous character. He holds massive secret files, possibly using them for pressure. We do have conflicts with him; he could very well be one of the real culprits behind it.”
Freeman softened his tone: “Facing these suspicions, how do you plan to act?”
Robert’s eyes were firm, revealing determination: “I will continue the investigation, undaunted by threats. The truth must be revealed to the world; this is my promise to my brother.”
“Would you consider cooperating with V?” Freeman asked.
Robert nodded: “If possible, I believe V has more information.”
“Then do you know who V is?” Freeman followed up.
“Sorry, I don’t know,” Robert answered.
Freeman summarized: “Thank you for Mr. Kennedy’s courage and candor. Tonight’s dialogue showed us an unyielding soul. Audience friends, thank you for watching Face to Face.”
The reporters on site surrounded Robert; this new video tape directly and clearly recorded that Oswald only fired once.
The next day, it spread worldwide, becoming explosive news.
The so-called authoritative report just released by the White House was shattered by this video tape.
Suspicions about Hoover once again raged.
“We can’t be this passive! We must find out who V is to stop the decline; otherwise, all our reports could be overturned by the information V brings out!” Hoover couldn’t take it anymore; he had to personally step in, or he’d be forced out.
On shelves for thirty-one days, except for one day with only 7000 words updated, every other day updated 10,000 words! Crow tried his best, woo woo, begging for monthly tickets~
