The Exact Proximity of Lee Harvey Oswald to JFK in the Texas School Book Depository

The assassination of President John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963, in Dallas, Texas, remains a controversial and extensively studied historical event. Central to this event is the precise location and distance of Lee Harvey Oswald from President Kennedy during the shooting. Oswald was positioned in the Texas School Book Depository building, which played a crucial role in the assassination. Understanding the exact proximity is essential for grasping the dynamics of the tragic event.

The Distance from Oswald to JFK

Oswald was positioned on the sixth floor of the Texas School Book Depository. The car carrying President Kennedy passed along Elm Street in Dealey Plaza, approximately 80 to 100 yards from where Oswald was situated. This distance allowed him a clear line of sight during the assassination. However, some historical analysis suggests that Oswald could have been even closer to JFK during a critical moment.

The Critical Turn at Dallas

During an interview, the author of the book Farewell America, French journalist Jean Héberland, claimed that Oswald did not fire a shot. This assertion is based on interviews conducted and documents analyzed. Instead, it is speculated that a sniper in the Dal Tex building might have been the actual shooter. According to Héberland, the specific location of the Dal Tex building provided an optimal position for a sniper, given the terrain and the angle.

The Math and Dynamics of the Assassination

Several experts have scientifically broken down the assassination, focusing on the dynamics and minutiae of the event. According to a detailed analysis, the distance from Oswald's position to the presidential limousine was approximately 300 feet. This is crucial for understanding the physics of the bullets and the potential angles at which they could have been fired.

Physical Proximity During the Shooting

Exact physical proximity is debated among historians. Some suggest that the two men might have been as close as 100 feet when the limousine turned from Houston Street to Elm Street. This corner turn provided a critical moment that could have altered the course of events. The range for the second and third shots was between 240 to 300 feet, indicating that Oswald had a relatively close and optimal position during these crucial moments.

The Firing Location and Evidence

The building where the shooting took place, the Texas School Book Depository, has been extensively analyzed. The lunch area where Oswald was during the shooting is of particular interest. Visitors to Dealey Plaza often underestimate its actual size, which has been described as an "easy shot" due to the open spaces and angles available to a sniper.

Further investigation is required to definitively establish the exact location of the shots. Historical evidence and witness statements provide differing accounts. However, the mathematical and physical analysis of the event offers significant insights into the dynamics and angles involved in the assassination.

For those interested in delving deeper into the details, a detailed scientific breakdown of the assassination, complete with charts and diagrams, can be found in this resource.

Understanding the exact proximity and the dynamics of the assassination is crucial for comprehending the historical significance of this event. The precise location of Oswald, the distance to JFK, and the angles involved offer clues that can help piece together the sequence of events that led to the tragic outcome.

It is important to study both the historical context and the factual evidence to gain a comprehensive understanding of this pivotal moment in American history.