Was There a CIA Asset on the Dealey Plaza Gassy Knoll During JFKs Assassination?

Introduction:

Was there a CIA asset on the Dealey Plaza grassy knoll during JFK's assassination on November 22, 1963? This question has attracted considerable attention from conspiracy theorists and historians alike. This article explores the claims of a CIA presence during the assassination, examining available evidence and debunking several unfounded theories. We also delve into the background of Bernard Barker and his role in later infamous incidents.

Bernard Barker: A CIA Asset and Watergate Participant

Bernard Barker, a key figure in both the JFK assassination and the Watergate scandal, played a significant role as a CIA asset during the late 1960s.

Barker, born in Cuba in 1917, was part of Operation 40, a CIA paramilitary operation during the Cold War. His involvement in the Bay of Pigs in 1961 made him a valuable asset for the agency. However, by 1963, Barker had become disillusioned with the CIA and was actively seeking to undermine the agency’s influence. This paradoxical situation would later come to light during the Watergate scandal.

Theories and Evidence

While some rumors suggest that the CIA may have placed a sniper team on the Dealey Plaza grassy knoll, there is no concrete evidence to support these claims. One such rumor stems from the National Enquirer, which reported a story involving a mafioso with a revolver, but this has been widely debunked. Similarly, the account of other 45-caliber casings found not reported near the curb is equally unsubstantiated.

The Role of Bernard Barker at JFK's Assassination

Dallas County deputy constable Seymour Weitzman witnessed a man carrying Secret Service identification at the top of the grassy knoll, later identifying him as Bernard Barker. Barker's connection to the CIA and his involvement in later events firmly establish his presence at the scene during the assassination.

Barker's activities during the assassination reveal a complex web of CIA involvement. The CIA was facing budget restrictions, particularly regarding the Dallas office, which operated on a shoestring budget. This lack of resources made it challenging to equip the sniper team effectively. Some conspiracy theories suggest that the team used muskets from the late 1880s, which would explain why many witnesses reported seeing smoke. However, this theory has been widely discredited due to the complete lack of evidence of muskets being recovered from the plaza.

The Evidence Against Barker's Involvement

Barker's background and actions during the assassination do not align with a typical CIA asset profile. Instead, his involvement seems to have been more personal and political. For instance, Barker, along with E. Howard Hunt and others, was part of a plan involving high-powered scoped rifles during a meeting in a Dallas motel. On that occasion, Marita Lorentz, another CIA asset, opted out of the operation due to seeing the rifles. This decision underscores the complex nature of the events surrounding the assassination and the presence of multiple operatives.

After the assassination, Barker's actions during the Watergate scandal further complicate the narrative. He played a crucial role in the infamous break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters in the Watergate building, cementing his place in history as a key player in both the Kennedy and Nixon eras.

Conclusion

While the claims of a CIA sniper team and Bernard Barker's involvement in the JFK assassination are intriguing, they lack substantial evidence to support such theories. The facts suggest that Barker's presence at the scene was more indicative of his personal ambitions than a coordinated CIA operation.

Understanding the various narratives surrounding JFK's assassination requires a balanced approach. While conspiracy theories can pique interest, they must be rigorously examined through the lens of evidence and historical context.