Warren Commission facts for kids
The Warren Commission was a special group created by President Lyndon B. Johnson. It was officially called the President's Commission on the Assassination of President Kennedy. This group was formed on November 29, 1963. Its main job was to look into the killing of President John F. Kennedy. President Kennedy was assassinated just a week before, on November 22, 1963.
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About the Warren Commission
The Warren Commission got its shorter, unofficial name from its leader. The leader was Chief Justice Earl Warren. He was the head of the United States Supreme Court.
Some important officials at the time did not want this commission to be formed. Also, some people who became members did not want to join at first. They worried that the commission might cause more arguments. They also thought it might make people more afraid.
The U.S. Congress passed a special law to allow the President to create this commission. This law gave the commission the power to investigate the assassination.
The Commission's Report
The Warren Commission finished its work and wrote an 889-page report. This report was given to President Johnson on September 24, 1964. It was then made public three days later.
The report stated that Lee Harvey Oswald was the person who killed President Kennedy. The commission also concluded that Oswald acted completely alone. They also said that Jack Ruby acted alone when he killed Oswald two days later.
The findings of the Warren Commission have been debated by many people. Some studies have agreed with the commission's report. Other studies have disagreed with parts of it.
Who Were the Members?
The Warren Commission was made up of several important people. They were chosen to help investigate the assassination.
Committee Members
- Earl Warren, Chief Justice of the United States (chairman)
- Richard Russell, Jr. (from Georgia), a U.S. Senator
- John Sherman Cooper (from Kentucky), a U.S. Senator
- Hale Boggs (from Louisiana), a U.S. Representative and House Majority Whip
- Gerald Ford (from Michigan), a U.S. Representative (he later became the 38th President of the United States)
- Allen Welsh Dulles, who used to be the head of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)
- John J. McCloy, who used to be the President of the World Bank
General Counsel
- J. Lee Rankin was the main lawyer for the commission.
Images for kids
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Final report cover
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The Warren Commission presents its report to President Johnson. From left to right: John McCloy, J. Lee Rankin (General Counsel), Senator Richard Russell, Congressman Gerald Ford, Chief Justice Earl Warren, President Lyndon B. Johnson, Allen Dulles, Senator John Sherman Cooper, and Congressman Hale Boggs.
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Arlen Specter showing the assumed alignment for the single-bullet theory
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Representative Gerald R. Ford, Jr with his Sports Illustrated Silver Anniversary Award - NARA - 7064481.jpg
See also
In Spanish: Comisión Warren para niños
