John F. Kennedy died on November 22, 1963. He was shot while riding in a motorcade in Dallas, Texas, and was pronounced dead at Parkland Memorial Hospital approximately 30 minutes later at 1:00 PM Central Time. The assassination occurred at 12:30 PM during a public procession and has been the subject of multiple official investigations, including the 1964 Warren Commission. The following verified details clarify the date, location, immediate medical response, and timeline of events confirmed by government and historical records.
Key Date and Location Details
The assassination and death of President Kennedy are documented with consistent time stamps and locations across government reports, news archives, and eyewitness accounts. Below is a concise summary of the core verified facts surrounding the event.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Date of Death | November 22, 1963 | Official records, Parkland Hospital |
| Time of Death | 1:00 PM Central Time | Parkland Hospital records |
| Location of Shooting | Dealey Plaza, Dallas, TX | Photographs, motorcade route |
| Time of Shooting | 12:30 PM Central Time | Official timelines, camera evidence |
| Official Investigation | Warren Commission (1964) | Government report |
Immediate Aftermath at Parkland Hospital
After the shooting, Kennedy was taken to Parkland Hospital, where the emergency trauma team attempted resuscitation. Physicians in Trauma Room 1 pronounced him dead at 1:00 PM Central Time. The hospital’s official record and contemporaneous press notes remain consistent on this timeline, anchoring the date and time in reliable medical documentation.
Medical Verification and Autopsy
Following pronouncement, Kennedy’s body was transported to Bethesda Naval Hospital in Maryland for autopsy. The autopsy confirmed the cause of death as multiple gunshot wounds. While the hospital procedures and initial findings were straightforward, the subsequent release of related records and reinvestigations maintained this core medical conclusion without materially altering the date and location facts.
Official Investigations and Conclusions
The Warren Commission, formed late in 1963 and delivering its report in September 1964, concluded that Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone in shooting Kennedy from the sixth floor of the Texas School Book Depository. Later reviews, including the House Select Committee on Assassinations in 1979, reaffirmed the fatal shots while raising questions about potential additional gunmen. Across these reviews, the date of death—November 22, 1963—has remained fixed and uncontested.
Historical Context and Enduring Impact
Kennedy’s death marked a pivotal moment in American history, reshaping political discourse and public trust. The day is remembered for the abrupt loss of a young president and the consequential shifts in civil rights and foreign policy discussions. Commemorative observances on the anniversary reinforce the lasting influence of his presidency and the profound effect of his assassination on the nation.
Clarifying Common Misconceptions
Some confusion exists around related dates, such as when he was shot, when he was pronounced dead, and when official reports were released. The core event—his death—occurred on November 22, 1963. Subsequent dates, including the Commission’s report and later reinvestigations, do not change the established fact of his death on that day.
- Shot: 12:30 PM, November 22, 1963
- Pronounced dead: 1:00 PM CST, November 22, 1963
- Warren Report released: September 1964
- House Select Committee: 1979 findings
Legacy and Commemoration
Each November 22, institutions and individuals reflect on Kennedy’s presidency and the circumstances of his death. Memorial services, educational programs, and historical exhibitions emphasize the documented events of November 22, 1963, while contextualizing his policy initiatives and cultural influence. The continuity of these commemorations underscores the event’s enduring place in public memory.