The assassination of President John F. Kennedy in Dallas’ Dealey Plaza remains one of the most analyzed events in American history — and questions about what really happened continue to surface six decades later.
In a recent episode of Let’s Talk Local, host Sarah Zubiate Bennett shares commentary on a Dallas Express–hosted forum that reexamines the case. Drawing from expert insights presented at the event, the episode explores how inconsistencies in the official account continue to fuel public skepticism.
Reviewing the Warren Commission’s Conclusions
The discussion begins with the Warren Commission’s 1964 report, which concluded that Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone in the assassination of President Kennedy. Wiley and McCuistion outline why many Americans — including themselves — have long questioned that conclusion, citing perceived inconsistencies, unanswered questions, and a lack of public transparency surrounding the investigation.
Revisiting Key Figures and Theories
During the conversation, the guests explore several high-profile names that have been connected to alternate theories over the decades, including Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson, whose rapid succession to the presidency has drawn speculation from some historians and researchers.
They also discuss Jack Ruby, the Dallas nightclub owner who fatally shot Oswald before he could testify. Ruby’s motives, as well as his connections and timing, continue to be the subject of public interest and investigation.
Newly surfaced materials related to Oswald’s background and movements are also highlighted in the episode, which the guests say contribute to lingering doubts about whether the full truth has ever been made public.
The Enduring Impact of Dealey Plaza
The episode reflects on why the JFK assassination remains so culturally and politically significant today. Wiley and McCuistion suggest that modern public skepticism toward government, intelligence agencies, and the media can be traced in part to how the events of 1963 were handled and communicated.
They argue that revisiting the facts — and the unresolved questions — matters not just for historical understanding but also for maintaining civic accountability.