Key Date and Time of the Shooting
On Friday, November 22, 1963, President John F. Kennedy was shot in Dallas, Texas. The attack occurred around 12:30 p.m. Central Time (18:30 UTC) as Kennedy rode in a motorcade through Dealey Plaza. He was pronounced dead at Parkland Memorial Hospital at 1:00 p.m. Central Time (19:00 UTC). These times are reported by the National Archives, the Warren Commission, and major news archives from the period.
Verified Basic Facts
The following table summarizes date-related and time-related attributes confirmed by official records and reputable historical sources.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Date of shooting | November 22, 1963 | Official records, news archives |
| Approximate time (Central) | 12:30 p.m. | Warren Commission, National Archives |
| Time zone | Central Time (UTC-6) | Historical time zone data |
| President pronounced dead | 1:00 p.m. Central Time | Parkland Hospital records |
| Age of President | 46 years old | Biographical data |
| Location | Dealey Plaza, Dallas, TX | Investigative reports |
Immediate Aftermath and Timeline
In the seconds and minutes after the shots, the motorcade rushed to Parkland Hospital. Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson was escorted to Air Force One at Dallas Love Field later that afternoon. Around 2:30 p.m. Central Time, Air Force One took off from Dallas. At 2:38 p.m. Central Time, Johnson was sworn in as the 36th President aboard the plane. The nation learned of the shooting through live television and radio coverage that interrupted regular programming.
Investigations and Official Findings
The Warren Commission concluded that Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone in shooting Kennedy from the sixth floor of the Texas School Book Depository. The Commission’s report was released in late 1964. Later government reviews, including by the House Select Committee on Assassinations in 1979, stated that Kennedy was likely assassinated as a result of a conspiracy, though it could not identify any group or individual involved. The timeline, chain of evidence, and conclusions remain documented in official government reports.
Global Reaction and Media Coverage
The shooting triggered an immediate global response. United Nations headquarters observed a minute of silence. Many countries suspended regular broadcasts to provide continuous news coverage. Public gatherings, including vigils, occurred worldwide. Newspapers printed special editions the same night, and radio networks provided live updates for days, shaping early coverage of the event for the public.
Long-Term Historical Context and Commemoration
Each November, historians, journalists, and civic organizations revisit the event through lectures, exhibitions, and moments of reflection. Academic works, documentaries, and museum displays continue to examine the political, cultural, and investigative dimensions of the assassination. The Zapruder film, official records, and firsthand accounts remain central resources for researchers and the public seeking an evidence-based understanding of what happened on November 22, 1963.