Time and History 12:30 P.M. John F. Kennedy is Shot

About major and minor historical events around the clock such as the assassination of John F. Kennedy in Dallas at 12:30 in the afternoon.

HISTORY AROUND THE CLOCK

12:30 in the Afternoon

Nov. 22, 1963. Riding to the Dallas Trade Mart, U.S. President John Fitzgerald Kennedy was hit in the back of the neck by a rifle bullet which entered slightly to the right of the spine, traveled downward, and exited from the front of his neck, nicking the knot in his necktie. Jackie Kennedy, seated on his left, turned and saw her husband give a "quizzical look" as he raised his left hand to his throat. Texas Governor John Connally, riding in the front seat of the open limousine, started to turn but was hit in the back by another rifle shot, which entered his body just below his right armpit. The bullet exited below his right nipple and continued through his right wrist, which was resting on his lap, finally causing a wound to his left thigh. Another bullet struck Kennedy's head, exiting through the right side of his skull; it made a 5-in. gaping hole and splattered brain tissue all over the car. As Kennedy's body lurched backward, his wife reached out and cradled him in her arms, saying, "Oh, my God, they have shot my husband. I love you, Jack."

Kennedy was rushed to the Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas, where his head was covered to prevent anyone from taking photographs. The first doctor who examined the President noted that his skin was a blue-white color. Slow spasmodic breathing was detected, and although Kennedy's eyes were open, the pupils were dilated and did not react to any stimulus. Brain tissue was still oozing out of the massive wound. Despite unflagging efforts by the medical staff, Kennedy died. The official time of his death was 1:00 P.M. The official cause: "Gunshot wound, in the brain."

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