The Warren Commission Report

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 18 views

The Mysterious Case of the Attorney General: Why Robert Kennedy Asked the FBI to Lead the Investigation

In the world of law enforcement, few cases have sparked as much intrigue and speculation as the one involving Attorney General Robert Kennedy and the FBI. In 1963, Kennedy, the brother of President John F. Kennedy, asked the FBI to lead the investigation into the assassination of President Kennedy. This decision has been the subject of much debate and analysis, with many questioning why Kennedy would choose the FBI, an agency with a history of controversy and potential conflicts of interest, to lead the investigation.

To understand why Robert Kennedy asked the FBI to lead the investigation, it's essential to consider the historical context. In the early 1960s, the FBI was still reeling from the aftermath of the Cuban Missile Crisis, and the agency was under intense scrutiny for its handling of the crisis. Additionally, the FBI had a long history of controversy, including its involvement in the Palmer Raids, the COINTELPRO program, and the surveillance of civil rights leaders.

The FBI's reputation was already tarnished by the time of President Kennedy's assassination. The agency had a history of using coercive tactics, including wiretapping and break-ins, to gather intelligence on suspected subversives. The FBI's reputation was further damaged by the revelations of the COINTELPRO program, which involved the agency's use of surveillance, infiltration, and sabotage to disrupt the activities of civil rights and anti-war groups.

Robert Kennedy, as Attorney General, had a complex relationship with the FBI. On the one hand, he had a deep respect for the agency's work and its director, J. Edgar Hoover. On the other hand, Kennedy was also aware of the FBI's controversies and potential conflicts of interest. In the months leading up to President Kennedy's assassination, Robert Kennedy had been working to reform the FBI and bring it under greater control.

So why did Robert Kennedy ask the FBI to lead the investigation into President Kennedy's assassination? There are several theories, but no definitive answer. Some have suggested that Kennedy chose the FBI because he wanted to avoid any potential conflicts of interest or because he believed the agency had the necessary expertise to handle the case. Others have suggested that Kennedy was trying to protect the FBI from criticism or that he was trying to use the agency to cover up any potential wrongdoing.

The Warren Commission, established by President Lyndon B. Johnson to investigate the assassination, was also led by the FBI. The commission's report, released in 1964, concluded that Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone in the assassination. However, many have questioned the commission's findings, citing potential conflicts of interest and a lack of transparency.

The case of Robert Kennedy and the FBI's investigation into President Kennedy's assassination remains a topic of debate and speculation. While we may never know the full truth behind Kennedy's decision, it's clear that the case has had a lasting impact on the FBI and the country as a whole. The case has also raised important questions about the role of law enforcement in investigating high-profile crimes and the potential for conflicts of interest.

In conclusion, the decision by Robert Kennedy to ask the FBI to lead the investigation into President Kennedy's assassination remains a mystery. While we may never know the full truth behind Kennedy's decision, it's clear that the case has had a lasting impact on the FBI and the country as a whole. The case has also raised important questions about the role of law enforcement in investigating high-profile crimes and the potential for conflicts of interest.

The case of Robert Kennedy and the FBI's investigation into President Kennedy's assassination highlights the importance of transparency in law enforcement. When high-profile crimes occur, it's essential that the investigation is conducted in a transparent and impartial manner. This means that the agency leading the investigation should be free from potential conflicts of interest and that the investigation should be subject to scrutiny and oversight.

The case of Robert Kennedy and the FBI's investigation into President Kennedy's assassination also highlights the need for reform in law enforcement. The FBI's history of controversy and potential conflicts of interest has led to calls for greater oversight and accountability. This includes the need for independent investigations and the use of technology to improve transparency and accountability.

As we move forward, it's essential that we learn from the past and work to create a more transparent and accountable law enforcement system. This means that agencies like the FBI should be subject to greater oversight and scrutiny, and that investigations should be conducted in a transparent and impartial manner. By doing so, we can build trust in law enforcement and ensure that justice is served.

The Warren Commission Report (1964)
The FBI's COINTELPRO Program (1971)
The Palmer Raids (1919-1920)
The Cuban Missile Crisis (1962)
The Assassination of President Kennedy (1963)
Frequently Asked Questions: The Attorney General and the FBI's Investigation into President Kennedy's Assassination

A: There are several theories, but no definitive answer. Some have suggested that Kennedy chose the FBI because he wanted to avoid any potential conflicts of interest or because he believed the agency had the necessary expertise to handle the case. Others have suggested that Kennedy was trying to protect the FBI from criticism or that he was trying to use the agency to cover up any potential wrongdoing.

A: The FBI's reputation was already tarnished by the time of President Kennedy's assassination. The agency had a history of using coercive tactics, including wiretapping and break-ins, to gather intelligence on suspected subversives. The FBI's reputation was further damaged by the revelations of the COINTELPRO program, which involved the agency's use of surveillance, infiltration, and sabotage to disrupt the activities of civil rights and anti-war groups.

A: The Warren Commission was established by President Lyndon B. Johnson to investigate the assassination of President Kennedy. The commission's report, released in 1964, concluded that Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone in the assassination. However, many have questioned the commission's findings, citing potential conflicts of interest and a lack of transparency.

A: There were several controversies surrounding the FBI's investigation, including:

The FBI's handling of evidence: The FBI was criticized for its handling of evidence, including the destruction of potential evidence and the failure to properly investigate leads.
The FBI's relationship with Lee Harvey Oswald: The FBI had a history of surveillance and infiltration of left-wing groups, and some have suggested that the agency may have had a relationship with Oswald or may have been aware of his activities.
The FBI's potential conflicts of interest: The FBI had a history of controversy and potential conflicts of interest, including its involvement in the COINTELPRO program and its surveillance of civil rights leaders.

A: The consequences of the FBI's investigation were far-reaching and had a lasting impact on the country. Some of the consequences include:

The Warren Commission's report: The commission's report, which concluded that Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone in the assassination, was widely criticized for its lack of transparency and potential conflicts of interest.
The FBI's reputation: The FBI's reputation was further damaged by the revelations of the COINTELPRO program and the agency's handling of the investigation.
The public's trust in government: The investigation and the Warren Commission's report contributed to a decline in public trust in government and law enforcement.

A: We can learn several lessons from the FBI's investigation into President Kennedy's assassination, including:

The importance of transparency: The investigation highlights the importance of transparency in law enforcement and the need for independent investigations.
The need for reform: The investigation highlights the need for reform in law enforcement, including greater oversight and accountability.
The importance of protecting civil liberties: The investigation highlights the importance of protecting civil liberties and preventing the abuse of power by law enforcement.

A: The FBI's investigation into President Kennedy's assassination is still ongoing, although the agency has released many of its files related to the case. However, many questions remain unanswered, and some have suggested that the agency may still be withholding information.