The assassination of President John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963, is one of the most tragic moments in American history. The event has inspired countless conspiracy theories, each trying to explain the unexplainable. Among these, one hypothesis that has persisted, albeit on the fringe, is the “Driver Killed JFK” theory. This theory proposes that it was not Lee Harvey Oswald, but William Greer, the limousine driver, who delivered the fatal shot. While it is a controversial proposition, let’s delve into this theory and examine the evidence put forth by its proponents.

The Zapruder Film and Anomalous Observations

At the heart of this theory lies the infamous Zapruder film – a silent, color motion picture sequence shot by private citizen Abraham Zapruder. Theorists claim that at frame 313, where the fatal shot is believed to have taken place, the limousine driver can be seen turning around and possibly making a shooting motion.

In scrutinizing the film, proponents have highlighted an alleged hand movement of Greer’s towards his shoulder, which they believe aligns with the timing of JFK’s fatal headshot. Critics, however, argue that this motion could easily be Greer reacting to the chaos and turning around after hearing the shots.

The Mysterious .45 Automatic

Adding to this theory, some speculate that Greer used a .45 automatic pistol to assassinate Kennedy, citing a mysterious object seen in his hand in the Zapruder film. In this line of thought, the ‘flash’ and ‘smoke’ seen in the Zapruder film is argued as a result of this shot. However, skeptics dispute this interpretation, arguing the film’s quality is insufficient to identify the object conclusively.

The Eyewitness Accounts

The “Driver Killed JFK” theory also relies heavily on eyewitness testimonies. Some witnesses reported that the presidential limousine came to a near stop at the time of the final, fatal shot. This would have given Greer an opportunity to turn and shoot, proponents argue.

Among these witnesses, Jean Hill, known as the “Lady in Red,” told the Warren Commission that the motorcade seemed to stop completely after the initial shots were fired. However, critics note that her testimony has been inconsistent and thus unreliable.

Greer’s Conduct Post-Assassination

William Greer’s actions following JFK’s assassination have also raised eyebrows. He reportedly disobeyed a direct order from a superior agent to drive away quickly, which he did not do immediately after the shots were fired. While this fact alone doesn’t incriminate Greer, conspiracy theorists argue that it adds another layer of suspicion.

The Pathology Argument

Finally, proponents of the theory cite JFK’s autopsy reports, pointing to the direction and nature of the fatal shot. They argue that the trajectory of the bullet that killed Kennedy is more consistent with a shot from the driver’s seat than from the Texas School Book Depository.

Conclusion

While it’s crucial to approach such theories with a healthy dose of skepticism, they demonstrate the unending human quest to seek truth, even in the most tragic of events. The “Driver Killed JFK” theory has its believers who consider the coincidences and perceived anomalies too compelling to ignore. Although not widely accepted, and debunked by many, this theory, like many others, emphasizes the complexity and enduring fascination of JFK’s assassination.