The assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963 remains one of the most scrutinized events in modern history.
For decades, researchers and the public have sought full transparency regarding the details of the case. However, despite the recent release of new files, significant portions remain classified, fueling further speculation.
Partial Declassification of Files
The National Archives recently declassified approximately 63,400 pages of documents related to the assassination.
The move was part of a long-standing effort to disclose all government records concerning Kennedy’s murder. While this release includes previously redacted information, historians were quick to note that two-thirds of the expected files remain undisclosed.
According to Jefferson Morley, Vice President of the Mary Ferrell Foundation, many crucial records, including newly discovered FBI documents and 500 records from the Internal Revenue Service, were not included in the release.
Morley described this latest publication as a positive step but emphasized that full transparency is still lacking, as reported by 20minutos.
Challenges in Reviewing the Documents
Experts caution that the newly released files, while extensive, are not easily accessible. Many of the documents are scanned copies of older records, some of which are blurry or difficult to decipher. Additionally, historians point out that the organization of the files makes systematic review challenging.
Larry J. Sabato, a political analyst and Kennedy scholar, highlighted the difficulty in uncovering new insights due to the overwhelming volume of material. "We have a tremendous amount of paper. There is much to read, but it will take time to determine if anything groundbreaking has been revealed," he said.
Key Findings and Speculations
Among the newly available documents are reports on Lee Harvey Oswald’s activities, alleged connections to foreign intelligence agencies, and details about the CIA’s involvement in investigating conspiracy theories.
One document suggests that a high-ranking CIA officer believed that the "deep state" was responsible for Kennedy’s assassination.
Another memo from 1991 describes a KGB agent’s assertion that Oswald was never under Soviet control.
Additionally, a 1978 letter from a man named Sergyj Czornonoh claimed that he had informed U.S. officials months before the assassination that Oswald was planning to kill the president. These findings, while intriguing, have yet to provide definitive answers to longstanding questions about the case.
Ongoing Debate and Unanswered Questions
Despite the new releases, the absence of critical records has frustrated researchers and fueled ongoing debates. Theories of government cover-ups persist, as the files continue to lack crucial information regarding Oswald’s movements, CIA operations, and potential foreign involvement.
Although former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden both authorized the gradual declassification of these documents, the final trove of records remains withheld. The official reason given is national security concerns, but skeptics argue that protecting government agencies from embarrassment might be a factor.
With more information now available but key records still hidden, the mystery of the JFK assassination remains unresolved. Historians and researchers will continue to sift through the newly declassified documents in hopes of shedding more light on one of America’s most controversial and debated tragedies.
