Seeking Clues: Lee Harvey Oswald’s Movements and Motives After the Assassination

Lee Harvey Oswald was last seen coming out of his boarding house in Dallas, Texas, shortly after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. The exact location of his destination and his motives are subjects of extensive investigation and speculation. This article delves into the various theories surrounding his movements and intentions.

Destination: Uncertainty and Speculation

Oswald's exact destination after leaving his boarding house is unclear. Theories suggest he may have intended to flee the city, while others propose he was on a mission to return to a place he felt safe or to connect with potential accomplices. His behavior post-assassination raises questions about whether he had a premeditated plan or was merely reacting to a chaotic situation.

Behavior: Purposeful Movement

Theories and observations about Oswald's behavior after the assassination reveal his purposeful actions. For instance, shortly before the event, he was seen buying a bus ticket to Mexico, raising speculations about a planned escape. After the assassination, he bought a drink at a nearby bar, then continued walking, changing his jacket, and vowing not to return to the area. His movements suggest he was not aimlessly wandering but rather taking precautions.

Possible Plans to Evade Capture

Some researchers believe Oswald may have had a plan to evade capture. His actions such as changing his clothing, buying a bus ticket to Mexico, and avoiding main roads indicate he was aware of the need to conceal his identity and movements. These actions could be interpreted as an attempt to slip away and avoid being caught.

Motivations: Complex and Controversial

Understanding Oswald's motivations is crucial to comprehending his actions. He was a troubled individual with a history of political radicalism. Some theories suggest he acted alone in an attempt to make a political statement or gain notoriety. This complexity adds to the ongoing debate among historians and researchers about his true intentions.

Theories and Speculations

There are several theories that provide additional insights into Oswald's movements and motives. One theory posits that Oswald was heading to General Walker's house for another attempt, likely involving a close-range shot with a handgun. Another theory suggests he went straight to the Texas Theater, where he kept changing seats in an effort to meet a contact with instructions. When he was arrested instead, he likely realized he was set up.

Specific details about the timing and location support this theory. Warren Burroughs, the theater manager, noted Oswald's entry, and later sold him popcorn. Notably, however, a duplicate Oswald was taken out the back door of the theater and flown out of state, which adds further intrigue to the mystery of his movements.

While these theories provide interesting perspectives, they are not definitively proven. The ambiguity surrounding his motives and movements continues to fuel ongoing debate among historians and researchers, maintaining the intrigue of one of the most significant events in modern history.

Conclusion

Although there is no definitive evidence indicating Oswald's specific intentions after leaving his boarding house, many believe he operated with some level of planning, attempting to navigate the immediate aftermath of his actions. The complexity of his movements and motives remains a subject of extensive speculation and investigation.