Technology invades the modern world

How many shots were fired in Chapter 164? (5k)

V was even more mysterious than he had seen in the files.

Robert returned to Washington that same day with the videotape.

He immediately recognized the angle of the videotape; it was taken from the county records building.

Robert suddenly realized why there were two reports about the masked man.

One copy came from Bonnie, the warehouse manager, and the other from Bill, the county records manager.

The other party filmed the entire shooting process of Oswald from a high point in the county records building.

This gave Robert more confidence in what the masked man said.

How much information must the other party have to accurately select the perfect camera position?

Not only did they record Oswald's voice, but they also filmed him firing at them head-on.

As the videotape played slowly, the short one-minute recording quickly came to an end.

Robert's heart was pounding, because he realized that Oswald had only fired one shot!
Both the information provided by BI and the responses from eyewitnesses at the scene regarding the gunshots indicate that there were at least three gunshots.

However, the videotape clearly shows that Oswald only fired one shot and then left.

Robert sat in front of the television in the living room, repeatedly playing the videotape.

Holding a newspaper, he compared the videotape with the newspaper's on-site report about the incident.

All the newspapers reported that several gunshots rang out in quick succession at the scene.

This is the unanimous testimony of the people at the scene.

It's simply a difference between three and four gunshots.

BI claims it was Oswald's doing alone.

But in this video, Oswald clearly only fired one shot.

This video gave Robert tremendous confidence—the confidence to seek revenge.

Soon after, in December, a group of activists advocating for racial equality and rejecting racial discrimination stormed the BI office in Midia, Pennsylvania, and took away thousands of documents.

Betty Medin, a reporter for The Washington Post, first reported on these documents, detailing the BI's illegal wiretapping, infiltration, and file-collecting activities, which lasted for more than a decade under Hoover's leadership and were known internally as COINTELPRO.

A dark cloud suddenly rose around Kennedy's death.

The entire American public was in uproar.

The New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, and other major television networks all reported on the disclosure of COINTELPRO and provided follow-up coverage.

Almost overnight, everyone believed that Hoover was the real culprit behind Kennedy's death.

CBS correspondent Tom Harrison, microphone in hand, faces the camera as he conducts impromptu street interviews with people in Washington, D.C.
"Hi everyone, this is Tom Harrison from CBS News."

The assassination of President Kennedy shocked the nation. Today, we conducted random interviews with people on the streets of Washington, D.C., and the recent actions of the Bureau of Investigation (BI) have cast a shadow over the federal government.
We want to understand the public's perspective on this tragedy, particularly regarding the rumors surrounding the possible involvement of BI Director Hoover. Let's hear their voices.

Tom Harrison: "Madam, hello. What are your thoughts on the assassination of President Kennedy? Do you believe it was a lone act or part of a larger conspiracy?"

The first person interviewed was a housewife.

Mary Johnson said nervously, “Oh, this is terrible. President Kennedy was a good man, and his death is a tragedy.”

I don't know if it was a solo operation or if there's some other conspiracy behind it.

Tom Harrison: "Have you heard the rumors about Chief Hoover? Some people think he might be involved. What do you think of the recordings released by the BBC?"

Mary Johnson shook her head: "I don't know, but if it's true, it's terrifying. The director assassinating the president, that's horrible."

Tom Harrison: "Hello, sir. What are your thoughts on the assassination of Kennedy? Do you think Chief Hoover might be involved in this tragedy?"

John Smith was an auto worker:
“I’m not sure. I’m just an ordinary worker, but I feel things aren’t that simple. Oswald was arrested and then killed immediately—that’s too much of a coincidence. Hoover is definitely a suspect!”

Tom Harrison: "Do you think Hoover might have been involved?"

John Smith hesitated for a moment before shouting, "That's right, Hoover is the murderer! He has a lot of secrets, and maybe Kennedy doesn't want him to continue as director."

Tom Harrison: "Hello, miss. As a young person, what are your thoughts on the Kennedy assassination? Have you heard of any conspiracy theories about Hoover?"

Susan Lee, a college student, exclaimed, "There's definitely a conspiracy here! We all know that Hoover hated the Kennedy brothers!"

Kennedy was our hope; his death is a tremendous loss. I don't believe Oswald acted alone; there must have been a conspiracy.

Tom Harrison: "Do you think Hoover might have been involved in the assassination?"

Susan Lee stated firmly, "He had both the motive and the means. I don't think he's completely innocent."

The last person interviewed was a middle-aged white man, Tom Harrison: "Sir, hello. As a businessman, what are your thoughts on the assassination of Kennedy? Do you think Hoover was involved?"

Businessman William Brown calmly replied, "Kennedy's death is a blow to the country. I previously thought it was a lone operation, and that Oswald was a madman."

But now I think Hoover is highly suspicious. He has no legal awareness whatsoever and acts entirely for his own power. Oh my God, a BI director like that is really dangerous.

After completing a series of street interviews, Tom Harrison faced the camera and said:
"Compared to a week ago, the opinions of the people of America are rapidly converging."

In our interviews conducted in Washington, D.C. a week ago, we saw a wide range of opinions among ordinary people regarding the assassination of Kennedy.

Some believe the official conclusion that Oswald acted alone.

Some suspect a larger conspiracy is behind this, and some have even pointed the finger at Hoover.

Since the BI's COINTELPRO was exposed by the media, the public now generally believes that Hoover was involved in President Kennedy's assassination.

Regardless of the final truth, this incident will undoubtedly spark discussion and controversy for years to come. Thank you for watching. I'm Tom Harrison from CBS News.

Similar reports are flooding in, and the public's doubts are about to reach the sky.

Even Lyndon Johnson got involved.

A view began to circulate that John F. Kennedy's death was inextricably linked to Lyndon Johnson.

Lyndon Johnson wanted to be president, so he collaborated with Hoover to assassinate Kennedy.

The motivation is perfect, isn't it?

At this point, distrust of the White House and Washington among the American people reached an unprecedented high.

In the past, at least there were recordings; now there aren't even any recordings.

Such rumors are widely accepted by the public.

"Hoover, I'm telling you, don't you dare do anything reckless!"

This time, it was Lyndon Johnson who called Hoover.

He immediately recognized that Hoover was behind this conspiracy theory.

The purpose was to drag him down with them.

The presidential election is next year.

His personal charisma was never comparable to Kennedy's.

To now pin the blame for Kennedy's death on him would have an extremely negative impact on next year's presidential election.

Lyndon Johnson didn't want to slink off the presidency after only one year in office.

It didn't even last a year.

We'll be spending most of next year preparing for the election.

At most, it will only last a few months.

Hoover said nonchalantly, "Johnson, you can't just say I did everything."

I regret President Kennedy's death, and now the whole of America thinks I did it.

As a result, you'll also claim that I'm the one who spreads rumors.

This is a very serious slander!

Hoover didn't take Lyndon Johnson seriously at all.

The other party can only stay for a maximum of eight years, while I can stay in Washington indefinitely.

“You.” Lyndon Johnson naturally knew why such rumors had arisen.

It's just about forcing him to resolve this matter quickly.

We need to quickly quell the public outcry.

On December 20, just before Christmas, after about a month of investigation, the Warren Commission held a press conference in the East Room of the White House to announce their findings. This investigation was nine months faster than previous ones.

This shows how much pressure is coming from the White House and the Bureau of Investigation.

The report was personally delivered to Lyndon Johnson by the committee chairman, Chief Justice Earl Warren.

Earl Warren walked to the podium, took a deep breath, and said in a low but firm voice: “Mr. President, distinguished guests, after nearly a month of investigation, the Warren Commission is honored to submit its final report to you. This report aims to provide the truth about the assassination of President Kennedy.”

Lyndon Johnson took the report, smiled and nodded: “Thank you, Chief Justice Warren, and every member of the committee. Your hard work is vital to the nation. We will ensure this report is made public.”

This report will subsequently be officially published and distributed to the public through America Printing Office GPO.

The reporters present eagerly raised their hands, and the press secretary called on Tom Harrison to ask the first question.

CBS reporter Tom Harrison asked, "Chief Justice Warren, the report states that Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone and fired three shots. How did the committee arrive at this conclusion, particularly the 'single bullet theory'?"

Lee Rankin answered on Warren's behalf: "The conclusion is based on ballistic analysis, eyewitness testimony, and frame-by-frame analysis of the Zaprude film. The 'single bullet theory' explains how the bullet could have hit both President Kennedy and Governor Connally simultaneously, a conclusion supported by ballistic experts."

Jenny, who was also sitting in the audience, asked, "But there are eyewitnesses who claim to have heard four gunshots, and some even saw the shooter on the grassy hill. How do you explain these testimonies?"

Earl Warren stated firmly, “Eyewitness accounts at chaotic scenes often differ. We interviewed 552 witnesses, most of whom reported three gunshots. Acoustic tests showed that echoes could lead to misjudgments, and the grass-hill shooter theory lacked physical evidence.”

William Brown of Time magazine asked, "The report criticized the BI's oversights. What was Director Hoover's reaction? Did the committee believe the FBI withheld information or even participated in the murder?"

After he finished speaking, a discussion broke out among the people present.

Because that's a bit too direct.

The criticism was directed at Hoover.

Lyndon Johnson responded cautiously: "The report points out shortcomings in the BI, but there is no evidence that they deliberately concealed anything. This has nothing to do with Director Hoover."

Jenny pressed on, “Mr. President, what was Robert Kennedy’s opinion on the report? It’s said he was privately skeptical.”

Lyndon Johnson's expression stiffened briefly before he calmly said, "Robert Kennedy supported the investigation, and I believe he will respect the conclusions."

Warren concluded, "Our goal is to find out the truth and dispel doubts. The details of the report will be made public."

After the ceremony, reporters rushed to the exit, while committee members and officials discussed the follow-up measures in hushed tones.

The day after the investigation report was released, Robert was already on the set of the BBC's Face to Face program in London.

The BBC studio, live broadcast of the "Face to Face" program.

The dark backdrop creates a serious atmosphere.

Two high-backed chairs are placed in the center, and the camera is pointed at the two main characters.

The clock on the wall showed 8 p.m. London time, and it was already dark outside the window.

The air was filled with tension and anticipation.

The audience was packed with reporters, from both the liberal camp and the Soviet camp.

Reporters from all sides gathered here.

Robert contacted these journalists through the BBC, saying he wanted to reveal the real truth.

The White House had just held a press conference when Robert revealed the real truth.

Isn't this a blatant slap in the face to the White House, implying that the White House's version of events is a false truth?

The word spread quickly among the reporters, and almost all the international news reporters in London gathered here.

The scene was completely silent; all the reporters held their breath and listened intently.

Ironically, besides the Kennedy family's Irish gang, the KGB also helped keep an eye on Robert's security in London the entire time.

This has nothing to do with Lin Ran; Robert found it himself.

Because during the Cuban Missile Crisis, it was Robert who negotiated with Dobrynin of the Soviet Union.

The Kennedy brothers bypassed the military, Congress, and other senior White House officials; it was Robert and Dobrynin who spoke alone in Washington, D.C.

John Freeman faced the camera, his voice steady: "Welcome to Face to Face. Tonight we are honored to have with us Mr. Robert F. Kennedy, Attorney General of America."

Mr. Kennedy will be challenging the Warren Commission's findings on this program, claiming to have new evidence. We will delve into this topic. Welcome, Mr. Kennedy.

Robert Kennedy nodded slightly, his expression solemn. Dressed in a black suit, his hands were clenched, yet he appeared remarkably calm.

"Thank you, Major Freeman. It's a pleasure to be here."

Freeman: "Mr. Kennedy, the Warren Commission report states that Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone and fired three shots. Why don't you believe this conclusion?"

Robert took a deep breath, his eyes sharp:
"The committee's investigation was rushed and opaque. The fact that Oswald was killed so quickly after his arrest is itself highly suspicious. I don't believe he could have planned and carried out such a complex assassination on his own."

Freeman pressed further, "You mentioned new evidence; could you elaborate?"

After a moment's hesitation, Robert said, "Recently, I received an anonymous videotape. The tape shows that Oswald fired only one shot on the sixth floor of the textbook warehouse, which contradicts the committee's finding of three shots."

There was an uproar.

The White House held a press conference yesterday.

Robert Kennedy is the one who got slapped in the face today.

Freeman asked in surprise, "Is the source of the videotape credible? How can you verify its authenticity?"

Robert stated firmly, "The videotape came from Mr. V."

Major Freeman's heart tightened; the mysterious Mr. V had reappeared.

The previous act of putting an audio tape on his person caused a series of chain reactions, and then the person provided a video tape to Robert. What exactly is the other party trying to do?

"He filmed the scene on the day of the shooting; the footage is clear, and the timestamp matches Zaprood's video. I have had experts verify it, and it has been confirmed that it has not been tampered with."

And we can play it now.

After the broadcast, the reporters present could no longer hold back.

The sounds rose and fell:

"Mr. Kennedy, what is your opinion on the death of your brother, John F. Kennedy?"

Who could be the murderer at the scene?

"Who is V? How did he get these precious materials?"

BBC staff had to step in to maintain order at the scene.

Freeman pondered, "If Oswald only fired one shot, was the fatal blow fired by him, or by someone else, and where did it come from?"

Robert's eyes were deep: "That's the problem. The videotape suggests there might have been a second gunman, from the grassy hill or some other location."

Freeman steered the conversation: "You suspect there's a bigger conspiracy behind this? Which forces might be involved?"

Robert carefully chose his words: "President Kennedy offended many people for the sake of America's people, and I do not rule out the possibility that these forces conspired together."

Freeman then asked, "Do you think BI Director Hoover might be involved? That's the most widespread rumor."

Robert clenched his fists, his voice low: "Hoover is a dangerous man. He has access to a lot of secret files, which he could use to exert pressure. We do have conflicts with him, and he could very well be one of the real culprits behind it all."

Freeman's tone softened as he asked, "Faced with these doubts, what are your plans?"

Robert's eyes were firm, revealing his determination: "I will continue the investigation, undaunted by threats. The truth must come to light; this is my promise to my brother."

"Would you consider working with V?" Freeman asked.

Robert nodded: "If possible, I believe V has even more information."

"So do you know who V is?" Freeman then asked.

“Sorry, I don’t know,” Robert replied.

Freeman concluded: "Thank you, Mr. Kennedy, for your courage and candor. Tonight's conversation revealed an indomitable spirit. Thank you for watching 'Face to Face,' viewers."

Reporters surrounded Robert, as the new videotape clearly showed Oswald firing only one shot.

The news spread globally the following day, becoming explosive news.

The so-called authoritative report released by the White House was shattered by this videotape.

Speculation about Hoover has resurfaced.

"We can't stay passive like this! We have to find out who V is to stop the decline, otherwise all our reports could be overturned by the information V produces!" Hoover couldn't take it anymore; he had to get involved himself, or he'd be fired.

　It's been 31 days since it was released, and except for one day when I only updated 7000 words, I've updated 10,000 words every day! I've done my best, please give me a monthly vote!

　　
　
(End of this chapter)