1 00:00:03,981 --> 00:00:04,992 Announcer: (singing) mtv. 2 00:00:05,027 --> 00:00:05,959 [crowd cheering] 3 00:00:06,034 --> 00:00:08,679 Narrator: November 22, 1963. 4 00:00:08,754 --> 00:00:10,679 [gunshot] 5 00:00:10,754 --> 00:00:13,952 America's president is shot dead in full view 6 00:00:13,961 --> 00:00:16,512 Of crowds of well-wishers. 7 00:00:16,547 --> 00:00:22,352 To have him taken away in such a violent manner, 8 00:00:22,387 --> 00:00:24,592 It was incredibly shocking. 9 00:00:24,627 --> 00:00:26,592 When the president of the united states 10 00:00:26,667 --> 00:00:30,472 Gets assassinated, it sends shock waves all over the world. 11 00:00:30,547 --> 00:00:33,392 Narrator: Jfk's death leads many to ask, 12 00:00:33,467 --> 00:00:37,232 How could the leader of the free world be murdered so easily? 13 00:00:37,267 --> 00:00:39,072 [gunshot] 14 00:00:39,107 --> 00:00:40,512 The assassination of john f. Kennedy was a watershed event. 15 00:00:40,547 --> 00:00:42,472 It changed the history of the world. 16 00:00:42,547 --> 00:00:44,519 Narrator: Now, in-depth analysis, 17 00:00:44,594 --> 00:00:48,152 Investigative reports, and declassified documents 18 00:00:48,227 --> 00:00:50,912 Expose crucial errors. 19 00:00:50,987 --> 00:00:56,072 If you don't have intelligence coming in, you cannot ensure 20 00:00:56,147 --> 00:00:59,312 That the president is safe. 21 00:00:59,347 --> 00:01:02,072 There was a failure of collecting the data, but also 22 00:01:02,147 --> 00:01:04,839 Of imagination or analysis. 23 00:01:04,914 --> 00:01:06,832 Narrator: From ignored threats-- 24 00:01:06,867 --> 00:01:11,312 The biggest mistake was going to the city of hate. 25 00:01:11,347 --> 00:01:14,112 Narrator: --To intelligence breakdowns. 26 00:01:14,147 --> 00:01:16,672 The less you can make public, the better it is, 27 00:01:16,707 --> 00:01:18,312 The safer it is. 28 00:01:18,387 --> 00:01:22,672 The tragedy is that this man who wasn't taken seriously 29 00:01:22,707 --> 00:01:25,912 As a violent threat was on the radar 30 00:01:25,987 --> 00:01:29,472 Screen of us law enforcement and intelligence before dallas. 31 00:01:29,507 --> 00:01:32,432 Narrator: And major security failings. 32 00:01:32,507 --> 00:01:35,232 Putting the president of the united states in a convertible 33 00:01:35,267 --> 00:01:37,152 Was incredibly stupid. 34 00:01:37,187 --> 00:01:39,639 If there had been a bulletproof top, 35 00:01:39,714 --> 00:01:42,352 That would have made the president far safer. 36 00:01:42,387 --> 00:01:45,872 Because they weren't feeling at their best, 37 00:01:45,907 --> 00:01:48,112 They weren't watching. 38 00:01:48,147 --> 00:01:51,112 Narrator: 10 deadly mistakes that, if avoided, 39 00:01:51,187 --> 00:01:53,112 Could have changed history. 40 00:01:53,187 --> 00:01:55,319 You don't want to think like a secret service agent. 41 00:01:55,394 --> 00:01:58,032 You want to think like the assassin. 42 00:01:58,107 --> 00:02:02,192 Not recognizing that threat was possible 43 00:02:02,227 --> 00:02:06,992 Was probably the greatest oversight in american history. 44 00:02:07,001 --> 00:02:09,392 [numbers clicking] 45 00:02:09,467 --> 00:02:11,799 [typing] 46 00:02:11,874 --> 00:02:14,239 [dramatic music] 47 00:02:15,307 --> 00:02:16,672 The constitution-- 48 00:02:16,707 --> 00:02:18,312 Narrator: John f. Kennedy's inauguration 49 00:02:18,387 --> 00:02:21,792 Changes the way the world sees an american president. 50 00:02:21,827 --> 00:02:23,632 [crowd cheering] 51 00:02:23,667 --> 00:02:28,519 Ask not what your country can do for you. 52 00:02:28,594 --> 00:02:31,712 Ask what you can do for your country. 53 00:02:31,747 --> 00:02:34,992 Narrator: Jfk's life as us president plays 54 00:02:35,027 --> 00:02:37,392 Out on camera to the world. 55 00:02:37,427 --> 00:02:40,432 The image that john kennedy had as president 56 00:02:40,467 --> 00:02:45,552 Was one of energy and youth and vitality. 57 00:02:45,587 --> 00:02:49,472 He exuded charisma, intelligence, 58 00:02:49,507 --> 00:02:52,272 And he worked hard to ensure that he came 59 00:02:52,307 --> 00:02:55,632 Across very well in the media. 60 00:02:55,667 --> 00:02:57,912 President kennedy wanted to be seen. 61 00:02:57,987 --> 00:02:59,712 He wanted to connect. 62 00:02:59,787 --> 00:03:01,152 Sharron wilkins conrad: To be in that role 63 00:03:01,187 --> 00:03:04,152 And to be seeking votes in that way, 64 00:03:04,227 --> 00:03:06,752 You have to be willing to put yourself out there. 65 00:03:06,787 --> 00:03:09,079 And he certainly was willing to do that. 66 00:03:13,427 --> 00:03:17,432 Narrator: When he's shot dead, the world goes into mourning. 67 00:03:17,507 --> 00:03:20,672 But the tragic journey leading to jfk's death 68 00:03:20,707 --> 00:03:24,192 Begins long before the bullets hit him-- 69 00:03:24,227 --> 00:03:26,072 [bullet crashing] 70 00:03:26,147 --> 00:03:28,439 [tape rewinds] 71 00:03:30,841 --> 00:03:35,112 --Starting three years earlier, when poor security allows 72 00:03:35,187 --> 00:03:38,519 An assassin to almost kill him before he even steps 73 00:03:38,594 --> 00:03:40,839 Foot in the white house. 74 00:03:40,914 --> 00:03:44,152 If he had set off the bomb, it would have probably 75 00:03:44,227 --> 00:03:46,152 Killed president-elect kennedy. 76 00:03:46,227 --> 00:03:49,319 [numbers clicking] 77 00:03:51,987 --> 00:03:52,912 [shutter clicks] 78 00:03:52,947 --> 00:03:54,839 [crowd murmuring] 79 00:03:54,914 --> 00:03:58,512 Narrator: November 8, 1960. 80 00:03:58,521 --> 00:04:01,872 John f. Kennedy narrowly beats richard nixon to become 81 00:04:01,907 --> 00:04:05,152 President of the united states. 82 00:04:05,187 --> 00:04:07,472 But many people across america are 83 00:04:07,507 --> 00:04:09,639 Outraged at the shock result. 84 00:04:09,714 --> 00:04:11,472 [crowd yelling] 85 00:04:11,481 --> 00:04:13,552 Barbara a. Perry: He didn't even get 50% of the popular vote. 86 00:04:13,587 --> 00:04:16,199 So while there were many people who loved the kennedys 87 00:04:16,274 --> 00:04:17,712 And loved president kennedy, 88 00:04:17,747 --> 00:04:19,592 There were a lot of kennedy haters 89 00:04:19,667 --> 00:04:22,272 In the united states at that time. 90 00:04:22,307 --> 00:04:24,512 Narrator: Among the most outraged 91 00:04:24,547 --> 00:04:27,872 By kennedy's narrow victory is richard pavlick, 92 00:04:27,907 --> 00:04:31,072 A 73-year-old retired postal worker living 93 00:04:31,107 --> 00:04:33,472 In belmont, new hampshire. 94 00:04:33,507 --> 00:04:35,632 Richard pavlick was known to be 95 00:04:35,667 --> 00:04:39,312 The town crank in a small town where he had retired. 96 00:04:39,347 --> 00:04:42,992 He began to be threatening about the town. 97 00:04:43,027 --> 00:04:47,159 He would write intemperate letters to the editor 98 00:04:47,234 --> 00:04:49,232 Of the local newspaper. 99 00:04:49,267 --> 00:04:51,712 But it also happened that he began 100 00:04:51,747 --> 00:04:58,152 To act out in his own mind this plot against kennedy. 101 00:04:58,227 --> 00:05:00,752 Narrator: Pavlick believes kennedy has stolen 102 00:05:00,787 --> 00:05:04,112 The election from nixon and vows to assassinate 103 00:05:04,187 --> 00:05:06,752 The president-elect. 104 00:05:06,787 --> 00:05:10,192 Kennedy's popularity and willingness to court the media 105 00:05:10,227 --> 00:05:12,672 Means it's not hard for pavlick to track him 106 00:05:12,681 --> 00:05:16,272 To his vacation home in palm beach. 107 00:05:16,347 --> 00:05:18,679 Barbara a. Perry: Kennedy wanted to have that relationship 108 00:05:18,754 --> 00:05:20,112 With the media. 109 00:05:20,147 --> 00:05:23,232 So all he had to do was read the newspaper about where 110 00:05:23,267 --> 00:05:24,992 President-elect kennedy was going 111 00:05:25,027 --> 00:05:27,312 To be staying at any one time. 112 00:05:27,347 --> 00:05:31,392 Narrator: Pavlick buys 10 sticks of dynamite and heads south. 113 00:05:31,427 --> 00:05:33,072 Barbara a. Perry: He would have created 114 00:05:33,107 --> 00:05:36,512 What we would now call a suicide bomber out of himself. 115 00:05:36,547 --> 00:05:39,792 This plot was to approach kennedy at some point 116 00:05:39,827 --> 00:05:43,479 Where he could get close enough to kennedy to pull the switch 117 00:05:43,554 --> 00:05:46,272 To set off this suicide bomb and take kennedy out 118 00:05:46,347 --> 00:05:48,192 And murder him. 119 00:05:48,227 --> 00:05:52,592 Narrator: Sunday, December 11, just a month since his victory. 120 00:05:52,667 --> 00:05:57,552 Jfk is preparing to attend Sunday mass in palm beach. 121 00:05:57,587 --> 00:06:02,832 As he leaves his vacation home, pavlick is waiting. 122 00:06:02,867 --> 00:06:05,792 Pavlick saw the president-elect come out 123 00:06:05,801 --> 00:06:08,272 And was ready to get out of his car 124 00:06:08,307 --> 00:06:11,152 And set off the suicide bomb and take the president out 125 00:06:11,187 --> 00:06:12,199 And murder him. 126 00:06:12,274 --> 00:06:14,679 But just at that moment, mrs. Kennedy 127 00:06:14,754 --> 00:06:17,632 Appeared in the doorway with her young toddler daughter, 128 00:06:17,667 --> 00:06:19,159 Caroline. 129 00:06:19,234 --> 00:06:22,512 Pavlick sees caroline next to the president. 130 00:06:22,547 --> 00:06:26,272 And apparently, as he would later tell law enforcement, 131 00:06:26,307 --> 00:06:30,199 He didn't want to kill anyone but john kennedy. 132 00:06:30,274 --> 00:06:32,839 And so he stopped. 133 00:06:32,914 --> 00:06:36,432 He did not go ahead with his plot of blowing himself up 134 00:06:36,467 --> 00:06:38,472 And the president-elect. 135 00:06:38,547 --> 00:06:40,672 Narrator: It is pavlick's own morals, 136 00:06:40,707 --> 00:06:46,672 Not the actions of the secret service, that spare jfk's life. 137 00:06:46,707 --> 00:06:49,472 Incredibly, pavlick continues to stalk 138 00:06:49,507 --> 00:06:52,112 The president for a further four days 139 00:06:52,147 --> 00:06:55,232 Without anyone picking him up. 140 00:06:55,267 --> 00:07:00,032 Eventually, he is stopped by the fbi, but only by chance. 141 00:07:00,067 --> 00:07:03,319 He wrote to the postal inspector in his small town 142 00:07:03,394 --> 00:07:06,352 In new hampshire with some threatening language 143 00:07:06,387 --> 00:07:07,799 About kennedy. 144 00:07:07,874 --> 00:07:09,592 And that caused the postal inspector to turn 145 00:07:09,667 --> 00:07:11,319 It over to the authorities. 146 00:07:11,394 --> 00:07:13,792 That's how they began to be on the lookout 147 00:07:13,801 --> 00:07:16,472 For richard pavlick in palm beach. 148 00:07:16,547 --> 00:07:19,232 But as it turned out, he created a traffic offense. 149 00:07:19,267 --> 00:07:20,832 That's why the police picked him up. 150 00:07:20,867 --> 00:07:23,552 But once they put all the dots together, 151 00:07:23,587 --> 00:07:25,712 They realized that they had this potential assassin 152 00:07:25,747 --> 00:07:27,952 On their hands. 153 00:07:27,987 --> 00:07:31,392 Narrator: During his trial, pavlick mocks the president's 154 00:07:31,467 --> 00:07:34,672 Ineffective protection detail. 155 00:07:34,707 --> 00:07:37,232 What should have been a major flag that jfk's 156 00:07:37,267 --> 00:07:41,799 Security is too lax is ignored. 157 00:07:41,874 --> 00:07:45,639 Three years on, at the end of his first term in office, 158 00:07:45,714 --> 00:07:51,112 Jfk and his security are making exactly the same mistakes. 159 00:07:51,187 --> 00:07:54,912 And this time, his would-be assassin is far more 160 00:07:54,947 --> 00:07:57,479 Equipped to complete the job. 161 00:07:57,554 --> 00:08:02,672 Not recognizing that a high-angle sniper threat was 162 00:08:02,707 --> 00:08:05,392 Possible was probably the greatest 163 00:08:05,467 --> 00:08:07,399 Oversight in american history. 164 00:08:14,867 --> 00:08:15,799 [text clicking] 165 00:08:15,874 --> 00:08:17,232 Narrator: November 22, 1963. 166 00:08:17,307 --> 00:08:20,352 Jfk heads to dallas, texas to rally 167 00:08:20,387 --> 00:08:23,319 Support for his re-election. 168 00:08:23,394 --> 00:08:27,472 But choosing dallas is a major error. 169 00:08:27,507 --> 00:08:31,159 Jfk's pro-civil rights stance has made him hugely 170 00:08:31,234 --> 00:08:33,959 Unpopular across the south. 171 00:08:34,034 --> 00:08:37,799 Dallas had had a long history of violence 172 00:08:37,874 --> 00:08:40,992 To secure different kinds of political aim. 173 00:08:41,027 --> 00:08:45,872 The dallas branch of the kkk, which emerged in the 1920s, 174 00:08:45,907 --> 00:08:50,192 Was one of the largest in the country, if not the largest. 175 00:08:50,227 --> 00:08:51,712 Narrator: But the president ignores 176 00:08:51,747 --> 00:08:54,512 All warnings to avoid the city. 177 00:08:54,547 --> 00:08:58,192 You didn't go to dallas in 1963 178 00:08:58,201 --> 00:09:01,159 If you were afraid of the possibility of criticism. 179 00:09:01,234 --> 00:09:04,352 Narrator: And just an hour after arriving, he is dead. 180 00:09:04,387 --> 00:09:06,112 [gunshot] 181 00:09:06,147 --> 00:09:09,552 The biggest mistake was going to the city of hate. 182 00:09:09,587 --> 00:09:12,399 [numbers clicking] 183 00:09:18,787 --> 00:09:22,192 Narrator: In the run up to the 1960 presidential election, 184 00:09:22,227 --> 00:09:24,432 Jfk knows he's behind in the polls 185 00:09:24,507 --> 00:09:29,152 In the conservative south, particularly texas. 186 00:09:29,187 --> 00:09:32,032 So he sends his vice presidential running mate, 187 00:09:32,067 --> 00:09:35,112 Texan-born lyndon b. Johnson, to dallas 188 00:09:35,187 --> 00:09:38,672 To try to gain some ground. 189 00:09:38,707 --> 00:09:41,152 Clodagh harrington: To jfk's credit, 190 00:09:41,161 --> 00:09:43,912 He could hardly have chosen better 191 00:09:43,987 --> 00:09:50,752 In terms of a brash, loud, macho texan who spoke 192 00:09:50,827 --> 00:09:53,472 The language of the south. 193 00:09:53,507 --> 00:09:56,072 Narrator: Jfk's team believes if anyone's 194 00:09:56,147 --> 00:09:58,592 Got a chance of gaining some momentum in dallas, 195 00:09:58,627 --> 00:10:02,072 It's lyndon b. Johnson. 196 00:10:02,147 --> 00:10:04,992 But not even a texan with johnson's following 197 00:10:05,001 --> 00:10:08,592 Is enough to calm the anti-jfk feeling. 198 00:10:08,627 --> 00:10:11,232 Sharron wilkins conrad: When lyndon johnson comes to dallas 199 00:10:11,267 --> 00:10:15,159 In 1960 as part of the campaign, he and his wife 200 00:10:15,234 --> 00:10:20,679 Lady bird are swarmed by this mob of middle- 201 00:10:20,754 --> 00:10:23,792 And upper-class white women. 202 00:10:23,827 --> 00:10:25,952 Barbara a. Perry: Women took out their hat pins 203 00:10:25,987 --> 00:10:29,432 And tried to stick them in soon-to-be vice 204 00:10:29,507 --> 00:10:33,552 President johnson and soon-to-be second lady lady bird johnson. 205 00:10:33,587 --> 00:10:35,479 Sharron wilkins conrad: They spit on the couple. 206 00:10:35,554 --> 00:10:37,072 They pushed the couple. 207 00:10:37,107 --> 00:10:40,272 They steal lady bird's gloves out of her hand 208 00:10:40,307 --> 00:10:42,519 And throw those gloves into the gutter 209 00:10:42,594 --> 00:10:46,912 And really kind of create this environment, 210 00:10:46,947 --> 00:10:48,752 This mob environment. 211 00:10:48,787 --> 00:10:52,912 In fact, these women came to be known as the mink coat mob. 212 00:10:52,947 --> 00:10:57,152 Narrator: This is no grassroots movement. 213 00:10:57,187 --> 00:11:00,679 The anti-kennedy campaign is highly coordinated and backed 214 00:11:00,754 --> 00:11:03,639 By some of the biggest names in dallas, 215 00:11:03,714 --> 00:11:07,479 Including newspaper moguls, wealthy oilmen, and even 216 00:11:07,554 --> 00:11:10,912 Religious leaders, all united in their anger 217 00:11:10,947 --> 00:11:14,512 At kennedy's support for civil rights. 218 00:11:14,547 --> 00:11:18,032 It will be a miracle if kennedy can carry 219 00:11:18,067 --> 00:11:20,352 This part of the united states. 220 00:11:20,361 --> 00:11:23,552 For lyndon johnson to be the object of scorn, 221 00:11:23,587 --> 00:11:28,912 That was a sign that politics of the south were boiling. 222 00:11:28,947 --> 00:11:30,912 Narrator: And the anti-jfk movement 223 00:11:30,987 --> 00:11:35,432 Only gets stronger throughout the president's first term. 224 00:11:35,507 --> 00:11:38,679 Just four weeks before kennedy's fatal visit to dallas, 225 00:11:38,754 --> 00:11:42,199 History repeats itself. 226 00:11:42,274 --> 00:11:43,712 On a visit to the city, 227 00:11:43,747 --> 00:11:45,632 Ambassador to the united nations 228 00:11:45,667 --> 00:11:47,952 Adlai stevenson finds himself 229 00:11:47,987 --> 00:11:51,232 At the center of another violent demonstration. 230 00:11:51,267 --> 00:11:53,072 [crowd yelling] 231 00:11:53,107 --> 00:11:59,952 Adlai stevenson was surrounded by a mob, attacked, spat upon. 232 00:11:59,987 --> 00:12:05,592 One of these ladies that was at the stevenson rally, 233 00:12:05,667 --> 00:12:09,392 She took a placard and hit him over the head. 234 00:12:09,427 --> 00:12:14,472 And so he was not only verbally attacked during his speech, 235 00:12:14,547 --> 00:12:16,632 But physically attacked. 236 00:12:16,707 --> 00:12:20,632 Narrator: Stevenson is sped away by security. 237 00:12:20,707 --> 00:12:24,912 The shaken ambassador is among the close advisors who warn jfk 238 00:12:24,947 --> 00:12:28,032 Against the visit to dallas. 239 00:12:28,107 --> 00:12:30,839 [dramatic music] 240 00:12:32,467 --> 00:12:36,992 Had jfk heeded those warnings, he may have survived. 241 00:12:37,027 --> 00:12:40,832 Instead, less than a month after adlai stevenson's visit, 242 00:12:40,841 --> 00:12:44,279 The powder keg that is the city explodes. 243 00:12:46,867 --> 00:12:52,472 To go to a part of the country where he knew that the vitriol 244 00:12:52,547 --> 00:12:56,679 And the hatred towards him was, you know, on display, 245 00:12:56,754 --> 00:13:00,592 There was perhaps an arrogance, maybe, to the trip, 246 00:13:00,627 --> 00:13:03,159 And the warnings should have been heeded. 247 00:13:03,234 --> 00:13:05,912 [siren wailing] 248 00:13:05,987 --> 00:13:08,192 Narrator: But the next mistake is only 249 00:13:08,227 --> 00:13:12,192 Focusing on the far-right extremist element. 250 00:13:12,227 --> 00:13:16,512 Jfk's assassin is known to the fbi, 251 00:13:16,547 --> 00:13:21,072 But the left-wing sympathizer is discounted as a threat. 252 00:13:21,107 --> 00:13:24,672 Timothy naftali: The fbi is interested in extremism. 253 00:13:24,707 --> 00:13:31,392 It's not associating far-left activism with terrorism. 254 00:13:31,427 --> 00:13:34,039 [numbers clicking] 255 00:13:36,547 --> 00:13:39,592 Narrator: October 1959, four years 256 00:13:39,667 --> 00:13:42,752 Before jfk's assassination. 257 00:13:42,787 --> 00:13:45,952 The cold war is at its peak, and there's growing tension 258 00:13:45,987 --> 00:13:48,199 Between the us and the soviet union 259 00:13:48,274 --> 00:13:51,072 When the cia receives an alert. 260 00:13:51,107 --> 00:13:54,272 [phone rings] 261 00:13:54,307 --> 00:13:57,792 A 20-year-old former marine and highly skilled marksman 262 00:13:57,801 --> 00:14:01,712 Is looking to defect to russia. 263 00:14:01,787 --> 00:14:05,392 His name is lee harvey oswald. 264 00:14:05,427 --> 00:14:08,112 You got to remember that being in the united states 265 00:14:08,147 --> 00:14:10,432 For an american citizen is, you know-- 266 00:14:10,507 --> 00:14:12,152 It's a pretty cool thing. 267 00:14:12,227 --> 00:14:15,872 So if you have someone that is interested in leaving, 268 00:14:15,907 --> 00:14:18,112 You're going to want to know why. 269 00:14:18,147 --> 00:14:20,199 Narrator: As theagency responsible for 270 00:14:20,274 --> 00:14:24,512 External threats, the cia monitors oswald for three years 271 00:14:24,547 --> 00:14:27,872 After his successful defection. 272 00:14:27,907 --> 00:14:31,712 But by June 1962, he's back in the us 273 00:14:31,747 --> 00:14:34,192 With his russian wife and child. 274 00:14:34,227 --> 00:14:36,672 Fbi agents in dallas soon discover 275 00:14:36,681 --> 00:14:38,992 A defector with military training 276 00:14:39,027 --> 00:14:41,872 Has moved into their jurisdiction. 277 00:14:41,907 --> 00:14:46,112 They interview oswald twice about his soviet links. 278 00:14:46,147 --> 00:14:50,192 It is no surprise that the intelligence community was 279 00:14:50,227 --> 00:14:54,152 Interested in lee harvey oswald, because a, 280 00:14:54,227 --> 00:14:57,072 He was one of the very few americans who had ever defected 281 00:14:57,107 --> 00:15:01,072 To the soviet union, and b, he was almost the only person 282 00:15:01,107 --> 00:15:03,639 Who had re-defected back to the united states after 283 00:15:03,714 --> 00:15:05,952 Defecting to the soviet union. 284 00:15:05,987 --> 00:15:09,952 Narrator: Oswald then moves to new orleans. 285 00:15:09,987 --> 00:15:13,232 His plan is to set up a local branch of an organization 286 00:15:13,307 --> 00:15:18,112 To support cuba and the country's new communist regime. 287 00:15:18,147 --> 00:15:20,992 This was a national movement among 288 00:15:21,027 --> 00:15:26,272 Communists in the united states, pro-fidel castro, pro-cuba. 289 00:15:26,307 --> 00:15:31,792 It hated the anti-castro, anti-communist cuban vision 290 00:15:31,801 --> 00:15:34,992 Of the american president, john kennedy, 291 00:15:35,027 --> 00:15:36,839 And his administration. 292 00:15:36,914 --> 00:15:39,592 Narrator: Two years before, jfk tried 293 00:15:39,667 --> 00:15:41,472 To topple cuba's communist leader, 294 00:15:41,507 --> 00:15:46,112 Fidel castro, with the ill-fated bay of pigs invasion. 295 00:15:46,147 --> 00:15:48,272 The fallout of the failed coup means 296 00:15:48,347 --> 00:15:50,832 That anyone expressing sympathy for cuba 297 00:15:50,867 --> 00:15:54,192 Is immediately a person of interest. 298 00:15:54,227 --> 00:15:57,552 But the authorities fail to see the bigger threat. 299 00:15:57,587 --> 00:15:58,992 Timothy naftali: Lee harvey oswald triggers 300 00:15:59,027 --> 00:16:00,672 Interest in new orleans. 301 00:16:00,707 --> 00:16:04,592 He triggers interest because he is a far-left activist. 302 00:16:04,667 --> 00:16:07,072 He does not trigger interest because 303 00:16:07,107 --> 00:16:09,152 He is a potential murderer. 304 00:16:09,187 --> 00:16:12,832 The fbi is interested in extremism. 305 00:16:12,841 --> 00:16:19,752 It's not associating far-left activism with terrorism. 306 00:16:19,827 --> 00:16:23,552 Narrator: Lee harvey oswald is arrested, but yet again fails 307 00:16:23,627 --> 00:16:26,999 To cooperate with the fbi. 308 00:16:27,074 --> 00:16:31,159 He's charged with disturbing the peace and, once released, 309 00:16:31,234 --> 00:16:34,432 Quickly falls off the fbi's radar. 310 00:16:34,467 --> 00:16:36,199 Had there been better communication 311 00:16:36,274 --> 00:16:41,112 Between the fbi bureaus, they might not have lost him. 312 00:16:41,187 --> 00:16:42,832 Greg shaffer: That was the crux of the failure. 313 00:16:42,867 --> 00:16:46,079 Law enforcement learns its lessons the hard way. 314 00:16:49,347 --> 00:16:51,912 Narrator: Just two months before president kennedy 315 00:16:51,987 --> 00:16:57,712 Is assassinated, the fbi loses lee harvey oswald. 316 00:16:57,747 --> 00:17:00,752 There's still a chance for us external intelligence 317 00:17:00,787 --> 00:17:04,992 To stop him, but the mistakes continue to stack up 318 00:17:05,027 --> 00:17:07,799 When the cia also drops the ball. 319 00:17:07,874 --> 00:17:11,872 It is clear that the kgb agent that lee harvey oswald 320 00:17:11,907 --> 00:17:15,872 Is speaking to is known to be attached to the assassination 321 00:17:15,907 --> 00:17:17,752 Group of the kgb. 322 00:17:17,827 --> 00:17:20,039 [numbers clicking] 323 00:17:23,507 --> 00:17:26,239 [muffled voices on radio] 324 00:17:27,827 --> 00:17:31,792 As the fbi attempts to locate lee harvey oswald, 325 00:17:31,827 --> 00:17:35,159 The former marine is once again on the move. 326 00:17:35,234 --> 00:17:39,799 This time, he's crossing the border out of the us. 327 00:17:39,874 --> 00:17:43,072 In September of '63, lee harvey oswald makes 328 00:17:43,107 --> 00:17:45,712 A bus trip to mexico city. 329 00:17:45,747 --> 00:17:47,432 [horn honking] 330 00:17:47,507 --> 00:17:50,912 And it's at this point that the american cia picks up 331 00:17:50,947 --> 00:17:53,912 The trail, because now he's left the country, 332 00:17:53,987 --> 00:17:58,112 And he is engaging in conversations in mexico city 333 00:17:58,147 --> 00:18:01,232 At the soviet embassy, at the cuban embassy, 334 00:18:01,267 --> 00:18:03,472 Presumably about a visa possibility, 335 00:18:03,507 --> 00:18:05,792 So that he's perhaps thinking about going 336 00:18:05,801 --> 00:18:07,872 Back to the soviet union. 337 00:18:07,907 --> 00:18:09,592 Timothy naftali: He wants to go to moscow, 338 00:18:09,667 --> 00:18:11,959 And he wants to go to moscow via cuba. 339 00:18:12,034 --> 00:18:13,632 The cubans say to him, "we're not 340 00:18:13,667 --> 00:18:15,952 Going to give you a transit visa unless we know 341 00:18:15,987 --> 00:18:17,159 That you have a soviet visa. 342 00:18:17,234 --> 00:18:19,632 So go talk to the soviets first." 343 00:18:19,667 --> 00:18:22,199 Narrator: Declassified cia documents now 344 00:18:22,274 --> 00:18:25,959 Reveal a key mistake is made when the agents fail to react 345 00:18:26,034 --> 00:18:30,912 To who oswald is talking to, a kgb officer believed 346 00:18:30,947 --> 00:18:34,152 To work for the department responsible for sabotage 347 00:18:34,227 --> 00:18:35,479 And assassination. 348 00:18:35,554 --> 00:18:37,792 When oswald was in mexico, a call 349 00:18:37,827 --> 00:18:39,472 Was made from the soviet embassy back 350 00:18:39,481 --> 00:18:41,712 To the kgb department itself. 351 00:18:41,747 --> 00:18:43,392 And that tells us lots of things, 352 00:18:43,427 --> 00:18:45,792 Even if we don't know the contents of the call itself. 353 00:18:45,827 --> 00:18:49,799 The fact that an american citizen had traveled to mexico, 354 00:18:49,874 --> 00:18:52,679 Gone to the soviet embassy, was using a telephone line 355 00:18:52,754 --> 00:18:55,232 At the soviet embassy to phone back to the kgb 356 00:18:55,307 --> 00:18:57,872 In moscow should really have triggered off 357 00:18:57,907 --> 00:18:59,872 A whole number of alarm bells. 358 00:18:59,947 --> 00:19:04,632 To have lee harvey oswald going to speak to assassination 359 00:19:04,707 --> 00:19:08,472 Group members of the kgb in mexico city 360 00:19:08,547 --> 00:19:10,352 At the soviet embassy, 361 00:19:10,387 --> 00:19:12,432 And it would seem that it would have sparked 362 00:19:12,467 --> 00:19:14,632 So much suspicion at the time. 363 00:19:14,707 --> 00:19:18,192 And certainly, in retrospect, it does. 364 00:19:18,227 --> 00:19:21,632 Narrator: Despite the monitoring and logging of oswald's call 365 00:19:21,641 --> 00:19:23,792 To a soviet spy department linked 366 00:19:23,827 --> 00:19:28,472 To political assassinations, no action is taken, 367 00:19:28,547 --> 00:19:32,272 And oswald returns to the us. 368 00:19:32,307 --> 00:19:34,472 Timothy naftali: Lee harvey oswald was in a different box. 369 00:19:34,547 --> 00:19:36,832 He was in the cold war box. 370 00:19:36,867 --> 00:19:40,312 He's a far-left agitator box. 371 00:19:40,387 --> 00:19:43,592 Wasn't the same box as the secret service's box of people 372 00:19:43,667 --> 00:19:46,839 Who were potential candidates for attempting to assassinate 373 00:19:46,914 --> 00:19:48,512 The american president. 374 00:19:48,547 --> 00:19:50,192 Hindsight is a wonderful thing, of course, 375 00:19:50,227 --> 00:19:52,032 And it's very easy when we know what's 376 00:19:52,067 --> 00:19:57,159 Happened to look back and think, why didn't someone spot this? 377 00:19:57,234 --> 00:20:00,032 Narrator: As oswald roams free, his dislike 378 00:20:00,067 --> 00:20:02,512 For american politics becomes more and more 379 00:20:02,547 --> 00:20:04,912 Hate-fueled by the day. 380 00:20:04,947 --> 00:20:06,752 And warnings that could ultimately 381 00:20:06,827 --> 00:20:09,392 Help stop the president's assassination 382 00:20:09,467 --> 00:20:12,592 Are about to be fatally ignored. 383 00:20:12,627 --> 00:20:15,072 You don't want to think like a secret service agent. 384 00:20:15,107 --> 00:20:17,879 You want to think like the assassin. 385 00:20:26,914 --> 00:20:27,872 [phone rings] 386 00:20:27,907 --> 00:20:28,839 [men murmuring] 387 00:20:28,914 --> 00:20:29,799 [suspenseful music] 388 00:20:29,874 --> 00:20:31,872 Narrator: In the months leading up to jfk's assassination, 389 00:20:31,907 --> 00:20:33,872 The intelligence agencies fail to recognize the looming threat 390 00:20:33,907 --> 00:20:36,432 Of lee harvey oswald. 391 00:20:36,467 --> 00:20:38,272 The former marine and sharpshooter 392 00:20:38,307 --> 00:20:41,232 Is now suspected to be in direct contact 393 00:20:41,267 --> 00:20:46,199 With an agent from russia's assassination department. 394 00:20:46,274 --> 00:20:49,952 But there is still time to stop him, 395 00:20:49,987 --> 00:20:52,512 If only the dots are connected. 396 00:20:52,547 --> 00:20:55,552 We now know there were small snippets of intelligence that 397 00:20:55,587 --> 00:20:58,112 Had been picked up beforehand that suggested 398 00:20:58,147 --> 00:20:59,952 That he might be a target for assassination. 399 00:20:59,961 --> 00:21:02,399 [numbers clicking] 400 00:21:05,667 --> 00:21:08,272 [text clicking] 401 00:21:08,307 --> 00:21:11,912 Narrator: October 15, 1962. 402 00:21:11,987 --> 00:21:14,672 Almost a year before kennedy's dallas visit, 403 00:21:14,707 --> 00:21:18,512 A call comes through to the us naval attaché in canberra, 404 00:21:18,547 --> 00:21:22,839 Australia, warning of an assassination plot against jfk. 405 00:21:25,394 --> 00:21:30,192 A man called to say that he was a polish chauffeur, 406 00:21:30,227 --> 00:21:34,312 And that he was hired to drive soviet officials 407 00:21:34,387 --> 00:21:38,672 Around australia, and that, in the course of doing that, 408 00:21:38,681 --> 00:21:44,272 He heard conversations about assassination plots and plots 409 00:21:44,307 --> 00:21:47,639 To murder the american president. 410 00:21:47,714 --> 00:21:50,752 Narrator: The anonymous caller claims that iron curtain 411 00:21:50,787 --> 00:21:54,952 Countries plan to pay $100,000 for the assassination 412 00:21:55,027 --> 00:21:57,232 Of president kennedy. 413 00:21:57,307 --> 00:21:59,872 But officials in canberra find no trace 414 00:21:59,907 --> 00:22:04,592 Of any polish chauffeurs working in australia's soviet embassy. 415 00:22:04,627 --> 00:22:07,872 The call is filed as a hoax. 416 00:22:07,907 --> 00:22:10,312 There's no corroborative information. 417 00:22:10,387 --> 00:22:12,592 If there's nothing else to substantiate it, 418 00:22:12,627 --> 00:22:14,672 Then quite often, it's going to be ignored 419 00:22:14,707 --> 00:22:17,792 And put into the discard pile. 420 00:22:17,827 --> 00:22:19,872 Barbara a. Perry: This would fall into what intelligence 421 00:22:19,907 --> 00:22:21,712 Officials call chatter. 422 00:22:21,747 --> 00:22:28,272 And that is an increase in talk or communiques 423 00:22:28,307 --> 00:22:31,112 That sometimes are in coded language, 424 00:22:31,187 --> 00:22:34,199 Are not specific, but seem to be revolving 425 00:22:34,274 --> 00:22:38,512 Around a certain event that may be about to happen. 426 00:22:38,547 --> 00:22:40,192 Narrator: On the day of the assassination, 427 00:22:40,201 --> 00:22:43,632 Just before midday, jfk's motorcade 428 00:22:43,667 --> 00:22:47,752 Leaves love field airport, headed towards downtown dallas. 429 00:22:47,827 --> 00:22:53,319 It's just 35 minutes before lee harvey oswald fires his gun. 430 00:22:53,394 --> 00:22:57,312 Almost 5,000 miles away, across the atlantic, 431 00:22:57,321 --> 00:23:00,352 Another mysterious phone call is received. 432 00:23:00,387 --> 00:23:02,272 Barbara a. Perry: It was an anonymous phone call 433 00:23:02,347 --> 00:23:05,392 To a journalist in cambridge, England, 434 00:23:05,467 --> 00:23:08,512 Alerting him that there was going to be a big story 435 00:23:08,547 --> 00:23:12,359 Breaking and that, in order to get that big story, 436 00:23:12,434 --> 00:23:15,392 He should call the american embassy. 437 00:23:15,467 --> 00:23:19,799 Narrator: The tip-off is so vague, the reporter ignores it. 438 00:23:19,874 --> 00:23:23,632 What's interesting about any sort of telephone chatter 439 00:23:23,667 --> 00:23:26,752 Or, you know, anyone calling, saying that the president's 440 00:23:26,827 --> 00:23:30,032 Going to get assassinated, and then they hang up the phone, 441 00:23:30,067 --> 00:23:31,072 You're at a disadvantage. 442 00:23:31,107 --> 00:23:33,232 You can't ask any questions. 443 00:23:33,267 --> 00:23:35,952 Every piece of information, whether it's a call 444 00:23:35,987 --> 00:23:38,472 From canberra, whatever it happens to be, 445 00:23:38,547 --> 00:23:40,359 Is a piece in a mosaic. 446 00:23:40,434 --> 00:23:43,072 But if you're not looking to build a mosaic, 447 00:23:43,147 --> 00:23:47,432 It's just a piece, and it gets filed away. 448 00:23:47,507 --> 00:23:50,032 Narrator: As news of jfk's assassination 449 00:23:50,067 --> 00:23:55,472 Spreads across the globe, the journalist contacts the police. 450 00:23:55,507 --> 00:23:57,872 British intelligence passes the details 451 00:23:57,907 --> 00:24:02,679 To the london cia office, and it eventually reaches the fbi. 452 00:24:02,754 --> 00:24:05,792 The next day, the polish chauffeur from canberra 453 00:24:05,827 --> 00:24:09,472 Also calls the naval base again to follow up on his tip-off 454 00:24:09,507 --> 00:24:11,632 From a year earlier. 455 00:24:11,667 --> 00:24:17,312 But in both cases, it's too little, too late. 456 00:24:17,347 --> 00:24:19,872 Because intelligence failures sometimes 457 00:24:19,907 --> 00:24:23,799 Are missing the piece, but often, 458 00:24:23,874 --> 00:24:27,072 They're not having the picture in mind. 459 00:24:27,107 --> 00:24:29,872 So the piece doesn't fit anything, 460 00:24:29,907 --> 00:24:31,472 And so it's disregarded. 461 00:24:31,507 --> 00:24:34,199 So intelligence failures can be both a failure 462 00:24:34,274 --> 00:24:37,799 Of collecting, collecting the data, but also 463 00:24:37,874 --> 00:24:41,232 Of imagination or analysis. 464 00:24:41,307 --> 00:24:43,479 Narrator: Efforts to trace the polish chauffeur 465 00:24:43,554 --> 00:24:44,719 Fail to locate him. 466 00:24:47,874 --> 00:24:51,312 Numerous errors mean the stage is now being set for the moment 467 00:24:51,347 --> 00:24:55,432 That will end jfk's life-- 468 00:24:55,507 --> 00:25:00,199 Ignored tip-offs, warnings about dallas, 469 00:25:00,274 --> 00:25:03,319 And major security failings. 470 00:25:03,394 --> 00:25:06,672 But the mistakes don't stop there. 471 00:25:06,707 --> 00:25:08,832 Just days before the assassination, 472 00:25:08,867 --> 00:25:12,192 The secret service unwittingly provides the perfect vantage 473 00:25:12,201 --> 00:25:15,632 Point for a trained marksman. 474 00:25:15,641 --> 00:25:20,999 Not recognizing that a high-angle sniper threat was 475 00:25:21,074 --> 00:25:23,799 Possible was probably the greatest 476 00:25:23,874 --> 00:25:25,639 Oversight in american history. 477 00:25:33,161 --> 00:25:34,192 [numbers clicking] 478 00:25:34,227 --> 00:25:35,252 [ominous music] 479 00:25:35,287 --> 00:25:39,392 Narrator: In a bid to gain more public support in texas, 480 00:25:39,427 --> 00:25:42,432 Jfk agrees to a 45-minute motorcade 481 00:25:42,467 --> 00:25:44,192 Through the streets of dallas 482 00:25:44,227 --> 00:25:46,079 Before his planned business lunch. 483 00:25:48,147 --> 00:25:50,312 Clodagh harrington: Well, I can see why a motorcade would be 484 00:25:50,387 --> 00:25:54,192 Attractive to any public official who wants to seem 485 00:25:54,227 --> 00:25:56,519 Accessible to the crowds, to citizens, 486 00:25:56,594 --> 00:25:58,352 To potential voters, et cetera. 487 00:25:58,387 --> 00:26:00,352 But there's a sense of vulnerability there 488 00:26:00,387 --> 00:26:02,999 That, you know, with even the tiniest bit of hindsight 489 00:26:03,074 --> 00:26:05,592 Is quite shocking. 490 00:26:05,667 --> 00:26:07,319 Narrator: Eight days before the visit, 491 00:26:07,394 --> 00:26:10,272 A secret service agent checks out the planned route 492 00:26:10,307 --> 00:26:11,799 Of the motorcade. 493 00:26:11,874 --> 00:26:14,752 When he signs it off, the president's fate 494 00:26:14,827 --> 00:26:19,952 Is sealed, because the route takes jfk through dealey plaza 495 00:26:19,987 --> 00:26:22,912 And right past several tall buildings, 496 00:26:22,987 --> 00:26:25,872 Including the texas school book depository from where 497 00:26:25,947 --> 00:26:29,392 The fatal shot will be fired. 498 00:26:29,467 --> 00:26:32,359 Greg shaffer: The threat from any one of those buildings 499 00:26:32,434 --> 00:26:34,192 Would be great. 500 00:26:34,201 --> 00:26:36,272 It was putting the president in a very precarious situation. 501 00:26:36,347 --> 00:26:38,999 When you think of protection, it's not just 502 00:26:39,074 --> 00:26:40,312 What's at the ground level. 503 00:26:40,387 --> 00:26:43,232 You have to think 360 degrees. 504 00:26:43,267 --> 00:26:45,159 You don't want to think like a secret service agent. 505 00:26:45,234 --> 00:26:47,872 You want to think like the assassin. 506 00:26:47,907 --> 00:26:50,112 Narrator: And there's another crucial flaw 507 00:26:50,147 --> 00:26:51,712 That's been missed. 508 00:26:51,747 --> 00:26:54,472 Approaching dealey plaza, the motorcade 509 00:26:54,547 --> 00:26:57,072 Will need to slow down significantly 510 00:26:57,107 --> 00:26:59,872 To make the turn onto elm street. 511 00:26:59,947 --> 00:27:01,792 Greg shaffer: It's not just a left-hand turn. 512 00:27:01,827 --> 00:27:05,232 It's a sharp left-hand turn then coming back at an angle, ok? 513 00:27:05,267 --> 00:27:08,352 The vehicle has to virtually stop 514 00:27:08,387 --> 00:27:12,519 Or go at a very, very low speed to make that hard turn. 515 00:27:12,594 --> 00:27:15,639 Narrator: From a window high up in the book depository, 516 00:27:15,714 --> 00:27:20,999 The limo becomes the perfect target for a trained sniper. 517 00:27:21,074 --> 00:27:22,912 You don't want to be static or still, 518 00:27:22,987 --> 00:27:25,112 And there's a term that's commonly referred to 519 00:27:25,187 --> 00:27:27,552 In the service called "get off the x." 520 00:27:27,587 --> 00:27:29,712 When you're on the x, or when you are static, 521 00:27:29,747 --> 00:27:33,552 You are most likely to get hit. 522 00:27:33,627 --> 00:27:37,552 Narrator: The secret service then makes another key error. 523 00:27:37,627 --> 00:27:41,072 The details of the planned route are passed on to every 524 00:27:41,107 --> 00:27:44,792 Law enforcement group involved in the president's visit 525 00:27:44,867 --> 00:27:49,232 Except the fbi, the one agency that could have made 526 00:27:49,307 --> 00:27:52,592 The connection with the route and a possible threat, 527 00:27:52,627 --> 00:27:54,999 Because the local fbi has finally 528 00:27:55,074 --> 00:27:58,592 Tracked down lee harvey oswald. 529 00:27:58,627 --> 00:28:02,952 He's back in dallas and is the newest employee of the texas 530 00:28:03,027 --> 00:28:05,272 School book depository. 531 00:28:05,347 --> 00:28:09,639 If you don't have intelligence coming in, then you cannot have 532 00:28:09,714 --> 00:28:11,552 Those kind of conversations, 533 00:28:11,587 --> 00:28:15,232 And you cannot get out in front to ensure 534 00:28:15,267 --> 00:28:18,352 That the president is safe. 535 00:28:18,387 --> 00:28:22,512 Narrator: On November 19, four days before jfk's visit, 536 00:28:22,521 --> 00:28:26,992 The local fbi bureau eventually finds out the exact details 537 00:28:27,027 --> 00:28:30,992 Of the motorcade route, not through official channels, 538 00:28:31,027 --> 00:28:33,239 But from the local paper. 539 00:28:33,587 --> 00:28:35,959 Timothy naftali: If you keep a motorcade route secret, 540 00:28:36,034 --> 00:28:38,432 It makes it very hard for potential conspirators 541 00:28:38,467 --> 00:28:41,159 To ambush the president. 542 00:28:41,234 --> 00:28:42,999 But it also means the public doesn't know where 543 00:28:43,074 --> 00:28:44,832 The president is going to be. 544 00:28:44,867 --> 00:28:46,832 Narrator: Publishing the route of the motorcade 545 00:28:46,867 --> 00:28:50,992 Ensures maximum exposure for jfk. 546 00:28:51,027 --> 00:28:53,072 It also puts him in the direct line 547 00:28:53,107 --> 00:28:55,552 Of fire of lee harvey oswald. 548 00:28:55,627 --> 00:28:57,592 [crowd cheering] 549 00:28:57,667 --> 00:29:00,592 I suspect if the secret service had known that someone 550 00:29:00,627 --> 00:29:03,312 As controversial as lee harvey oswald was working 551 00:29:03,347 --> 00:29:05,712 On the motorcade route, they either would have changed 552 00:29:05,747 --> 00:29:07,472 The motorcade route, or they would have found 553 00:29:07,481 --> 00:29:09,799 A way to keep him under surveillance that day. 554 00:29:09,874 --> 00:29:12,752 And he would not have been in the texas book depository 555 00:29:12,787 --> 00:29:14,152 That day. 556 00:29:14,227 --> 00:29:18,839 Narrator: But by 11:55 on November 22, 1963, 557 00:29:18,914 --> 00:29:21,752 Oswald is in position at the book depository 558 00:29:21,827 --> 00:29:26,032 Sixth-floor window, and a key procedural error 559 00:29:26,067 --> 00:29:30,679 By the secret service is about to ensure he is undisturbed. 560 00:29:32,434 --> 00:29:33,632 Greg shaffer: They didn't have the manpower. 561 00:29:33,667 --> 00:29:35,392 They recognized that as a vulnerability. 562 00:29:35,467 --> 00:29:37,632 They recognized that as a mistake. 563 00:29:37,667 --> 00:29:40,039 [numbers clicking] 564 00:29:42,627 --> 00:29:44,072 [siren wailing] 565 00:29:44,147 --> 00:29:45,912 Narrator: Today, the secret service 566 00:29:45,987 --> 00:29:50,192 Has an annual budget of around $2.25 billion 567 00:29:50,227 --> 00:29:53,432 And employs over 3,000 special agents. 568 00:29:53,507 --> 00:29:59,432 In 1963, its budget is the equivalent of just $35 million, 569 00:29:59,507 --> 00:30:03,472 And the most powerful man in the world has just 28 agents 570 00:30:03,507 --> 00:30:08,432 To provide round-the-clock close protection. 571 00:30:08,507 --> 00:30:11,232 That's a low number, given what you're dealing with. 572 00:30:11,307 --> 00:30:12,912 You're dealing with crowds of people. 573 00:30:12,947 --> 00:30:14,839 You're dealing with the vehicles and its movements. 574 00:30:14,914 --> 00:30:16,672 You're looking at securing the environment 575 00:30:16,681 --> 00:30:18,112 Around it, the buildings. 576 00:30:18,147 --> 00:30:19,799 That's a lot. 577 00:30:19,874 --> 00:30:22,512 Narrator: For the dallas visit, the secret service 578 00:30:22,547 --> 00:30:26,192 Insists local officers act as rooftop security 579 00:30:26,227 --> 00:30:28,912 At either end of the motorcade route. 580 00:30:28,947 --> 00:30:31,912 But during the 45-minute motorcade journey, 581 00:30:31,987 --> 00:30:35,272 The secret service agents are expected to watch 582 00:30:35,347 --> 00:30:37,319 The windows as they go. 583 00:30:39,907 --> 00:30:43,312 In that era, they didn't clear the buildings. 584 00:30:43,347 --> 00:30:47,319 In fact, the president wanted people to open the windows 585 00:30:47,394 --> 00:30:52,272 And look at him, or at least to see him from windows. 586 00:30:52,307 --> 00:30:57,152 The secret service was not looking for snipers. 587 00:30:57,187 --> 00:31:00,992 In retrospect, you've got to wonder, why? 588 00:31:01,001 --> 00:31:02,592 Narrator: The route through dallas 589 00:31:02,667 --> 00:31:06,199 Takes jfk past 20,000 windows. 590 00:31:06,274 --> 00:31:07,872 Rhonda glover reese: When kennedy was shot, 591 00:31:07,907 --> 00:31:09,552 The resources of the secret service 592 00:31:09,627 --> 00:31:12,272 Was minimal, whereas now, everybody 593 00:31:12,307 --> 00:31:13,712 Is going to participate. 594 00:31:13,747 --> 00:31:15,159 The more collective information you have, 595 00:31:15,234 --> 00:31:17,112 The more intelligence you have, 596 00:31:17,187 --> 00:31:19,712 The more and the better you can secure somebody 597 00:31:19,747 --> 00:31:21,799 So things like this don't happen. 598 00:31:21,874 --> 00:31:25,399 [suspenseful music] 599 00:31:26,947 --> 00:31:29,432 Narrator: In the aftermath of the assassination, 600 00:31:29,507 --> 00:31:33,592 Secret service procedures change almost overnight. 601 00:31:33,667 --> 00:31:37,072 In today's world, when a president visits some place, 602 00:31:37,107 --> 00:31:39,319 You have everything from removing mailboxes along 603 00:31:39,394 --> 00:31:42,672 The motorcade route, to soldering shut 604 00:31:42,707 --> 00:31:45,479 The manhole covers, to putting counter-sniper teams 605 00:31:45,554 --> 00:31:48,679 On the rooftops that look for snipers. 606 00:31:48,754 --> 00:31:51,432 But back in 1963, it was just a different world 607 00:31:51,507 --> 00:31:55,712 That we lived in, and the failings of the secret service 608 00:31:55,747 --> 00:31:59,959 Became evident as a result of the assassination. 609 00:32:00,034 --> 00:32:02,632 Narrator: The unsuitable route that brings the motorcade 610 00:32:02,707 --> 00:32:06,592 To a standstill, the exact journey's publication 611 00:32:06,627 --> 00:32:09,712 In the press, and a lack of manpower 612 00:32:09,747 --> 00:32:13,432 All leaves the president more open to attack. 613 00:32:13,507 --> 00:32:18,592 But it's jfk's open-top limo that decides his death. 614 00:32:18,667 --> 00:32:21,072 Truly, at the end of the day, when it comes down to it, 615 00:32:21,107 --> 00:32:23,839 It's the car, the car, the car. 616 00:32:30,681 --> 00:32:31,605 [ominous music] 617 00:32:31,607 --> 00:32:33,712 Narrator: Prior to the assassination of jfk, 618 00:32:33,747 --> 00:32:36,192 Everyone from intelligence agencies to the white house 619 00:32:36,227 --> 00:32:39,152 And even the president himself either misses 620 00:32:39,161 --> 00:32:42,999 Or ignores the warning signs of a clear and present danger. 621 00:32:46,274 --> 00:32:48,192 But there is one factor that makes 622 00:32:48,201 --> 00:32:50,832 Jfk even more vulnerable-- 623 00:32:50,841 --> 00:32:53,472 The very car he is sitting in. 624 00:32:53,507 --> 00:32:54,799 [numbers clicking] 625 00:33:00,147 --> 00:33:03,432 Jfk's car of choice is a modified lincoln 626 00:33:03,507 --> 00:33:07,479 Continental nicknamed x-100. 627 00:33:07,554 --> 00:33:11,552 Costing over $1.5 million in today's money, 628 00:33:11,627 --> 00:33:14,359 It's designed to be the ultimate head turner. 629 00:33:14,434 --> 00:33:18,592 It had this sleekness about it, and even its secret service 630 00:33:18,627 --> 00:33:21,712 Name of x-100 made it seem like something 631 00:33:21,747 --> 00:33:23,472 Out of a james bond movie. 632 00:33:23,507 --> 00:33:25,432 Narrator: The limo's plush interior 633 00:33:25,507 --> 00:33:28,192 Includes luxury rugs and hand-stitched panels 634 00:33:28,227 --> 00:33:31,792 Featuring the presidential seal. 635 00:33:31,827 --> 00:33:34,592 Rather than being traditional presidential black, 636 00:33:34,627 --> 00:33:39,072 It is blue with silver sparkles to look better on camera, 637 00:33:39,107 --> 00:33:42,359 And it's a convertible. 638 00:33:42,434 --> 00:33:44,352 He knew people wanted to see him. 639 00:33:44,387 --> 00:33:46,592 He's like, yeah, I'm the president. 640 00:33:46,627 --> 00:33:47,799 I'm cool. 641 00:33:47,874 --> 00:33:51,872 I need the people to see my face. 642 00:33:51,947 --> 00:33:54,672 Narrator: But when it comes to keeping the president safe, 643 00:33:54,707 --> 00:33:57,072 The limo has serious flaws. 644 00:33:57,107 --> 00:34:00,192 It had almost no security features. 645 00:34:00,227 --> 00:34:02,432 It was not armored, for example. 646 00:34:02,467 --> 00:34:05,152 It didn't have bulletproof sides. 647 00:34:05,187 --> 00:34:07,632 It didn't have bulletproof glass. 648 00:34:07,667 --> 00:34:09,952 That was not the car to put the president 649 00:34:09,987 --> 00:34:11,912 Of the united states in. 650 00:34:11,987 --> 00:34:14,672 Narrator: The limousine's only security features 651 00:34:14,707 --> 00:34:18,679 Are extra room in the back, retractable running boards 652 00:34:18,754 --> 00:34:22,832 On the sides, and steps at the rear for secret service agents 653 00:34:22,867 --> 00:34:23,999 To ride on the car. 654 00:34:26,667 --> 00:34:29,912 One extra feature of high importance to jfk 655 00:34:29,987 --> 00:34:32,439 Is the car's hydraulic rear seats. 656 00:34:35,507 --> 00:34:38,672 They had made a platform along the back seat 657 00:34:38,681 --> 00:34:42,512 So that he could sit above the rear seat 658 00:34:42,547 --> 00:34:46,112 In full view of the crowds on the side of the street. 659 00:34:46,187 --> 00:34:47,959 Narrator: The raised back seat makes 660 00:34:48,034 --> 00:34:51,472 Jfk a clear target for attack. 661 00:34:51,481 --> 00:34:54,192 There were certain things that he wanted to do 662 00:34:54,227 --> 00:34:56,072 That really positioned him, 663 00:34:56,147 --> 00:34:57,472 That put him out there. 664 00:34:57,507 --> 00:35:00,472 And so there's some contributions there 665 00:35:00,547 --> 00:35:03,472 To making it very difficult, 666 00:35:03,507 --> 00:35:05,959 Particularly for the secret service, 667 00:35:06,034 --> 00:35:08,752 To protect the president. 668 00:35:08,787 --> 00:35:11,479 There's moments, I think, in every agent's career, 669 00:35:11,554 --> 00:35:14,592 Mine included, where you say, "no, I'm not ok with this. 670 00:35:14,667 --> 00:35:15,912 This isn't ok. 671 00:35:15,987 --> 00:35:17,392 I can't keep you alive and do this." 672 00:35:17,427 --> 00:35:19,632 But I do think you see at that time, 673 00:35:19,667 --> 00:35:24,359 With jfk, this pivotal flaw where you give in to something 674 00:35:24,434 --> 00:35:26,919 That you necessarily should not have been given into. 675 00:35:30,707 --> 00:35:34,272 Narrator: Another fatal decision made by the president himself 676 00:35:34,307 --> 00:35:37,792 Makes him even more exposed, because jfk 677 00:35:37,801 --> 00:35:41,072 Wants the limo's roof removed. 678 00:35:41,107 --> 00:35:44,272 They called from fort worth to ask, 679 00:35:44,347 --> 00:35:46,272 "how is the weather in dallas?" 680 00:35:46,347 --> 00:35:48,112 To the secret service agents at love field. 681 00:35:48,147 --> 00:35:50,352 They said, "it's looking fine. 682 00:35:50,387 --> 00:35:53,592 The weather is clearing." 683 00:35:53,667 --> 00:35:57,152 He didn't bring jackie along with him to hide 684 00:35:57,187 --> 00:35:59,799 Underneath some bubble top. 685 00:35:59,874 --> 00:36:02,359 He wanted people to see them. 686 00:36:02,434 --> 00:36:03,592 Evy poumpouras: So there's nothing 687 00:36:03,667 --> 00:36:05,152 There to obstruct the shot that lee 688 00:36:05,187 --> 00:36:07,432 Harvey oswald's about to take. 689 00:36:07,507 --> 00:36:10,432 Everything's lined up perfectly for him to take that shot 690 00:36:10,467 --> 00:36:13,272 And succeed in taking that shot. 691 00:36:13,347 --> 00:36:15,472 Sometimes it's just that simple. 692 00:36:15,507 --> 00:36:17,712 He should have never been in that vehicle. 693 00:36:17,747 --> 00:36:20,032 Narrator: Today, the presidential limousine 694 00:36:20,107 --> 00:36:23,552 Is one of the most secure vehicles ever built. 695 00:36:23,587 --> 00:36:25,312 Greg shaffer: The limousine that the president currently 696 00:36:25,347 --> 00:36:27,472 Travels in is called the beast. 697 00:36:27,507 --> 00:36:30,032 The capabilities of that vehicle are classified, 698 00:36:30,107 --> 00:36:32,592 But it's virtually impenetrable. 699 00:36:32,627 --> 00:36:36,592 So in 1963, putting the president of the united states 700 00:36:36,627 --> 00:36:39,799 In a convertible was incredibly stupid, 701 00:36:39,874 --> 00:36:41,312 And the secret service, you know, 702 00:36:41,347 --> 00:36:44,272 Learned a very valuable lesson. 703 00:36:44,307 --> 00:36:48,839 Narrator: Jfk, seated raised up in an open-top limo, 704 00:36:48,914 --> 00:36:51,479 Is an easy target for oswald. 705 00:36:51,554 --> 00:36:53,712 But that's not the only mistake the president makes 706 00:36:53,747 --> 00:36:56,592 On the day of his death. 707 00:36:56,627 --> 00:37:00,112 As his motorcade makes its way down elm street, 708 00:37:00,187 --> 00:37:02,199 He should be surrounded by a human shield 709 00:37:02,274 --> 00:37:05,232 Of secret servicemen. 710 00:37:05,267 --> 00:37:08,752 But the president has ordered them to back off. 711 00:37:08,787 --> 00:37:12,192 It's an error that he will pay for with his life. 712 00:37:12,227 --> 00:37:15,272 In a sense, they set themselves up for failure, 713 00:37:15,347 --> 00:37:17,959 And they set up lee harvey oswald for success. 714 00:37:18,034 --> 00:37:21,039 [numbers clicking] 715 00:37:23,507 --> 00:37:24,912 [ominous music] 716 00:37:24,947 --> 00:37:27,152 [crowd cheering] 717 00:37:27,187 --> 00:37:30,112 Narrator: As john f. Kennedy's motorcade begins its journey 718 00:37:30,147 --> 00:37:32,752 Through dallas, the crowds are able to get 719 00:37:32,787 --> 00:37:35,552 A close look at the charismatic young president 720 00:37:35,587 --> 00:37:38,792 And his glamorous wife. 721 00:37:38,867 --> 00:37:40,992 Narrator: Standard protocol is for the president's 722 00:37:41,027 --> 00:37:45,799 Bodyguards to be stationed as close as possible to the limo. 723 00:37:45,874 --> 00:37:48,832 But jfk wants to make an impression in dallas, 724 00:37:48,867 --> 00:37:51,312 And he doesn't want his secret service agents getting 725 00:37:51,347 --> 00:37:53,792 Between him and the public. 726 00:37:53,827 --> 00:37:55,632 Barbara a. Perry: Because president kennedy wanted 727 00:37:55,667 --> 00:37:59,232 To have maximum contact with the people 728 00:37:59,307 --> 00:38:01,319 While riding in a motorcade, he did not 729 00:38:01,394 --> 00:38:04,992 Want any physical blockage of having secret service agents 730 00:38:05,027 --> 00:38:08,359 On the running board, or he didn't really even want them 731 00:38:08,434 --> 00:38:12,839 On the back of the limousine. 732 00:38:12,914 --> 00:38:16,359 One of the things that kennedy prided himself on 733 00:38:16,434 --> 00:38:20,352 Was that willingness and that ability to just get out there. 734 00:38:20,387 --> 00:38:25,272 He was willing to talk to people, to engage with people. 735 00:38:25,347 --> 00:38:27,872 Narrator: The secret service reluctantly complies 736 00:38:27,907 --> 00:38:30,839 With jfk's wishes to back off. 737 00:38:30,914 --> 00:38:34,112 They'll ride in the second car, only getting 738 00:38:34,147 --> 00:38:36,959 Closer if his limo slows down. 739 00:38:37,267 --> 00:38:38,679 Evy poumpouras: It's another layer 740 00:38:38,754 --> 00:38:40,032 That should have been there. 741 00:38:40,067 --> 00:38:41,112 It's another layer that could have 742 00:38:41,187 --> 00:38:42,679 Prevented this from happening. 743 00:38:42,754 --> 00:38:45,072 So you can see all these concessions 744 00:38:45,107 --> 00:38:51,799 Made by the us secret service in turn which yielded this result. 745 00:38:51,874 --> 00:38:54,679 Narrator: When lee harvey oswald first pulls the trigger 746 00:38:54,754 --> 00:38:57,959 At 12:30 pm, the nearest secret service agent 747 00:38:58,034 --> 00:39:00,112 Starts to run towards the president, 748 00:39:00,147 --> 00:39:03,392 But he has 25 feet to cover. 749 00:39:03,427 --> 00:39:05,639 When it comes to protection, proximity is key. 750 00:39:05,714 --> 00:39:09,959 You need to be close enough to touch your protectee, 751 00:39:10,034 --> 00:39:12,432 And that's not happening here. 752 00:39:12,467 --> 00:39:15,552 Narrator: By the time the agent reaches the presidential limo, 753 00:39:15,587 --> 00:39:20,592 A second shot, this one fatal, has been fired. 754 00:39:20,627 --> 00:39:24,752 That led to the dramatic moment of the secret service 755 00:39:24,827 --> 00:39:27,432 Officer trying to shield both the president 756 00:39:27,507 --> 00:39:30,072 And protect the first lady from falling out the back 757 00:39:30,147 --> 00:39:34,072 Of an accelerating limousine. 758 00:39:34,147 --> 00:39:35,632 Evy poumpouras: You want to have close access 759 00:39:35,641 --> 00:39:37,272 To the person you protect. 760 00:39:37,347 --> 00:39:39,232 I'm not physically faster than a speeding bullet, 761 00:39:39,307 --> 00:39:42,032 And especially if you put me at a greater distance. 762 00:39:42,067 --> 00:39:44,112 So these agents are at a distance. 763 00:39:44,187 --> 00:39:46,112 They can't get there in time. 764 00:39:46,187 --> 00:39:47,799 If you've got the running boards, 765 00:39:47,874 --> 00:39:49,912 At least they're there to possibly shield and take 766 00:39:49,987 --> 00:39:52,072 The bullet for the president. 767 00:39:52,147 --> 00:39:54,752 Narrator: Distancing himself from his protection detail 768 00:39:54,827 --> 00:39:57,792 Is a critical error. 769 00:39:57,801 --> 00:40:00,272 But even if the agents had been in position on the limo's 770 00:40:00,307 --> 00:40:02,632 Running boards, shocking evidence 771 00:40:02,707 --> 00:40:06,072 Reveals that late-night drinking has left many of them 772 00:40:06,147 --> 00:40:10,312 In no fit state to react quickly. 773 00:40:10,387 --> 00:40:11,912 Evy poumpouras: When I look back, 774 00:40:11,987 --> 00:40:15,472 It is almost incomprehensible to understand how 775 00:40:15,507 --> 00:40:17,792 They thought they could keep somebody safe 776 00:40:17,827 --> 00:40:18,952 Functioning this way. 777 00:40:19,027 --> 00:40:21,439 [numbers clicking] 778 00:40:22,707 --> 00:40:25,039 [glasses clinking] 779 00:40:26,787 --> 00:40:30,312 Narrator: In the inquest that follows jfk's assassination, 780 00:40:30,387 --> 00:40:32,152 Many of the secret service agents 781 00:40:32,227 --> 00:40:36,992 Claimed they thought the first gunshot was a firecracker. 782 00:40:37,001 --> 00:40:40,472 But 10 days later, "the washington post" 783 00:40:40,547 --> 00:40:44,912 Reveals another reason for the lag in their reaction times-- 784 00:40:44,987 --> 00:40:46,839 They were hungover. 785 00:40:46,914 --> 00:40:48,152 Rhonda glover reese: There's no way 786 00:40:48,227 --> 00:40:50,112 That you're going to be on task 787 00:40:50,147 --> 00:40:52,519 When you're out drinking the night before. 788 00:40:52,594 --> 00:40:56,512 I know that, as a former leader in the fbi, 789 00:40:56,547 --> 00:40:59,479 Those individuals would have been pulled. 790 00:40:59,554 --> 00:41:02,472 Narrator: The night before the motorcade, six members 791 00:41:02,547 --> 00:41:04,999 Of jfk's personal protection detail 792 00:41:05,074 --> 00:41:09,072 Head out for late-night drinks. 793 00:41:09,107 --> 00:41:11,912 Some remain out until 3:00 am. 794 00:41:11,987 --> 00:41:13,272 Evy poumpouras: When you're an agent, 795 00:41:13,347 --> 00:41:14,912 Like, you have to be fully functional. 796 00:41:14,947 --> 00:41:17,872 So the consumption of any alcohol, any substance, 797 00:41:17,907 --> 00:41:20,632 Is a huge no. 798 00:41:20,707 --> 00:41:23,952 Narrator: After jfk's assassination, several members 799 00:41:23,987 --> 00:41:26,672 Of the public report they spotted a gun barrel 800 00:41:26,707 --> 00:41:29,912 In the window of the book depository. 801 00:41:29,987 --> 00:41:32,112 Rhonda glover reese: Because they weren't feeling 802 00:41:32,147 --> 00:41:35,552 At their best, they weren't watching. 803 00:41:35,587 --> 00:41:37,712 Evy poumpouras: You have to have all your wits about you. 804 00:41:37,747 --> 00:41:40,519 You have to have all your senses and be sharp. 805 00:41:40,594 --> 00:41:42,752 The odds were in his favor, not in theirs. 806 00:41:42,787 --> 00:41:45,879 [dramatic music] 807 00:41:47,321 --> 00:41:50,112 Narrator: Had all of jfk's security detail 808 00:41:50,147 --> 00:41:52,072 Been in their best physical shape 809 00:41:52,147 --> 00:41:55,872 And stationed next to him, jfk may have survived. 810 00:41:55,907 --> 00:41:57,872 [gunshot] 811 00:41:57,907 --> 00:41:59,632 Timothy naftali: First shot to hit kennedy 812 00:41:59,667 --> 00:42:01,959 Went through his neck. 813 00:42:02,034 --> 00:42:05,432 And he remained sitting upright, 814 00:42:05,507 --> 00:42:09,712 Which meant that he was a clear target for oswald's next shot-- 815 00:42:09,747 --> 00:42:10,999 [gunshot] 816 00:42:11,074 --> 00:42:14,832 --Which hit the back of his head and blew it off. 817 00:42:14,867 --> 00:42:17,072 Narrator: John f. Kennedy is pronounced dead 818 00:42:17,107 --> 00:42:19,799 At parkland memorial hospital at 1:00 pm. 819 00:42:19,874 --> 00:42:21,472 Timothy naftali: It looked like the kennedys 820 00:42:21,507 --> 00:42:24,839 Would be in the white house for another four years. 821 00:42:24,914 --> 00:42:26,999 Dallas ended all of it 822 00:42:27,074 --> 00:42:32,839 In one, sharp, tragic, awful moment. 823 00:42:32,914 --> 00:42:35,799 I don't think america was ever or will 824 00:42:35,874 --> 00:42:37,792 Ever be the same after that. 825 00:42:37,827 --> 00:42:39,799 It was, as some have said, a loss 826 00:42:39,874 --> 00:42:42,112 Of innocence for the united states, 827 00:42:42,147 --> 00:42:45,319 And it was a loss of hope. 828 00:42:45,394 --> 00:42:47,432 Sharron wilkins conrad: For african americans watching this 829 00:42:47,507 --> 00:42:49,872 And living through this, there's a sense 830 00:42:49,907 --> 00:42:51,632 That they had lost their champion, 831 00:42:51,667 --> 00:42:56,032 Because he had spoken out on their behalf. 832 00:42:56,067 --> 00:42:57,799 Narrator: No single error allowed 833 00:42:57,874 --> 00:43:03,632 The events of November 22, 1963 to play out as they did. 834 00:43:03,641 --> 00:43:07,232 But the 10 mistakes that led to the inevitable death of 835 00:43:07,267 --> 00:43:10,992 Of john f. Kennedy also mean no other president will ever 836 00:43:11,027 --> 00:43:14,072 Be as exposed to attack again. 837 00:43:14,147 --> 00:43:15,239 [gunshot] 838 00:43:16,867 --> 00:43:18,032 This whole thing is about holes. 839 00:43:18,067 --> 00:43:19,072 Where are the holes? 840 00:43:19,107 --> 00:43:21,072 Where are the vulnerabilities? 841 00:43:21,107 --> 00:43:24,072 That day in dallas was a huge wake-up call around 842 00:43:24,147 --> 00:43:27,112 How a president is allowed to be and how 843 00:43:27,187 --> 00:43:29,472 Free he and his family can be. 844 00:43:29,507 --> 00:43:31,632 It just gets tighter and tighter and tighter. 845 00:43:31,667 --> 00:43:32,992 Greg shaffer: The assassination of john f. Kennedy 846 00:43:33,027 --> 00:43:34,359 Was a watershed event. 847 00:43:34,434 --> 00:43:36,432 It changed the history of the world, 848 00:43:36,507 --> 00:43:40,519 And it also changed dramatically the standard operating 849 00:43:40,594 --> 00:43:43,792 Procedures that the secret service now follow to ensure 850 00:43:43,827 --> 00:43:45,952 That their principal, the president of the united states, 851 00:43:45,961 --> 00:43:48,032 Is being protected. 852 00:43:48,067 --> 00:43:52,632 The scenario that happened with president kennedy 853 00:43:52,707 --> 00:43:56,839 Is not a scenario that will ever happen again. 854 00:43:56,914 --> 00:43:59,472 As an agent looking back at my predecessors, 855 00:43:59,507 --> 00:44:01,472 I think to myself, how did you not think something 856 00:44:01,507 --> 00:44:03,159 Like this would happen? 857 00:44:03,234 --> 00:44:07,359 But as a result of that, everything changed.