The assassination of President John F. Kennedy remains one of the most debated events in modern history. Now, a fresh batch of declassified documents has been released, adding new layers to the decades-old mystery. But do these files reveal the long-awaited “smoking gun,” or do they merely confirm what we already know?
Thousands of Documents, But No Big Bombshells
On March 18, 2025, the U.S. government made public nearly 80,000 pages of previously classified documents related to the JFK assassination. The files, posted on the National Archives website, include intelligence reports, FBI notes, and CIA communications. However, many experts believe the documents won’t drastically alter the official conclusion that Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone on November 22, 1963.
Read More: The JFK Files: Unraveling the Secrets of the Kennedy Assassination
What’s in the New Files?
While much of the information has been released in parts over the years—particularly during the Biden administration’s 13,000-document release—the newly unveiled files contain previously redacted sections. Some of the key highlights include:
- CIA and FBI Tracking of Oswald: Intelligence agencies had Oswald on their radar long before the assassination. New details shed light on his interactions with foreign officials in Mexico City just weeks before Kennedy’s death.
- Intelligence Secrets Still Withheld: Despite the release, some documents remain classified. U.S. agencies claim these files contain sensitive intelligence that could compromise national security.
- No Confirmed Conspiracies: Contrary to popular belief, experts say the new files don’t provide evidence of a broader conspiracy. According to Tom Samoluk, former deputy director of the Assassination Records Review Board, “There is no smoking gun. If there had been, it would have been released in the 1990s.”
Why Does This Matter to Canadians?
Canada has long shared a deep historical connection with U.S. politics, and the Kennedy assassination is no exception. From Canadian journalists covering the case to conspiracy theorists analyzing Oswald’s potential movements, this event has remained a topic of discussion north of the border.
- Did Oswald Have Canadian Ties? Some theories suggest Oswald may have considered fleeing to Canada after the assassination. While no concrete evidence has emerged, the new files might offer fresh insights.
- Implications for North American Security: The JFK assassination changed the way North America approached intelligence and border security. The latest document release serves as a reminder of how government transparency impacts public trust.
What Happens Next?
Though nearly 99% of the JFK assassination records are now public, many believe that key details remain hidden. The CIA, FBI, and Pentagon still withhold certain records, citing the need to protect confidential sources.
With former President Donald Trump vowing to declassify all remaining documents if re-elected, the full truth might still be a few years away. Until then, historians, journalists, and conspiracy theorists alike will continue sifting through the pages, hoping to uncover one of history’s biggest secrets.
