“NOT A Lone Gunman” Trump Declassifies JFK Files - Was It a Mob Job? With Michael Franzese

The discussion delves into the enduring conspiracy theories surrounding the assassinations of JFK, RFK, and Martin Luther King Jr., focusing on the potential involvement of organized crime and government agencies. Jefferson Morley, Michael Franzese, and Mike Baker provide insights, with Morley suggesting CIA and Pentagon complicity, Franzese asserting mob involvement, and Baker emphasizing operational failures. The conversation highlights the skepticism about lone gunman theories, the complexities of declassified documents, and the public's right to transparency. The release of new documents is anticipated, though it may not satisfy all conspiracy theorists.

• The assassination of President John F. Kennedy has been surrounded by various conspiracy theories, questioning the official narrative of a lone gunman.
• Key figures like Lee Harvey Oswald and the involvement of organized crime and intelligence agencies are central to these theories.
• The release of classified documents has been anticipated to shed light on the true events of the assassination.

"This is the president was assassinated and then the Assassin got assassinated. It's like how the hell do we not know what actually happened."

• This quote highlights the ongoing confusion and mystery surrounding the assassination of JFK and the subsequent murder of the alleged assassin, Lee Harvey Oswald, suggesting a deeper conspiracy.

"The official narrative surrounding the assassinations of JFK, RFK, and Dr. Martin Luther King, namely that all three were killed by lone gunmen, have long been questioned by those who suspect wider involvement."

• The quote addresses skepticism about the lone gunman theory, suggesting that there might be more complex plots involving multiple parties.

• Some theories suggest that JFK was killed by enemies within the U.S. government, specifically the CIA and the Pentagon.
• Evidence and testimonies have emerged over the years that challenge the lone gunman theory.
• Declassified documents are expected to provide more insights into potential government involvement.

"Your belief is the most likely Theory...is that JFK was killed by enemies within the United States government and by that do you mean the CIA, CIA and the Pentagon."

• This quote encapsulates the belief that internal elements within the U.S. government were involved in JFK's assassination, challenging the lone gunman narrative.

"The CIA itself did not believe the lone gunman Theory a few days after Kennedy was assassinated."

• This statement indicates that even the CIA had doubts about the lone gunman theory, suggesting internal investigations that focused on other suspects.

• Testimonies from doctors who attempted to save JFK's life suggest gunfire from multiple directions.
• The CIA's internal investigations and files on Lee Harvey Oswald reveal he was a known figure, contradicting the idea of him being a lone nut.
• The pre-assassination file on Oswald was highly sensitive, only recently declassified, indicating potential undisclosed connections.

"These seven doctors...said unanimously that Kennedy had been hit by gunfire from two different directions."

• This quote presents medical testimony that contradicts the lone gunman theory, suggesting multiple shooters.

"The CIA's pre-assassination file on Lee Harvey Oswald was completely Declassified for the first time...Oswald was not repeat not a lone nut."

• The declassification of Oswald's file reveals he was a known entity to the CIA, suggesting a more complex background than previously acknowledged.

• Former CIA officers and crime family members offer different perspectives on the assassination.
• The release of documents is unlikely to satisfy all conspiracy theories due to limited new evidence.
• There is acknowledgment of intelligence failures in tracking Oswald, similar to coordination failures seen in other historical events.

"I have a feeling though...there won't be a Smoking Gun...it was inadequate work on the part of the CIA and the FBI in terms of following up on Lee Harvey Oswald."

• This quote reflects skepticism about finding conclusive evidence in the released documents and highlights intelligence failures in monitoring Oswald.

"A failure to coordinate across the board right so the FBI C s."

• The quote draws a parallel between the failures in intelligence coordination during JFK's assassination and other events like 9/11, suggesting systemic issues.

• The CIA's involvement with Lee Harvey Oswald is debated, with claims of minimal information being contradicted by evidence of extensive files.
• There is skepticism about the transparency of the CIA's dealings and the potential for embarrassing revelations if more documents are released.

"Director Richard Helms under oath: 'We only had minimal information about him.' Is 180 pages of material in Lee Harvey Oswald minimal?"

• This quote highlights the contradiction between the CIA's claim of minimal information and the substantial documentation on Oswald, suggesting possible obfuscation by the agency.

"The release of the remaining documents will probably not be a satisfying experience."

• The speaker expresses doubt that the release of additional documents will provide conclusive answers or satisfaction regarding the CIA's role and knowledge.

• The physical possibility of Oswald making the shot from the Dallas Book Depository is considered plausible by some experts.
• Previous attempts to replicate the shot have concluded that it was not an impossible task for someone with Oswald's training.

"The shot itself was not a difficult shot. There was no wind; it was moving in a straight line."

• This quote asserts the technical feasibility of Oswald's shot, countering theories that it was beyond his capabilities.

"He had sufficient training as a marine... It's not hard to say, 'Oh my God, there's no way this guy could have made the shot.'"

• The speaker emphasizes Oswald's military training, which would have equipped him with the necessary skills to execute the shot.

• Theories suggest collaboration between the intelligence community and organized crime in the Kennedy assassinations.
• There are claims of betrayal by the Kennedy brothers towards the mob, which may have motivated involvement in their assassinations.

"If you believe Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone, then you believe in Santa Claus."

• This quote reflects skepticism about the lone gunman theory, implying that more complex factors were at play, possibly involving organized crime.

"The CIA had come to us after and asked that Oswald be killed. Jack Ruby... was totally mobbed up."

• The speaker suggests a connection between the CIA and organized crime in orchestrating Oswald's murder, implicating Jack Ruby as a mob affiliate.

• The mob's influence in political processes, including the election of JFK, is discussed, with claims of deals and betrayals.
• The relationship between the Kennedy family and organized crime is portrayed as complex and fraught with broken promises.

"The deal was that the heat was supposed to be off... Instead, they went on even harder."

• This quote indicates a perceived betrayal by the Kennedy administration, which continued to pursue legal action against the mob despite prior agreements.

"Chicago's a mob-run city... The mob played a part in helping deliver [votes]."

• The speaker describes the mob's role in influencing the election outcome, particularly in key regions like Chicago, suggesting political manipulation.

• Historical instances of collaboration between the CIA and organized crime are cited, such as attempts to assassinate foreign leaders.
• These precedents are used to support the plausibility of similar cooperation in domestic political assassinations.

"That wasn't the first time the CIA came to us... They tried to assassinate Castro from Cuba."

• This quote provides historical context for CIA-mob collaboration, reinforcing the notion that such alliances were not unprecedented.

"During World War II, when they went to Lucky Luciano and Meyer Lansky for help to get the Allies into Sicily."

• The speaker references World War II collaborations, suggesting a longstanding relationship between the CIA and organized crime for strategic purposes.

• The podcast discusses the potential involvement of organized crime in the assassination of JFK, specifically their role in eliminating Lee Harvey Oswald after the fact.
• Organized crime is characterized as likely not orchestrating the assassination itself, which was described as a sophisticated operation beyond typical organized crime methods.

"The organized crime role was to eliminate Oswald, the inconvenient witness, and they used their Pawn Jack Ruby to do that."

• This quote highlights the belief that organized crime's role was to silence Oswald, not to plan the assassination itself.

• The assassination of JFK is portrayed as a complex and unresolved historical event, with many questions still unanswered.
• There is skepticism about the official narrative, and conspiracy theories continue to thrive due to the lack of clear evidence.

"The operation itself seems more sophisticated than organized crime, but Michael's absolutely right about the organized crime role in the events of 1963."

• This quote suggests that the assassination was a sophisticated operation, likely beyond the capabilities of organized crime alone.

• The discussion draws parallels between the JFK assassination and more recent events, such as an attempted assassination of Donald Trump.
• The comparison is used to illustrate how even with modern technology, information about such events can remain elusive.

"We know really so little hard fact about what happened in '63 because even with all the powers we now have of the internet and all the rest of it, we're still none the wiser about what happened in the summer with Donald Trump."

• This quote emphasizes the ongoing challenge of obtaining clear information about significant events, despite advances in technology and communication.

• The podcast discusses the public's desire for transparency and the persistence of conspiracy theories surrounding the JFK assassination.
• There is criticism of the government's reluctance to release all related documents, which fuels speculation.

"This Burning Desire on the Public's part and also from a conspiracy point of view... nobody wants to believe that something of that magnitude could take place with one person."

• This quote captures the public's skepticism and the belief that the true story involves more than just a lone gunman.

• The discussion covers the delayed release of documents related to the JFK assassination, originally mandated by a 1992 Congressional law.
• There is frustration over the continued classification of documents and the lack of transparency.

"The law is very clear and it was supposed to have been it had a 2017 sunset provision so the CIA has blown the deadline by eight years."

• This quote highlights the breach of the legal deadline for document disclosure, contributing to public impatience and suspicion.

• Key documents related to the JFK assassination, including the autopsy report and CIA files on Oswald's Russian connections, are reportedly missing or destroyed.
• The absence of these documents raises questions about the official account of the assassination.

"Some of the most important files are missing probably destroyed... these include the official JFK autopsy report which contradicts supposedly the lone gunman and a single bullet theory."

• This quote underscores the importance of the missing documents and their potential impact on understanding the assassination.

• The podcast highlights the CIA's influence over the release of documents and the challenges in achieving full transparency.
• There is a call for the declassification of specific documents to clarify the historical narrative.

"The CIA knows how to push back they know how to get a president's ear they know how to make him defer to their wishes."

• This quote suggests that the CIA has significant power in influencing presidential decisions regarding document declassification.

• The discussion emphasizes the public's right to know the full story behind the assassination of a president.
• There is an argument that transparency is essential for historical accuracy and public trust.

"If I was an American... you have a right to know this stuff I mean this involves the assassination of one of your Presidents."

• This quote asserts the importance of public access to information about significant historical events, particularly presidential assassinations.

• Discussion centers on the potential involvement of the mob in JFK's assassination, highlighting the significance of Jack Ruby's connections.
• Jack Ruby's alleged mob connections are emphasized as crucial for understanding the assassination narrative.
• The mob's power in the mid-20th century is considered significant enough to potentially influence political events.

"I would like to see if they deny the fact that Jack Ruby had mob connections because if they deny that, then I know this whole thing is a sham."

• The speaker suggests that denying Ruby's mob ties would undermine the credibility of any official narrative about JFK's assassination.

"We had a lot of power at that time... it's not inconceivable."

• The speaker asserts the mob's influence during the era, making it plausible for them to be involved in significant events like an assassination.

"Everything that I've heard points to mob involvement in that."

• The speaker expresses a strong belief in the mob's involvement based on available information and personal insights.

• The proliferation of conspiracy theories is discussed, particularly in the context of social media's role in spreading them.
• The potential benefits and drawbacks of conspiracy theories from an intelligence perspective are considered.
• The speed and accessibility of information in the modern era contribute to the rise of conspiracy theories.

"There's an upside and downside to it... it could benefit you from an operational perspective."

• The speaker acknowledges that while conspiracy theories can complicate matters, they can also serve as useful tools for intelligence operations.

"We live in a time where you have more conspiracy theories now than ever before."

• The speaker notes the unprecedented level of conspiracy theories due to rapid information dissemination.

• The conversation touches on historical events, including the assassinations of JFK, RFK, and Martin Luther King Jr., and their interconnected nature.
• The role of Robert Kennedy in authorizing wiretaps on Martin Luther King is mentioned, suggesting complex historical ties.
• The discussion hints at the ongoing nature of political mysteries and the public's quest for truth.

"Robert Kennedy authorized some of the wiretaps on Martin Luther King... there's connections here that are very interesting."

• The speaker highlights the intricate connections between historical figures and events, inviting further exploration.

"Regardless of what is in this next release of documentation... I don't know that it's going to end up satisfying a lot of people."

• The speaker expresses skepticism about whether new information will resolve public doubts or conspiracy theories.

• The conversation shifts to recent developments, such as the U.S. government's stance on COVID-19 origins and public perception of conspiracies.
• The change in perception regarding the COVID-19 lab origin theory is used as an example of shifting narratives.
• The discussion underscores the importance of transparency and clarity in official statements to prevent misinformation.

"The official kind of American government position on COVID is it almost certainly did now emanate from the lab."

• The speaker points out the evolving official narrative regarding COVID-19's origins, illustrating changing public perceptions.

"People who put forward they were called mad conspiracy theorists... now it seems to be that is indeed how COVID originated."

• The speaker reflects on how initial conspiracy theories can later align with official narratives, highlighting the fluid nature of public discourse.