dale carpenter kennedy In a stunning revelation more than six decades after President John F. Kennedy’s assassination, never-before-seen footage has emerged, offering a fresh perspective on the immediate aftermath of that fateful day. The newly discovered film, which captures the frantic moments following the shooting, will soon be available for auction, providing a poignant and unique view into one of history’s most scrutinized events.
The Discovery
A minute-long, 8mm color film, previously unknown to the public, has been unearthed and will be sold through RR Auction, with online bidding already underway. The live auction is scheduled for September 28. This rare footage, shot by local Dallas truck driver Dale Carpenter Sr., shows the presidential motorcade racing to Parkland Hospital after the assassination of President Kennedy on November 22, 1963.
Carpenter’s grandson, James Gates, discovered the film among family mementos, including reels of home movies and audio recordings. Stored in a plastic crate and kept in a closet for years, the footage captures critical moments as the motorcade speeds toward the hospital, with Secret Service Agent Clint Hill shielding Jackie Kennedy and the president from further harm.
Unique Insights from the Footage
This newly discovered film is distinct from the well-known Zapruder film, which provides graphic and detailed footage of the assassination itself. Instead, Carpenter’s film focuses on the immediate aftermath, showing Agent Hill’s heroic efforts and the chaos as the motorcade races against time to save President Kennedy.
Bobby Livingston, executive vice president at RR Auction, highlights the film’s significance, noting that it provides a fresh perspective not seen in other known footage. The film vividly portrays the speed and urgency of the situation, capturing Agent Hill’s determination to protect Mrs. Kennedy and the president during the critical moments following the shooting.
Emotional Reactions
Former Secret Service Agent Clint Hill, now 92, has expressed the emotional weight of seeing the footage. “It’s an emotional thing for me because I know what has happened,” Hill told PEOPLE. The film brings back vivid memories of his actions that day, including the desperate speed of the motorcade and his efforts to shield the Kennedy family.
Hill’s wife, Lisa McCubbin Hill, who co-authored books with him, also reflects on the film’s impact. “It really brings the moment to life,” she says, emphasizing the danger and intensity of the situation as depicted in the footage.
Historical Significance
The film is set to be featured in an upcoming documentary titled Agent Number 9: The Clint Hill Story, slated for release in 2025. This documentary will explore Hill’s experiences and contributions during the Kennedy assassination, with the newly discovered footage adding a significant historical layer to the story.
As the footage makes its way to auction, it serves as a powerful reminder of the events of November 22, 1963, offering a rare and emotional glimpse into the aftermath of one of the most analyzed moments in American history.
For those interested in this unique piece of history, the auction presents a rare opportunity to own a part of the narrative surrounding President Kennedy’s assassination and the immediate response to that tragic day.
