Report: JFK death threat in Miami two weeks before Dallas

Share with X

NEW YORK -- President John F. Kennedy might have escaped assassination in Dallas if federal authorities there had stepped up security as they did in Miami, Fla., two weeks before he visited Texas, according to a television report Friday.

A segment of the nationally syndicated TV news program, 'A Current Affair' (7:30 p.m. EST) marking the 28th anniversary of Kennedy's assassination, included broadcast of a tape made by Miami police early in November 1963.

They taped a conversation between William Somersett, a police informant on the activities of white supremacy groups, and Joseph Milteer, a wealthy George man associated with the White Citizens' Counci.

Multeer can be heard on the tape saying that Kennedy is a 'marked man.' When Somersett asks how it would be done, Milteer says, 'From an office building -- with a high-powered rifle.'

Somersett gave the tape to then Miami Police Lt. Everett Kay, who was involved in infiltration of right-wing hate groups. Kay, now 70 and retired, said on the program that he turned the tape over to the FBI and security for Kennedy's motorcade in Miami was vastly increased.

He added that he believed Kennedy would have escaped death if federal authorities had acted in Dallas as they did in Miami.

Latest Headlines