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Photo of the Texas School Book Depository shortly after shots were fired
Photo of the Texas School Book Depository shortly after shots were fired

Photo of the Texas School Book Depository shortly after shots were fired

Object number1994.003.0110
Date11/22/1963
ClassificationsPhotographs
Photographer Tom C. Dillard
ObjectPhotograph (b&w)
Credit LineTom C. Dillard Collection, The Dallas Morning News/The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza
MediumPaper, Photo
Dimensions8 x 10 in. (20.3 x 25.4 cm)
DescriptionBlack and white photographic print showing the south facade of the Texas School Book Depository building on Elm Street in Dealey Plaza on November 22, 1963 in Dallas, Texas. Taken by chief photographer at The Dallas Morning News, Tom C. Dillard, moments after shots were fired. Dillard was riding in a press car in the presidential motorcade.
Curatorial Commentary
Tom Dillard, chief photographer at The Dallas Morning News, was traveling in Camera Car #3 in the Dallas parade, eight vehicles behind the presidential limousine. Seated behind Dillard in the car was his friend and professional competitor, Dallas Times Herald staff photographer Bob Jackson. When the assassination took place, as their vehicle made its way toward the Houston and Elm intersection with the Texas School Book Depository in front of them, Jackson saw a rifle extended from the southeast corner window of the Depository's sixth floor. Jackson's camera was out of film, but upon hearing his friend remark that he saw a rifle, Tom Dillard raised his Leica camera and took this haunting black and white photograph of the Depository. No rifle is visible, but Depository employees Harold Norman, James Jarman, Jr. and Bonnie Ray Williams can be seen on the fifth floor. - Stephen Fagin, Curator