The establishment of the Warren Commission marked a significant moment in American government response to presidential assassination. In the wake of John F. Kennedy's assassination on November 22, 1963, Lyndon B. Johnson, his successor, sought to calm a nation rife with anxiety and speculation. The commission was officially created on November 29, 1963, following requests from various political leaders and the public for a comprehensive investigation into the tragic event. Headed by Chief Justice Earl Warren, the commission was composed of notable members, including senators and representatives, tasked with deciphering the official narrative and mitigating rampant conspiracy theories. The commission's formation was crucial for restoring public confidence in the U.S. government, amidst fears that various factions, domestic and foreign, may have been implicated in the incident.

The government's urgency was underscored by the rampant theories that emerged soon after the assassination, leading to public distrust in the existing law enforcement agencies. The findings of the Warren Commission, detailed in a report released in 1964, ultimately concluded that Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone in assassinating Kennedy. This conclusion was both praised for its thoroughness and criticized for lack of investigation into potential conspirators. The commission convened multiple times, interviewing over 500 witnesses and reviewing extensive documentation, producing a comprehensive investigation that shaped subsequent historical narratives surrounding the Kennedy assassination.