As the president’s limousine travels down Elm Street immediately after the first shot was fired, this picture captures Kennedy, largely obscured by the car’s rearview mirror, with his fist clenched in front of his throat after sustaining the wound caused by the second shot.
The Secret Service agents standing on the car behind the limousine have turned to look towards the source of the gunfire, the Texas School Book Depository, whose entrance can be seen just behind the tree.
As some police and spectators also turn to look, many of the people in the crowd continue to smile and cheer, unaware of what has just happened.
James William “Ike” Altgens/Associated Press/Wikimedia
