Was the Followup Car Blocking a Shot at Z313?

[Herbert Blenner]

Just in a napkin type calculation:


If we pretend that SS agent West is three feet taller than a sitting JFK (both are riding in cars), and if we pretend that the chase car is three feet above the limo (elevation change from roughly z250 to z 313), that totals 6 feet.

At a 15 degree angle, sin (15) = .26. To clear a six foot obstacle at that shooting angle the obstacle must be at least ( 6" / .26 ) = 23 feet.

That's roughly one car length. I am supposing the chase car was at least that far back, even if JFK was mostly at the back of his car and West is towards the front, still seems likely the shot would clear.

I calculate that the shooter would not take a shot if a Secret Service agent standing on the running board of the follow-up car were in the line of fire.