Press Conference with US Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy (1963)

Duration: 4:39

Year Published: 1963

Format: 16mm

Sound: sound

Description: Upon taking office in 1961, United States Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy made the fight against organized crime a high priority for the Justice Department. Two years later, Kennedy visited United States Attorneys’ offices around the country to promote his crusade. This news report captures the Attorney General’s stop in Houston on February 15, during which he conducted a press conference at William P. Hobby Airport. Kennedy talks about the state of organized crime in Texas and the vital role of local authorities in the fight against it. He also comments on his controversial decision to commit former Major General Edwin Walker following his actions during the Ole Miss riot of 1962. Special thanks to Jacob Carter and Kaitlin Cabiniss for their help cataloging this film.