Kennedy was assassinated on November 22 , 1963 , while riding in a presidential motorcade through Dallas . Later that day , Johnson took the presidential oath of office aboard Air Force One . Johnson was convinced of the need to make an immediate transition of power after the assassination to provide stability to a grieving nation . He and the Secret Service , not knowing whether the assassin acted alone or as part of a broader conspiracy , felt compelled to rapidly return to Washington , D.C. . Johnson 's rush to return to Washington was greeted by some with assertions that he was in too much haste to assume power
assassinated
Assassination of John F. Kennedy
Presidency of Lyndon B. Johnson