WASHINGTON, May 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Abraham Bolden, 90, the first African American U.S. Secret Service agent in U.S. history appointed to the White House Detail, finally got his chance to testify before a Congressional sub-committee last Tuesday remotely from his home in Chicago. Bolden, who was personally appointed by President Kennedy, had thwarted a plot to assassinate JFK in Chicago in November 1963, just three weeks before the assassination in Dallas. The task force, Chaired by Rep. Anna P. Luna of Florida, heard former agent Bolden tell of Secret Service breakdowns in procedure. Bolden, who sought to testify before the Warren Commission was intercepted and charged with crimes he didn’t commit. He served three years in prison before being released and finally, after decades, granted a “Full and Unconditional Pardon” by President Joseph R. Biden on April 26, 2022.
In 1963, Bolden, believing the earlier attempt on JFK’s life was important evidence, made persistent complaints which led to the arrest of alleged assailants and confiscation of weapons in early November of 1963, just three weeks prior to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in Dallas, Texas. Bolden, who was honored last year with the “Profile in Courage” award by CAPA (Citizens Against Political Assassinations), attempted to testify before the Warren Commission in 1964 but was immediately silenced on false charges and sent to prison as part of the post-assassination cover-up. After spending three years in prison on trumped up charges, Bolden wrote a book, “The Echo of Dealey Plaza” and was released from prison. For more than a-half century Bolden, with the support of CAPA’s founder, the late Dr. Cyril Wecht and many supporters, sought to clear his name.
After Bolden’s emotional testimony and questions from the members of the House sub-committee, chaired by Rep. Anna Paulina Luna of Florida, closed stating, “I’d like to honor Abraham W. Bolden Sr., the first African American agent,” she said. “Bolden bravely spoke out about the cover-up” Luna continued. “For telling the truth, he was unjustly convicted, labeled clinically insane, stripped of his Constitutional rights and incarcerated — an appalling abuse of power meant to silence his courage. I want to offer him a formal government apology for the injustice he endured and thank him for his loyal service to our nation. His legacy is one of integrity, resilience and truth.”
Contact: Glenda de Vaney – Phone: (619) 420-5612
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SOURCE Citizens Against Political Assassinations (CAPA)
