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Warren Commission Hearings: Vol. XII - Page 182« Previous | Next »

(Testimony of Detective B. H. Combest)

Mr. Combest.
There were several officers standing here [indicating]. There were some--
Mr. Hubert.
When you say "here," you are just pointing to the Commerce Street side of the area that I have marked "area A"?
Mr. Combest.
Yes, sir; also down the line.
Mr. Hubert.
In other words, they were on the opposite side of the corridor from you ?
Mr. Combest.
Yes, sir.
Mr. Hubert.
A semicircle curving toward Commerce Street?
Mr. Combest.
Yes, sir.
Mr. Hubert.
And I'm marking a line, which I am going to start off at a point called "1," and have it curve over to a point called "2," is that approximately the line you are talking about?
Mr. Combest.
Yes, sir.
Mr. Hubert.
Now, on that line from "1," to "2" you say there were a number of detectives, or members of the police department?
Mr. Combest.
Yes, sir.
Mr. Hubert.
Did you recognize any of them?
Mr. Combest.
Well, I remember "Blackie," that is the nickname, Harrison.
Mr. Hubert.
That is W. J. Harrison?
Mr. Combest.
Yes, sir; I believe it is.
Mr. Hubert.
Where was he, about?
Mr. Combest.
I don't recall exactly. I know that he was on that side, and I lost contact with him as soon as Oswald started out. I don't remember if he had moved, or if he was still standing directly across.
Mr. Hubert.
He was in front of the people that I have marked here in "area B," and "area A"?
Mr. Combest.
Yes, sir.
Mr. Hubert.
Well, other than the detective, how many people do you suppose were in that "area A," right back of the curving line marked "1" to "2"?
Mr. Combest.
It would be an estimate on it at this time. I don't recall. There were several. I would say 15, at least.
Mr. Hubert.
Do you think they were standing shoulder to shoulder?
Mr. Combest.
Yes; it was pretty crowded all the way around.
Mr. Hubert.
That would make about what, two or three ranks of people?
Mr. Combest.
I don't recall exactly. I know there was a very large crowd in the basement that day.
Mr. Hubert.
You are talking about the whole basement?
Mr. Combest.
Yes, sir.
Mr. Hubert.
Were there any people in the area which I am marking roughly by an oblong figure, "area C," which is the ramp leading from the parking area into Main Street, Commerce Street ramp?
Mr. Combest.
Yes, sir; there were.
Mr. Hubert.
Did you go in there, too?
Mr. Combest.
Yes. sir; there were several people there, newsmen and also, several officers stationed in that area out there.
Mr. Hubert.
Now, were the television lights on all the time you were standing there ?
Mr. Combest.
Yes, sir.
Mr. Hubert.
Did they bother you?
Mr. Combest.
Yes, sir; they did.
Mr. Hubert.
In what way?
Mr. Combest.
Well, when we first came downstairs it was a little hard to distinguish faces in this area here [indicating].
Mr. Hubert.
"Area B," the witness is pointing to "area B."
Mr. Combest.
And until you got used to them it was pretty hard to look into them.
Mr. Hubert.
Did you get used to them?
Mr. Combest.
Yes, sir; I was pretty well used to them at the time the actual transfer took place.
Mr. Hubert.
So, you could distinguish faces of people in "area B"?
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