The individual did use a pushback tractor to rotate the aircraft 180 degrees so he could then taxi the aircraft, Pohl said at the news conference Saturday. Yeah, Tuttle. [45] The aircraft was worth $30million, all of which was paid under the company's insurance policy "with no deductibles. He complimented the controller: 'You are very calm, collect, poised,' he said. Russell, Richard. I know you dont want to do anything, but I want you to. Rich: Hey I want the coordinates of that orca, you know, the mama orca with the baby. LBJ: I told you I was gonna name Warren and you said it would be better to name Harlan. . And you just willing the very soul out of him. About; Blog; Projects; Help; Donate. The daytoday administration was under the control of the former Solicitor General, J. Lee Rankin. [note 25] In his memoir, however, Johnson wrote, I appointed the two men Bobby Kennedy asked me to put on itAllen Dulles and John McCloyimmediately. Johnson, Vantage Point, p. 27. The Mary Ferrell Foundation website contains scans of all the executive session transcripts. Max Holland] (Charlottesville: University of Virginia Press, 2014). Known as Beebo to family and friends, Russell was in his youth a gregarious, outgoing star athlete at Wasilla High School in Alaska, according to The Anchorage Daily News, running track and wrestling. Oh they probably have got anti-aircraft. Air traffic control: Just flying around the plane, you seem comfortable with that? , updated Theyre afraid it might get into the [Supreme] Court? These guys are gorgeous, holy smokes. Although investigators received information regarding Russell's background, possible stressors, and personal life, no element provided a clear motivation for Russell's actions. But he mentioned video games during his recorded conversation with air traffic control, which some have taken as a reference to flight simulator software. And they would evaluate it, and then maybe . Rich: Alright, damnit, I don't know man, I don't know. A Motion was made, seconded and carried that pictures of the Commission be procured and that a total of 100 copies be made available for the Commissioners [sic] use and that one copy of such Commission picture be provided for each staff member. The family of Richard Russell, who authorities say stole an airplane from a Seattle airport and died when he later crashed it, called him "a warm and compassionate man." Meet the honorees . And Im going to have[T. Hale] Boggs [Sr.] has entered a resolution over there, and I havent talked to anybody about the membership but you.
Audio of the exchange shows just how collected the controller, who has not been identified, remained during the ordeal as Russell told him he 'didn't want to hurt anyone' and apologized to his family for what he was about to do. Russell, who was a ground service employee for Horizon Air and did not have a pilots license, took the twin-engine turboprop plane from a maintenance area where it was parked at the airport. See Warren, Memoirs, pp. While telling Russell that he maybe wants somebody from the Supreme Court, President Johnson neglected to mention that someone was Earl Warren. That was a happy thought. "[16][19] He added that he "wasn't really planning on landing it. Like, uh, 760? Id go crazy in six weeks in that job, and you. Thus, Johnsons Senate mentor was in agreement with the idea of a special commission if it meant an end to all congressional hearings. The Strange Last Flight of Richard Russell - Genius Russell Crowe - Russell Ira Crowe (born 7 April 1964) is an actor, film producer and musician. Transcripts Show Lbj'S Maneuvers in Setting Up Warren Commission I had a nice visit with your governor, and told him that we had talked[note 17] Governor Carl Sanders represented a younger generation of Democrats who were more moderate on racial issues. President, I could hit a man on that street going 20 miles an hour as easy as I could hit you sitting talking to you. Thats his language. Air traffic control: Rich, you said you had 2,100 pounds of fuel left? Who is Richard Russell, whose Senate building may be renamed - CNN Maybe keep the aircraft nice and low. "[38], Russell was born in Key West, Florida, and moved to Wasilla, Alaska, at the age of seven. Rich: Dang, did you talk to McCourt, cause I don't know if I'd be happy with you telling me I could land like that, cause I could really mess some stuff up. 'You think if I land this successfully Alaska will give me a job as a pilot?' . Russell: You got anything better than trying to land it? More about the Warren Commissions treatment of the JFK assassination: Website created by Lab 99 Web Design: http://www.lab99.com/. This was not the only example of manipulation of the records of the Warren Commission. Richard "Beebo" Russell, the Horizon Air employee who stole a plane from Sea-Tac Airport on Friday night, performed midair acrobatics over Puget Sound and then crashed into an island, was an . "[22], The two F-15s attempted to direct the aircraft toward the Pacific Ocean, and did not fire at it. He died in 1971. Rich: Damnit Andrew, people's lives are at stake here. . [40] He was a hard-hitting football fullback in high school, scoring six touchdowns in his senior year, after which he moved to North Dakota to join the football team at Valley City State University. why they ought to. Rich: Hey pilot guy, can this thing do a backflip, you think? Russells unpublished personal papers can be found in the Richard B. Russell Memorial Library at the University of Georgia, Athens. As such, Russell considered him as a potential and strong rival for his Senate seat. Hell, I hadnt invited him up here; I never heard of it. they put them on the Pearl Harbor inquiry, you know. Air traffic control:Right now he's just flying around, and he just needs some help controlling the aircraft. A Motion was made, seconded and carried that as soon as all of the exhibits and other records of the Commission which are to be published have been printed and made available to the public, all of the remaining materials and records of the Commission shall be delivered to the National Archives to be held in perpetuity for the use and benefit of the people of the United States in accordance with federal laws and regulations. You know [E. Barrett] Prettyman? [29] An operational supervisor for Horizon Air described Russell as "a quiet guy" who was "well liked by the other workers". Rotunda editions were established by generous grants from the Andrew W. This conversation marked the first time Johnson was revealing the commissions approximate makeup to a member of Congress. 'Hi, I'm Beebo Russell and I'm a grounds service agent. [37], Horizon Air CEO Gary Beck stated that, as far as the company knew, Russell did not have a pilot's license. After some discussion, the Chairman declared the Motion lost for lack of a second. Rich: Just kind of lightheaded, dizzy. Monteith stated the men told him they were training to use the aircraft's auxiliary power unit so they could tow it, but said it was "suspicious" that they left when he confronted them. He was a faithful husband, a loving son, and a good friend, Mike Mathews read from the statement at a press conference. Maybe that will grease some gears a little bit with the higher-ups. Russell: Mr. President, you ought to have told me you was gonna name me. Such statement shall describe the salaries, travel, equipment rent and similar general categories, with the total obligations and total estimated cost, this approval to be subject to such financial statement being furnished to each of the Commissioners and their having an opportunity to direct such inquiries as they may care to to [sic] the General Counsel about specific items. [unclear] see it'd save my life, I declare, I dont want to serve on that [unclear]. The final YouTube video posted by a Seattle plane hijacker depicts a happily married man with a monotonous job that's only silver lining was the travel opportunities it afforded him. Just a broken guy, got a few screws loose I guess. [note 21] Russell suffered from emphysema. Find out more. A Motion was made, seconded and carried that the General Counsel proceed to make arrangements to provide for the return of President Kennedys clothes which are referred to in the Report to Mrs. Kennedy. Magazines, Digital After Russell performed an unauthorized takeoff, two McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle fighters were scrambled to intercept the aircraft. Hes going to give them more problems. 'There is the runway just off your right side in about a mile, do you see that?' He spoke of wanting to do "a couple maneuvers to see what it [the aircraft] can do", and requested the coordinates of an orca that had been brought to national attention, saying, "I want to go see that guy." Well, I just got down here. [Laughs, and Russell joins in.]. Telegram, Richard Russell to Harry S. Truman, August 7, 1945 Page 1. It wouldnt do . Russell detested the Chief Justice because of several decisions handed down by the Warren Court. We'll chalk it up to that. Physical copies of many presidential phone calls are available from the National Archives. . Well, Dulles is a good man. Just on. McCloy and Allen Dulles, and maybe somebody from the [Supreme] Court. The Seattle FBI office said Sunday that it had recovered the flight data recorder and components of the cockpit voice recorder from the Horizon plane. [note 2] Johnson was referring to the presidential commission. Well, I know it. Who Was Richard Russell? Man Steals Airplane and Crashes | Time [20] A veteran pilot said the maneuver "seemed pretty well executed, without either stalling or pulling the wings off. Rich: Man, have you been to the Olympics? Authorities said he used a tractor to rotate the plane 180 degrees, positioning it so that he could taxi toward a runway. So if you want to try to land, that's the way to go. history and strives to apply the lessons of history to the nations most Mr. President, cant you get someone else for that job? Series: Official File. Russell, the sole occupant during the flight, did not survive. Edited by Guian A. McKee, with Ashley Havard High and Patricia Dunn. Together, they started a bakery in North Bend, Oregon. Richard Russell, 29, hijacked a 76-seater plane from Seattle-Tacoma on Friday He flew around as an air traffic controller calmly tried to reason with him A recording of their conversation. playlist is created using html elements. Johnsons phone call to Russell touched on several topics unrelated to the JFK assassination. The five-man panel was chaired by Supreme Court Associate Justice Owen Roberts. theres some things about it I cant talk about, but[note 3] Johnson was probably referring to the allegation leveled by Nicaraguan informant Gilberto Alvarado that Oswald received money in the Cuban Embassy in Mexico City. [note 14] Russell chaired the Senate Armed Services subcommittee with responsibility for oversight of the CIA. Only the relevant section is reproduced here. They say says this is a complete shock. Thats probably the theory . "[43] Some co-workers said that Russell had probably trained himself to fly using amateur flight simulation software. But I dont think that Hoover ought to make his report too soon. Congratulations, you did that, now let's try to land that airplane safely and not hurt anyone on the ground. [20], On April 14, 2022, the FBI released 500 pages of previously classified documents related to the investigation. The Hearings Volumes will be delivered to the White House as soon as they are all published. I want to see that guy. By
. Lyndon Johnson and Richard Russell on 29 November 1963 [4][6][9] A tow boat crew was the first to respond. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our, Digital He further reported that these had been used as citations in support of various statements in the Report and that it was desirable and proper for these Commission documents at this time to be denominated exhibits and thereby be made a part of the proceedings of the Commission. [note 16] Russell was in Winder, Georgia, for the Thanksgiving holiday. We want me terribly many other offers via chennault. Russell, a 3 1/2-year Horizon employee, worked as a ground service agent. You have many more circuit court judges [who] are far abler than some of your Supreme Court justices, but that is the argument. Rich: Naw, everythings peachy, peachy clean. The President called Georgia Senator Richard Russell to consult on the selection of a replacement for U.S. The final descent at Ketron Island was determined to be intentional, and suicide was listed as the manner of death. [5] It was not scheduled to fly again that day. I dont know. The Warren Commissions General Counsel, Lee Rankin, managed to defuse the senators criticism while preserving the illusion of unanimity. Well, you couldnt have done better than got him; hes an awful nice young fella. 'Oh those guys will try to rough me up if I try land there,' Rich replied. A lot of the people he was helping were troubled kids.. Page 2. Russell took off from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport at 7.32pm on Friday and flew, tailed by F-15 Eagle jets, until the plane crashed at 8.47pm into Ketron Island, located 25 miles south . It was suggested by one of the Commissioners that it would be helpful to Members of the Commission if they each had a page proof of Chapter I of the proposed Report as soon as it is obtained from the Public Printer for their examination. The FBI investigation found that Russell was a properly credentialed employee of Horizon Air, had access to the exterior and interior of aircraft in the regular course of his duties, and did not. Air traffic control: Hey I bet you do. Page 3. The Commission has a number of matters to consider and decide in preparation for the completion of its final report and the closing of its affairs. I would like to apologize to each and every one of them. Rich: I wouldnt mind just shooting the s**t with you guys, but its all business, you know? I didnt know at the time Id seen you that he was invited. The perpetrator, 29-year-old Richard Russell, was a Horizon Air ground service agent with no piloting experience. . The Chairman declared that the exhibits as offered be received in evidence and become a part of the Commissions exhibits. How was he able to take off without being stopped? I dont think you couldve done better. [note 6] Johnson had discussed the membership most candidly with Abe Fortas, of course, and to a lesser extent with J. Edgar Hoover. . He met his wife, Hannah, in 2010 in Coos Bay, Oregon while we were both going to school, and the couple wed one year later, Russell wrote on his website. The commission believes that the same bullet that hit Kennedy hit Connally. . . 'But, it allows me to do some pretty cool things, too.'. when Johnson asked then-Sen. Richard B. Russell . I don't want to. Richard Russell said he didn't need much help: 'I've played some - CNN U.S. Airlines Are Editing Their Websites to Remove Taiwan's Name at China's Request. It's going to disappoint them to hear that I did this. Monteith also recalled that Russell had been in the cockpit of an Embraer 175 with him, and that Russell asked him about his "flows, which is the preflight preparation I do for takeoff. After graduated from the law department of University of . After 29-year-old airline employee Richard B. Russell stole a plane at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on Friday night and crashed it into Ketron Island in Puget Sound, questions remain about why and how he undertook the ultimately fatal flight. A football teammate suggested his mental instability had been caused by undiagnosed chronic traumatic encephalopathy that may have come from repeated concussions. I. But he said he looked through the telescopic sight himself, and he said, Mr. 06:13 BST 12 Aug 2018 Youve got some smart boys around you there that can give you the name of some outstanding circuit court judge. . One witness whose testimony Russell did hear in person was that of Governor John Connally. [note 10] This was the closest Johnson came to saying he wanted Earl Warren. And we'll be able to give you some advice on what to do next. Russell went by 'Beebo' on social media. [5] A nearby Alaska Airlines jet on the ground reported that the aircraft began a takeoff roll with its wheels smoking,[5] and an unauthorized take-off was made at 19:32 local time (02:32 UTC, August 11). Well, hes not but . In Taking Charge: The Johnson White House Tapes, 19631964, Simon and Schuster, 1998, Michael R. Beschloss transcribed the final line of this extract as I tried my best to get in a dissent, but theyd come round and trade me out of it by giving me a little old threat. Rather than threat, Russell probably uses the near homophone, thread. Russells contemporaneous notes and later remarks make it clear that his public acceptance of the Warren Reports conclusions came about not because he was threatened, but because he was deceived. And hed probably have it out today, at most on Monday. I just do. And then that invitation to end anytime you wanted it to, and Id say that to them? Ill be. [note 29] Russell was referring to the possibility that aspects of the assassination, such as the pending trial of Jack Ruby, might eventually reach the highest court. 18:33 BST 13 Aug 2018, The suicidal airport worker who hijacked and crashed a plane said before he died:'I'll go nose down and call it a night.'. [37] During his communication with air traffic control, Russell made a complaint about wages, stating: "Minimum wage, we'll chalk it up to that. Richard Russell - Spartacus Educational Yeah, I know, wait a minute now. Richard Russell: quiet, well-liked Seattle airport worker who stole a [25][26] No injuries were reported to residents of the sparsely populated island despite the crash site being in close proximity to at least one cabin, which was occupied at the time of the incident. Residents of the island bore some of the cost for cleaning up, and negotiations were initiated for their reimbursement by Alaska Airlines' insurers. Russells term expired in 1966. Ah . Russell served in the Naval Reserve during the First World War and was given command of a coastal battery. I don't want to I was kind of hoping that would be it, you know. made almost every decision about which witnesses to interview, and which questions to ask; performed most of the interviews: of the 552 witnesses who submitted evidence to the Warren Commission, only 94 testified in person with one or more Commissioners present. John Coopers dissent is contained in his own unpublished papers, which can be found at the University of Kentucky, Lexington. [Attorney General] Bobby Kennedys got his ideas, and Hoovers got his report, and they want to have [Thomas] Dewey in for a while. Beebo was loved by everyone because he was kind and gentle to each person he met. [20] They married in 2012. Johnson called to consult with the Georgia senator on the plan for a presidential commission. Never really knew it, until now.'. Rich: Hey, is that pilot on? I understand none of the CourtNo, we cant have a Texan. Pierce County police said the man was suicidal and there. Rich: Nah I mean, I don't need that much help. [7], SeattleTacoma air traffic control (ATC) maintained radio contact with the occupant. Seattle plane crash: Transcript of extraordinary conversation between The country [would] be in a helluva lot better shape. two[or]three years, anyhow. I've got another pilot coming up, pilot Joel, in just a minute here I hope. Tragic as Russell's death was, he could have inflicted vastly more damage had he been so inclined. ', 'OK, Rich, if you could, could you start a left-hand turn and we'll take you down to the south-east. got a lot of bad talkers on that committee. "[21] When an air traffic controller requested he land the plane after this maneuver, he said "I don't know.