Mr. Stern. But there was no suggestion that anything might be done to minimize that risk?
Mr. Sorrels. Nothing more than what we always do—try to scan the windows, and if we see something suspicious, take proper action.
Mr. Stern. When you went over the parade route with the police officials, did they confirm your view that this was the proper route to use?
Mr. Sorrels. Yes, they did.
Mr. Stern. And there was no concern expressed by them that some other route might be better for some reason?
Mr. Sorrels. No, sir; no, sir.
Mr. Stern. I would like you now, Mr. Sorrels, to tell us something of the Protective Research activities that took place in preparation for the President's visit to Dallas, that you recall.
Mr. Sorrels. At that time, we had no known Protective Research subjects that we were making periodic checks on in that area. Mr. Lawson informed me that he had checked with PRS, and that was confirmed.
However, bearing in mind the incidents that had taken place some time before with Mr. Stevenson, I had instructed Special Agent John Joe Howlett, to work with the Special Services Bureau of the Police Department, and I also conferred by phone with the chief of police at Denton, Tex., because some of those individuals who were involved in the Stevenson affair were going to college there.
Mr. Stern. What was the Stevenson affair, as far as you knew?