Why did Booth wait until almost the end of the play to shoot Lincoln?

• A. He wanted to ensure the crowd would not hear the shot due to laughter
• B. He misfired first
• C. He planned to shoot Lincoln earlier
• D. He forgot his weapon

Answer: (A)

Timing and the theater setting explain why Booth chose that moment. He waited for a loud, humorous moment in the performance so the crowd’s laughter would mask the gunshot, making it harder for people to notice right away and making his escape easier. This use of the audience’s distraction fits with Booth’s plan to slip away rather than trigger an immediate, chaotic pursuit. There isn’t credible evidence that he misfired, meant to shoot Lincoln earlier, or forgot his weapon, so those possibilities don’t align with what historical accounts describe about his deliberate timing and escape.