There is a popular conspiracy theory that suggests the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) was involved in the assassination of John Lennon, one of the founding members of the Beatles. While this theory has gained traction among some conspiracy theorists, it lacks substantial evidence and is largely based on speculation.

One of the main arguments put forth by proponents of this theory is the alleged surveillance and harassment of Lennon by the US government due to his anti-war activism. It is true that Lennon was closely monitored by the FBI during the early 1970s, as he became an outspoken critic of the Vietnam War. However, there is no concrete evidence to suggest that the CIA played a direct role in his assassination.

Furthermore, the investigation into Lennon's murder, which occurred on December 8, 1980, concluded that the perpetrator was Mark David Chapman, a mentally unstable individual and a fan of Lennon. Chapman's motivations for the murder were found to be personal and unrelated to any government conspiracy.

It is important to approach conspiracy theories with skepticism and rely on verifiable facts. While it is understandable that some may question the official account of events, it is crucial to separate speculation from evidence-backed claims.

References:

1. Wenner, J. (1981). The Ballad of John and Yoko. Rolling Stone, 335, 39-47.
2. Goldman, A. (1988). The Lives of John Lennon. William Morrow & Co.
3. Wiener, J. (2000). Gimme Some Truth: The John Lennon FBI Files. University of California Press.