The files, released under a directive from President Trump, reveal the complicated history of government surveillance against King during his lifetime and the persistence of misinformation campaigns aimed at undermining his legacy. King Jr., who was assassinated in Memphis on April 4, 1968, became the subject of an extensive investigation led by the FBI under J. Edgar Hoover. King's family emphasized that the documents should be handled with empathy, as they navigate the enduring grief of loss. The release has prompted mixed reactions, with critics pointing to the timing amidst the administration's ongoing controversies.
Trump Administration Unveils Long-Held Files on Martin Luther King Jr.
Trump Administration Unveils Long-Held Files on Martin Luther King Jr.
Recent documents reveal new details surrounding the assassination of the civil rights leader after decades of secrecy.
In a historic unveiling, the Trump administration has released extensive files regarding the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., shedding light on the FBI’s surveillance of the iconic civil rights leader. This release comes nearly 46 years after a court order restricted access to nearly 230,000 pages of files, which now include never-seen-before CIA records and internal FBI memos. While King’s living children expressed dismay over potential misuse of the documents, some family members welcomed the release as a step towards transparency.
