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Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Tulsi Gabbard on Monday released more than 240,000 pages of documents connected to the 1968 assassination of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., including extensive records from the FBI, which closely monitored King during his lifetime.
The documents were made public through the National Archives website, which indicated that additional materials would be released in the future.
“The American people have waited nearly sixty years to see the full scope of the federal government’s investigation into Dr. King’s assassination,” said Gabbard. “Under President Trump’s leadership, we are ensuring that no stone is left unturned in our mission to deliver complete transparency on this pivotal and tragic event in our nation’s history. I extend my deepest appreciation to the King family for their support.”
King’s family member, Dr. Alveda King, also commented on the release of the documents in the DNI’s statement.
“I am grateful to President Trump and DNI Gabbard for delivering on their pledge of transparency in the release of these documents on the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr,” said King. “My uncle lived boldly in pursuit of truth and justice, and his enduring legacy of faith continues to inspire Americans to this day. While we continue to mourn his death, the declassification and release of these documents are a historic step towards the truth that the American people deserve.”
King was fatally shot on April 4, 1968, in Memphis, Tennessee. His assassination marked a turning point in a turbulent year for the United States, which also saw the assassination of presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy.
Earlier this year, the Trump administration released thousands of pages of digital records related to the killings of both Robert Kennedy and President John F. Kennedy. Then-candidate Donald Trump had pledged greater transparency surrounding JFK’s death and, upon taking office, directed his administration to formulate a plan for the release of documents tied to the assassinations of King and both Kennedys.
The FBI surveilled King extensively throughout the 1950s and 1960s, citing concerns over alleged communist affiliations during the Cold War. The surveillance included wiretaps and other covert measures. In more recent years, the bureau has acknowledged its targeting of King as a clear example of misconduct and overreach in its history.
King’s family responded to Monday’s release with a statement urging the public to approach the files with sensitivity.
“We ask those who engage with the files to do so with empathy, restraint, and respect for our family’s continuing grief,” they said, warning against any attempt to exploit the documents. “Now more than ever, we must honor his sacrifice by committing ourselves to the realization of his dream – a society rooted in compassion, unity, and equality.”