What MLK Jr. files have been released, and what have we learned?
Share this @internewscast.com


() The Trump administration recently released more than 230,000 files related to the assassination of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.

It comes after President Donald Trump signed an executive order back in January directing full transparency on the assassinations of King, President John F. Kennedy and Sen. Robert F. Kennedy.

What files have been released, and what was learned?

The files that have been released and digitized detail the FBI’s investigation of King’s assassination, as well as documents relating to the international manhunt for James Earl Ray, the man who was convicted of killing King on April 4, 1968, in Memphis, Tennessee.

Another part of the files includes information about Ray’s former cellmate, who claimed that Ray had discussed an assassination plot.

It also shows the FBI’s surveillance of King before his death, as well as disinformation operations against him.

What are people looking for in the files?

A conspiracy theory surrounding King’s death is related to Ray’s claims that he did not shoot King and was forced to confess by authorities. Some also believe the government and possibly the Mafia were involved in the assassination and that Ray was set up to take the fall.

In 1979, a House committee determined that there was a likelihood Ray acted for monetary gain and that there was likely a conspiracy behind the shooting. The conspiracy likely stemmed from white supremacist groups, rather than the government, the panel said.

King’s two living children, Martin III and Bernice, released a statement in which they called their father’s case a “captivating public curiosity for decades” but asked for “empathy, restraint, and respect for our family’s continuing grief.”

They also emphasized the personal nature of the matter, urging that “these files must be viewed within their full historical context.”

The King Center, a nonprofit founded by Coretta Scott-King in 1968 following King’s death, noted a 1999 wrongful death civil lawsuit in Tennessee, where the jury concluded that Ray was not King’s shooter, and that King’s death was a conspiracy involving Memphis businessman Loyd Jowers and unnamed co-conspirators, including government agencies as a part of a wider scheme.

“Our family views that verdict as an affirmation of our long-held beliefs,” the family said.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Is Chicago’s Strategy to Curb Smoking on Trains Too Lenient?

() Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson says he wants to do something about…

The Impact of the US-EU Trade Deal on Business Expenses and Consumer Prices

FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — President Donald Trump and European Commission President Ursula…

Stay Informed: Heat Warnings Issued for Monday

SAVANNAH, Ga. () —  Monday will again be a Weather Aware day…

Press Conference Highlights — July 27, 2025

KRISTEN WELKER: This Sunday: Mounting pressure. REP. HAKEEM JEFFRIES: What are they…

Alec Baldwin Discusses ‘Peanuts’ and Impact of ‘Rust’ Trial: ‘Aiming to Move On’

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Alec Baldwin mentions that since the surprising conclusion…

Asian Markets Show Mixed Performance Following Record Highs on Wall Street

BANGKOK – Stock markets in Asia were mixed on Monday after U.S.…

Westie the Sea Turtle Set to Dive into Ocean Adventures

TYBEE ISLAND, Ga. () — After three years of care, education, and…

US and EU Reach Trade Agreement Implementing 15 Percent Tariffs

(The Hill) — President Donald Trump and European Commission President Ursula von…

Couple Tragically Killed While Hiking with Daughters in Arkansas Park, Authorities Report

IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site…

Michigan Walmart Knife Incident Leads Authorities to Pursue Terrorism and Assault Charges Against Suspect

A man was arrested for allegedly entering a Walmart in Michigan and…

Couple murdered while hiking with daughters in Arkansas state park, according to police

Authorities reported on Sunday that a man and woman recently relocated to…

Watch: Suspect Detained by Group After Michigan Walmart Stabbing

(NEXSTAR) — Intense footage captures the moment when a group of bystanders…