TL/DR –
The Trump administration has released over 240,000 pages of the FBI’s surveillance records on Martin Luther King Jr. despite opposition from King’s family and his civil rights group. The information had been under a court-imposed seal since 1977. The Kings, who had early access to these documents, have reiterated their belief that James Earl Ray, the man convicted of King’s assassination, was not solely responsible, urging people to view these records in their full historical context.
FBI’s Surveillance Records of Martin Luther King Jr. Released Amid Opposition
The Trump administration has unveiled the FBI’s surveillance records of Martin Luther King Jr., sparking opposition from King’s family and his associated civil rights group. The digital archive now includes over 240,000 pages of records previously under a court-imposed seal since 1977.
The surviving children of King, Martin III and Bernice, released a statement on Monday, emphasizing the need to contextualize these files historically. They urge those engaging with these records to show empathy and respect for the family’s grief.
The family, who accessed the records early for review, reiterated their long-standing belief that James Earl Ray, the man convicted of King’s assassination, was not solely accountable, if at all.
“Transparency” or “Distraction”?
Trump, who promised to release related files during his candidacy, signed an executive order to declassify JFK, RFK, and MLK assassination records after assuming office in 2017. The latest release is seen by some critics as a diversion from the Epstein files controversy.
Despite the family’s and civil rights activists’ opposition, scholars, historians, and journalists await the chance to dive into these documents for fresh insights into King’s life and assassination.
Questioning the Official Account of King’s Assassination
King’s children continue to dispute the official explanation of their father’s assassination. They maintain that Ray was set up and point to a wrongful death case in 1999 where a jury concluded King had been targeted by a conspiracy.
“As we review these newly-released files,” the Kings said, “we will assess whether they offer additional insights beyond the findings our family has already accepted.”
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