Documents Released on Martin Luther King Jr. Assassination

A photograph captures a woman holding a poster of Martin Luther King Jr. at a workers' rally. The event took place in front of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., on October 17, 2004.

The Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, announced the release of over 230,000 pages of documents concerning the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. This action followed nearly six decades of questions surrounding the civil rights leader's death. The announcement was made on social media.

The released files contain details about the FBI's investigation into the assassination. They also include discussions of potential leads, internal FBI memos detailing the progress of the case, and information about James Earl Ray's former cellmate. The cellmate stated he discussed an alleged assassination plot with Ray.

Another photograph shows a carver working on the phrase "I HAVE A DREAM" on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. This was in preparation for the 40th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.'s famous speech. The event took place in Washington on July 25, 2003.

Shortly after taking office, on January 23, President Trump signed an executive order. This order aimed to declassify any remaining files related to the assassinations of John F. Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy, and Martin Luther King Jr.

Martin Luther King Jr. is recognized as a significant figure in the American civil rights movement. He is celebrated for his dedication to nonviolent campaigns against racial segregation and inequality. His "I Have a Dream" speech is also widely remembered.