The director of National Intelligence has disclosed that newly digitizable documents regarding the assassinations of Sen. Robert F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr. are set to be released soon.
During a special announcement at the White House, Tulsi Gabbard revealed that these documents, which have remained unseen for decades, are in the process of being scanned and will be released in the coming days, as Breitbart reports.
The disclosure took place with the notable presence of President Donald Trump and Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr., adding a personal aspect to the proceedings.
Gabbard shared that an extensive team has been diligently scanning documents related to the tragic deaths of RFK Sr. and MLK Jr. She noted that these crucial files had been stored away in boxes for many years, untouched and unexamined. Describing the dedicated effort, Gabbard said, “We’ve been scanning -- I’ve had over a hundred people working around the clock.”
This task takes on added significance given the content of the files, which pertain to pivotal historical figures. Both Kennedy and King were monumental figures, each having played critical roles in shaping modern American society before their untimely deaths. The upcoming release is, therefore, likely to garner substantial public interest. President Trump's reaction to the news was one of encouragement. He expressed a personal connection to the situation, acknowledging the emotional gravity, especially for RFK Jr. Trump responded positively, referencing the historical and familial significance by remarking, “That's hitting close to home.”
The announcement comes amid a broader initiative led by the Trump administration. Back in January, Trump signed an executive order to release various assassination records relating to John F. Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy, and Martin Luther King Jr. Notably, the John F. Kennedy documents were made public earlier in the year.
RFK Jr., who experienced the heartbreaking loss of his father as a teenager, was present during Gabbard’s statement. The assassination of his father occurred in a momentous context, just after RFK Sr. secured the California Democrat presidential primary victory in June 1968. RFK Jr. expressed feelings of gratitude for the transparency, saying he felt “very gratified” by the impending release.
Gabbard highlighted the personal aspect of the release for RFK Jr. “You let Bobby see some of this because, you know, it's very personal stuff,” Gabbard noted, reflecting on how the documents hold deeper meaning for him beyond their historical intrigue. In recent years, there has been an increased push towards clarity and transparency relating to political assassinations in America. Gabbard mentioned how the information chain concerning the JFK records was entirely open, with “no redactions.”
The future availability of these documents adds a layer of anticipation among those eager to uncover new insights into the events leading to the demise of these leaders. Such figures left a lasting impact, reshaping facets of American culture and policy.
Gabbard also conveyed how RFK Jr. stressed the necessity of this release. “The world needs to know the truth,” she conveyed, sharing his sentiment to ensure a complete historical understanding. Transparency serves not only the cause of justice but also historical accuracy.
Later, the announcement provided context for Trump’s intentions to establish a specialized commission examining presidential assassinations, an idea he floated during his 2024 campaign. This strategy comes following an attempted attack on Trump's life during a rally, promising to engage with and honor those like RFK Jr. who have been deeply affected.
As the public and historians await the release, it remains to be seen how these documents might reshape current understanding of these hallmark events. The effort to declassify and disseminate previously inaccessible records is, in part, a gesture towards a more informed citizenry.
The approaching release thus captures public attention, both for its content and the circumstances surrounding the announcement. Whether the scanned files offer new revelations or confirm existing narratives remains to be revealed. However, what remains unmistakable is the significance of making these documents available, offering a testament to both historical legacy and continuing the pursuit of truth.
