- Over 100 personnel scanned 5,000+ pages of archived materials
- Executive order accelerated review of Cold War-era records
- New task force to evaluate COVID-19 origins and Havana Syndrome
The United States government is preparing to unveil never-before-seen materials related to two of America's most traumatic 20th century events. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard confirmed during Thursday's Cabinet meeting that documents concerning the 1968 assassinations of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Senator Robert F. Kennedy have been digitized after being stored in physical archives for 55 years.
This disclosure follows President Trump's January executive order mandating transparency for historical Cold War records. The scanning operation involved cross-agency collaboration, with teams working in three shifts to process fragile paperwork from FBI evidence lockers and CIA storage facilities. Historical preservation experts note the documents could reshape understanding of both cases, particularly regarding potential second shooters in RFK's death.
Memphis sanitation labor disputes played crucial role in MLK's final days. Dr. King had traveled to support African American workers earning $1.70/hour ($15.40 today) when 65% of city garbage collectors lacked insurance. This regional labor struggle context remains critical for interpreting assassination records.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., present at the Cabinet meeting, endorsed full disclosure despite personal implications. His stance contrasts with previous administrations that blocked document releases over national security concerns. The move aligns with growing public demand for government accountability - 72% of Americans in 2023 Pew survey supported declassifying historical Cold War files.
Parallel efforts continue through Gabbard's newly formed Transparency Task Force. This body will examine controversial modern issues including COVID-19's origins and Havana Syndrome cases affecting 200+ diplomats. Unlike the MLK/RFK review, these contemporary matters involve active intelligence sources requiring careful redaction.
James Earl Ray's contradictory confession and Sirhan Sirhan's ongoing parole bids add urgency to document releases. Legal analysts suggest newly revealed chain-of-custody records could impact current judicial proceedings. The National Archives plans to host digital exhibits with contextual analysis to help public interpretation.
