Trump's release of assassination docs opens window into nation's most debated mysteries
A trove of long-classified government documents related to some of the most politically charged assassinations in modern American history — including the death of former President John F. Kennedy — may finally be made public.
The release of these documents marks the latest chapter in a decades-long saga that has fueled conspiracy theories, historical debates, and widespread fascination.
On Thursday, former President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at declassifying files related to the assassinations of John F. Kennedy, his brother and presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy, and civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. The order mandates that security agencies develop plans for releasing the records.
The government's full findings on these killings have remained hidden for decades, leaving a void of unanswered questions and fueling speculation. The three men, national and international icons, left legacies that continue to influence society, and their untimely deaths have been immortalized in books, films, and controversies.
“A lot of people have been waiting for this moment for decades,” Trump said. “Everything will be revealed.”
John F. Kennedy Assassination (Nov. 22, 1963)
The assassination of President John F. Kennedy in Dallas, Texas, remains one of the most shocking moments in American history. Kennedy, who led the nation through tense moments like the Cuban Missile Crisis, was shot while riding in a motorcade and waving to crowds from an open-roof car.
Lee Harvey Oswald was arrested less than an hour after the shooting but was himself killed on live television two days later by nightclub owner Jack Ruby. The Warren Commission concluded that both Oswald and Ruby acted alone.
However, skepticism about the commission’s findings persists, with many theorizing that other entities, such as the CIA or Cuba, were involved. These doubts, along with questions about the number of shooters and bullets, have ingrained the Kennedy assassination in popular culture, even being parodied on shows like Seinfeld.
Martin Luther King Jr. Assassination (April 4, 1968)
Civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee, while standing on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel. King was in the city to support striking sanitation workers and was preparing to leave for dinner when he was fatally shot.
James Earl Ray, an escaped convict, confessed to the killing and was sentenced to 99 years in prison. However, Ray later recanted, claiming he was set up by a man named Raoul. This claim, along with allegations involving the mafia and Memphis police, has kept theories alive for decades.
The Justice Department has reviewed various claims, including one from a former FBI agent who linked Raoul to both King’s and Kennedy’s assassinations. Despite these theories, King’s murder remains officially attributed to Ray.
Robert F. Kennedy Assassination (June 5, 1968)
Robert F. Kennedy, a champion of civil rights and former Attorney General, was assassinated in Los Angeles shortly after winning the California Democratic primary. He was on his way to address the press when he was shot in the kitchen of the Ambassador Hotel.
Sirhan Sirhan, a Palestinian immigrant, was convicted of the killing and remains in prison. However, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has questioned Sirhan's role, claiming his father was shot by someone connected to the CIA.
The release of these documents could provide new insights into these tragic events that shaped the course of American history. For decades, the lack of transparency has fueled speculation, and many hope this move will bring clarity and closure.
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