Director of National Intelligence Releases Historic MLK Assassination Files

Washington, D.C. - On July 21, 2025, Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Tulsi Gabbard made public over 230,000 pages of documents related to the assassination of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (MLK). This release complies with Executive Order 14176, signed by President Donald J. Trump, which mandated the declassification of records tied to the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy, Senator Robert F. Kennedy, and Dr. King.

This comprehensive effort reflects President Trump's commitment to full transparency concerning these historic events, with the release executed in collaboration with the Department of Justice (DOJ), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), and National Archives and Records Administration (NARA).

Notably, this is the first time the MLK case files have been digitized and made available in a centralized and publicly-accessible format, encompassing materials previously stored across various federal agencies for decades.

The newly declassified records provide key details on the FBI's investigative activities concerning Dr. King's assassination. Among the files are internal memos highlighting investigative progress, discussions on potential leads, and information concerning James Earl Ray, the man convicted of Dr. King's murder.

The documents include revelations regarding a statement from Ray's former cellmate, who alleged Ray discussed an assassination plot.

Additionally, the release contains previously unknown foreign intelligence sourced from Canadian police regarding Ray's escape, as well as CIA files documenting the international search for the prime suspect.

The National Archives' website, archives.gov/mlk, now hosts the files, accessible with limited redactions for sensitive information such as Social Security Numbers and grand jury proceedings. All records have undergone a prioritized interagency declassification process to ensure confidentiality laws are upheld.

Statements From Leadership

Dr. Alveda King, niece of the civil rights leader, praised the initiative, stating, "I am grateful to President Trump and DNI Gabbard for delivering on their pledge of transparency in the release of these documents. My uncle lived boldly in pursuit of truth and justice, and this historic step is a testament to his enduring legacy."

DNI Tulsi Gabbard expressed the significance of this release, remarking, "The American people have waited nearly 60 years to see the full scope of the federal investigation into Dr. King's assassination. Under President Trump's leadership, no stone has been left unturned in our effort to provide accountability and transparency for this critical moment in American history."

Attorney General Pamela Bondi added, "The American people deserve answers decades after the horrific assassination of one of our nation's greatest leaders. The Department of Justice is honored to support this unprecedented disclosure."

CIA Director John Ratcliffe emphasized his agency's role in ensuring transparency, adding, "This release marks a significant milestone in the CIA's mission to serve the public interest with information that shines a light on history."

Acting U.S. Archivist and Secretary of State Marco Rubio affirmed NARA's commitment, saying, "Preserving, protecting, and releasing government records is at the core of our mission. Under President Trump's direction, NARA has worked at an unprecedented pace to bring these historic documents to the public."

Details of the Release

The records include more than 230,000 pages of documentation and encompass work from multiple federal organizations over decades. The materials were provided for review to members of the King family two weeks prior to this public release.

The declassification process prioritized unavailable records, and files will continue to be added to the public database as additional materials are located and processed.

Documents now available cover a vast array of subjects, including:

• FBI records codename "MURKIN" regarding the MLK investigation.
• CIA intelligence related to James Earl Ray's international pursuit.
• Department of State files concerning Ray's extradition from the United Kingdom.

Researchers and interested parties can access the digitized files at archives.gov/mlk, where additional resources include guidance on navigating the collection.

This release represents a significant moment in the nation's ongoing reckoning with tragic events that shaped its history and reflects a broader campaign to bring transparency and clarity to pivotal moments from the past.