CIA reveals secrets about RFK's assassination through newly released documents
- The CIA released 54 newly declassified documents about the RFK assassination.
- The documents detail Sirhan Sirhan's psychological assessments and CIA's public relations strategies post-assassination.
- This release contributes to greater transparency related to high-profile political assassinations in the U.S.
In Washington, a new batch of declassified documents concerning the assassination of Robert F. Kennedy was released by the CIA, acting on an executive order from former President Donald Trump in early 2021. This new information comprises 54 documents totaling 1,450 pages, which include various types of materials such as intelligence reports, news articles, and correspondence between agencies. It’s the first time details have been revealed regarding RFK sharing his experiences during an official trip to the Soviet Union in 1955 with CIA, highlighting his engagement in Cold War politics at an early stage. The documents shed light on the psychological assessments of Sirhan Sirhan, the man convicted of killing RFK in Los Angeles on June 5, 1968. In a July 1968 memo, federal authorities indicated they did not foresee Sirhan as someone who could commit such an act, suggesting he might have acted under precise instructions rather than being part of a broader conspiracy. Other insights include CIA efforts to influence public opinion following the assassination, such as a cable detailing the promotion of favorable coverage in Sri Lankan newspapers. The release of these documents aligns with ongoing efforts for transparency regarding the assassinations of prominent figures in American history, including JFK and Martin Luther King Jr. The efforts to disclose information were met with approval from various stakeholders, including RFK's son, who emphasized the significance of understanding historical events surrounding his father's death. The release is part of a broader trend initiated by the Trump administration to make previously classified information accessible to the public. Despite some documents remaining redacted, the released texts contribute significantly to the understanding of events leading up to RFK's assassination. This transparency movement aims to rebuild public trust in government actions, shedding light on previously obscured parts of American history. Furthermore, the mental state evaluations of Sirhan and the contexts in which they were made highlight the complexities surrounding the assassination and its aftermath. Looking at the broader historical context, the release of these documents is expected to fuel continued analysis and discussion surrounding conspiracy theories related to the case.