President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to declassify thousands of documents related to the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy, Senator Robert F. Kennedy, and civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. This decision aims to shed light on events that have fueled speculation and conspiracy theories for decades.
JFK Assassination: Key Questions Remain
Dr. Michael Baden, a prominent forensic pathologist who worked with the House Select Committee on Assassinations, described the move as an opportunity to clarify unanswered questions. He noted that while many JFK-related files are public, 14,000 additional documents remain classified.
“The unreleased documents could address longstanding gaps in the investigation, such as Lee Harvey Oswald’s connections and activities leading up to the assassination,” Baden told Fox News.
Oswald, accused of killing President Kennedy, visited Mexico City before the assassination. Reports suggest he met with officials at the Cuban and Soviet embassies. Baden believes the declassified files might reveal whether Oswald collaborated with foreign agents, which could confirm or challenge theories of foreign involvement.
“Our panel concluded Oswald acted alone, firing three shots,” Baden said. He acknowledged flaws in the original autopsy, which contributed to conspiracy theories about multiple shooters.
The first bullet struck a curb, the second hit Kennedy’s upper back, and the third fatally struck his head. However, Baden criticized the initial autopsy for its poor quality.
“The doctor performing it lacked homicide autopsy experience,” Baden explained. This oversight led to confusion about the bullet trajectory, sparking theories of a second shooter.
Mafia Connections and Political Motives
Baden speculated that organized crime might have played a role in Kennedy’s assassination. He pointed to tensions between President Kennedy and the Italian Mafia.
“Organized crime helped Kennedy secure Illinois during the election, but his administration launched investigations into the Mafia,” Baden noted. This shift in policy could have provided motive for retaliation.
Other Assassinations Under Scrutiny
The declassification also covers the murders of Senator Robert F. Kennedy and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
RFK was shot in 1968 while running for president. Sirhan Sirhan, the convicted assassin, claimed to have no memory of the attack, raising questions about whether others were involved.
Similarly, debates persist over whether James Earl Ray, convicted of King’s murder, acted alone or as part of a conspiracy. King’s assassination in 1968 led to widespread unrest and has remained a focal point of historical inquiry.
Transparency vs. Redaction
President Trump’s decision aligns with his administration’s emphasis on government transparency. Supporters believe the move will clarify the historical record and answer lingering questions about these pivotal events.
Critics, however, caution that some documents may still be heavily redacted or fail to provide definitive conclusions.
Baden expressed hope that the release would allow historians and the public to gain a fuller understanding of the motives and circumstances behind these tragedies.
“The files could bridge gaps in our knowledge, offering new insights into individuals and events that shaped American history,” Baden said.
A Step Toward Accountability
For many, the declassification represents a long-overdue step toward addressing decades of speculation. Whether the newly released documents bring clarity or spark new debates, they mark a significant moment in the pursuit of truth and transparency in American history.
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