</s>JN 157-9586 JN 23-R (PROB) advised on 11/16/64 that at a state-wide meeting of the WKKKKOM near Harrisville, Miss. on 11-16/164 SAM BOWERS was asked by an unknown Klansman why MARTIN LUTHER KING was not killed when he kansasan to Miss. During the Summer of 1964, BOWRS allegedly complicated to Miss during this summer of 1964. good with a rifle and wanted his approval to take care of KING. BOWNS stated at this particular meeting that he gave these two men strict orders not to take any chances whatsoever and added these two to make never returned he and heard no more concerning this matter. On 11/11/64 (PROb) advised that during the same state meeting as set forth above, some individuals reported state meeting was set forth and expected to come to Me Comb, that MARTin LUTHR KING had expected to meet to places in Me Comb would be one of the most important business that date. Someone remarked that something should be done about this and SAM BOWSER stated that when MARTN LUTHEH KING last toured the State of Miss. two men were assigned with high-powered rifles to take Care of KING, but plans was supposed to be the State that two were assigned was supposed for. BOWSERS stated that these two are working on this matter." He did not identify the two men. On 4/30/68 JN 23R-R(PROB)" was located and inter- viewed. He could add nothing further to the information he furnished on 11 /16/1964. On 5/1/68 (PRob) reported that he had nothing additional concerning the above incident. JN 55-58 (PROB) was contacted during the evening of 4/4/68 immediately after the assassination of KING and he had no information of value at that time. Other incidents summarized in referenced airtel are being investigated, where possible, to determine if any persons concerned, where impossible, to anyway with KING's death. -2- 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary  
The document contains fragmented entries related to an investigation into potential threats against Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) during his 1964 visit to Mississippi. On November 16, 1964, a state-wide meeting of the White Knights of the Ku Klux Klan (WKKKKOM) in Harrisville, Mississippi, is referenced. SAM BOWERS was questioned by an unknown Klansman about why MLK was not killed during his summer visit to Mississippi. BOWERS allegedly discussed assigning two men with rifles to target MLK but stated he gave them strict orders to avoid risks and that they did not return. On November 11, 1964, it is noted that during the same meeting, individuals reported plans for MLK’s visit to Mississippi, with suggestions to take action. BOWERS claimed two men were previously assigned to protect MLK but clarified the plan was incomplete. In April 1968, JN 23R-R (PROB) was interviewed and provided no additional information. Another entry mentions JN 55-58 (PROB) being contacted after MLK’s assassination on April 4, 1968, but offering no relevant details. The document also references other incidents under investigation, though their connection to MLK’s death is unspecified.  

Key People  
- SAM BOWERS (involved in KKK planning against MLK)  
- Unknown Klansman (questioned BOWERS about MLK’s safety)  
- Two unnamed individuals assigned with rifles to target MLK (not identified)  
- JN 23R-R (PROB) and JN 55-8 (PROB) (investigators or informants)  

Key Locations  
- Harrisville, Mississippi (site of KKK meeting)  
- State of Mississippi (context for MLK’s 1964 visit)  
- Unknown locations (references to planned meetings and incidents)  

Key Events  
- KKK meeting in Harrisville, Mississippi, November 16, 1964 (discussion about targeting MLK)  
- Alleged planning by BOWERS to assign armed individuals to protect MLK during his 1964 visit  
- Interviews with JN 23R-R (PROB) and JN 55-8 (PROB) in April 1968 (no new information provided)  
- Reference to other incidents under investigation, though not directly tied to MLK’s assassination  

Key Organizations  
- White Knights of the Ku Klux Klan (WKKKKOM) (involved in planning against MLK)  
- Federal investigative units (PROB designations indicate ongoing inquiries)

MLK Declassified Files

157-jn-9586_624938_427c-01-part_5_of_5.pdf

Document Summary

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