</s>Memorandum to .r. Gallagher SPARTET Re: Report of the Department of Justice Task Force Per request of OPR, we have been assisting Task Force in its preparation of a report it intends to make public which is protective of privacy sensitive sources and classification concerns. OPR instructed original version of the Task Force's report was issued by the top secret and requested Bureau designate individuals to assist Task Force in classifying the original report and in preparing a publicly-released report. document classification Officer (Security Officer) of FBI document classification officer on 1/17/77, the report, Appendix A and classification matters and on 1/(17/71), the report. Appendix A Appendix A was classified on a paragraph-by-graphograph basis. Task Force in preparation of sanitized version invoking where possible approved classification standards. In spite of possible approval of the report is in this Bureau's counterintelligence interests in that sources and methods may, through logical speculation, is identified. U unless otherwise indicated. All information for this memorandum is unclassified RECOMMENDATION: Attached for approval is a letter to the AG setting forth our observations concerning this Task Force report. A APPROVED: Amm. A.M. M. M-T.A. HGTCA Director: Director: D.P. Ad. Adm. Ed. A: M.T. A-M.A-M-T-A S.C. T. Sorv. Assoc. D.D.M-A-A Gen. Inv. S.T ., T. S.T .. S.C .. 2/4 Dp. AD. Admn. A S.U.T, Inv. Dep. AD Iny.A Training -3- CONTINUED - OVER SUNDET 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary  
The documents detail multiple FBI administrative records and reviews related to the Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) assassination investigation, spanning 1962–1977. The Department of Justice Task Force reviewed the FBI’s investigation into MLK’s 1968 assassination in Memphis, Tennessee, concluding it was thorough and credible. James Earl Ray, who pled guilty to murder in Tennessee state court, was identified as the perpetrator. The report highlights the FBI’s extensive surveillance of MLK from 1962–1968, including electronic monitoring, informant networks, and harassment efforts aimed at discrediting him and his movement. Recommendations included legislative oversight of domestic security activities, restrictions on accessing sensitive files, and disciplinary actions for past misconduct. Separate records from 1976–1977 reflect FBI cost data reviews for the MLK case under Departmental Review, noting no unusual expenditures by field offices during December 1976. These reports reference internal administrative procedures, OPR Task Force inquiries into supervision of the investigation, and interviews with former Bureau officials.  

Key People  
- Martin Luther King Jr. (assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee, April 4, 1968)  
- James Earl Ray (convicted murderer of MLK; pled guilty in Tennessee state court)  
- Michael E. Shaheen, Jr. (counsel for Office of Professional Responsibility, involved in report preparation)  
- Clarence M. Kelley (FBI Director at the time of MLK’s assassination)  
- John and Jerry Ray (Ray’s brothers, discussed as potential accomplices)  
- R. A. P. Deegan (interviewed by OPR Task Force regarding Division 6’s handling of the case)  
- Special Agents in Charge (SACs) at multiple FBI field offices  

Key Locations  
- Memphis, Tennessee (site of MLK’s assassination and FBI surveillance operations)  
- FBI Headquarters (Washington, D.C.)  
- Knoxville, Jackson, Butte, El Paso, Little Rock, Miami, Mobile, Oklahoma City, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Memphis, Kansas City, New Haven, Birmingham, Albuquerque, Anchorage, Minneapolis, Portland, Omaha, Honolulu, Alexandria, Houston, Tampa, Norfolk (field offices involved in administrative reviews)  

Key Events  
- MLK’s assassination on April 4, 1968, in Memphis, Tennessee.  
- FBI surveillance of MLK from 1962–1968, including electronic monitoring and informant activities.  
- James Earl Ray’s guilty plea and conviction for murder in Tennessee state court.  
- Department of Justice Task Force review of FBI investigation (concluded no conspiracy or involvement by the FBI).  
- OPR Task Force review of supervision and instructions related to MLK assassination investigation (May 10, 1976–December 1976).  
- Administrative cost data reviews for MLK-related activities across multiple FBI field offices in December 1976.  
- Interview of former Bureau official R. A. P. Deegan by OPR on December 28, 1976.  

Key Organizations  
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)  
- Department of Justice (DOJ)  
- Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR)  
- Senate Select Committees on Intelligence Activities (1975 inquiries into FBI practices)  
- United States Attorney’s Office (involved in Ray’s prosecution)  
- Budget and Accounting Sections, Finance and Personnel Division (FBI internal divisions)  
- Special Agent in Charge (SAC) offices across multiple U.S. cities

MLK Declassified Files

44-hq-38861_hs1-233652821_29-05-part_3_of_4.pdf

Document Summary

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