</s>44- Ho- 38861 E6206 E5F 44-HO-38861-E6286 ATTENTION BEFORE CHANGING CLASSIFICATION OR PROCESSING ANY DOCUMENT FROM THIS FILE FOR RELEASE TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC, CONTACT FO/PA SECTION UNIT D, EXT. 5767. F/B/D/OJ 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary  
The documents detail allegations of an assassination plot against Martin Luther King Jr., involving Clifton B. Baird, a retired Louisville police officer, and his wife Mary Baird. In 1977, Baird allegedly claimed he received an offer from an unidentified individual to kill King for $500,000. The allegations were reported to U.S. Representative Gene Snyder (R-KY), who informed the House Select Committee on Assassinations (HSCA) and FBI agents. Baird’s wife stated her husband had not shared details of the offer with her but claimed he was threatened by the FBI over a decade prior. The FBI attempted to interview Baird in March 1977, but he refused, citing threats and frustration with the investigation. The documents also reference James Earl Ray, who was serving a life sentence in Tennessee for King’s assassination, and mention discrepancies in claims about financial offers (e.g., $500,000 vs. $600,000). Baird’s alleged letter to Snyder and his interactions with the HSCA are noted, though some details remain unclear or unverified.  

Key People  
- **Clifton B. Baird**: Retired Louisville police officer allegedly involved in an assassination plot against MLK, claimed to have received a $500,000 offer.  
- **Mary Baird**: Wife of Clifton Baird, who stated her husband did not share details of the alleged plot with her and mentioned FBI threats.  
- **Gene Snyder (R-KY)**: U.S. Representative informed of the allegations and involved in reporting them to HSCA and FBI.  
- **James Earl Ray**: Convicted killer of MLK, serving a life sentence in Tennessee; referenced in documents as a subject of investigation.  
- **Alexander T. Taft, Jr.**: FBI agent involved in interviewing Baird and coordinating with the U.S. Attorney’s Office.  

Key Locations  
- **Louisville, KY**: Central to the allegations, where Baird resided and worked as a police officer.  
- **Memphis, TN**: Site of MLK’s assassination (April 4, 1968); mentioned in context of Ray’s conviction.  
- **Washington, D.C.**: Location of HSCA and FBI offices involved in the investigation.  

Key Events  
- **March 23, 1977**: Baird allegedly reported a conspiracy to assist in the MLK assassination investigation.  
- **March 26–29, 1977**: Multiple attempts by FBI agents and U.S. Attorney’s Office to interview Baird, who refused due to threats and frustration with the process.  
- **HSCA involvement**: The House Select Committee on Assassinations was informed of allegations, though details remain inconsistent or unverified.  
- **FBI investigation**: Agents reviewed claims about financial offers (e.g., $500,000) and Baird’s alleged interactions with the committee.  

Key Organizations  
- **House Select Committee on Assassinations (HSCA)**: Investigated allegations related to MLK’s assassination, including Baird’s claims.  
- **Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)**: Conducted interviews and reviewed evidence, including Baird’s alleged letter to Snyder.  
- **Fraternals Order of Police (FOP)**: Mentioned in context of Baird’s alleged involvement with the organization.  
- **U.S. Department of Justice**: Oversaw legal proceedings and coordination with FBI and HSCA.

MLK Declassified Files

44-hq-38861_hs1-233652821_30-05.pdf

Document Summary

Try AI Search