</s>PAGE TWO AT NC CLURE, ILLINOIS, FIVE FOOT NINE, ONE FIFTY POUNDS, MEDIUM BUILD, BLUE EYES, DARK BROWN THINNING HAIR, FBI NUMBER IDENT DIV IS REQUESTED TO COMPARE GIBSONS FINGERPRINTS WITH ANY LATENTS FOUND. ST. LOUIS IS FORWARDING RECENT PHOTO OF GIBSON TO MEMPHIS. P. END BKS FBI MEMPHISS X 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Summary  
The documents detail FBI investigations into potential connections to the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., focusing on individuals such as Bud Mitchell, Robert Mullin, Mickey Busby, Vincent Paul De Palma, and Richard Kinst. Bud Mitchell, described as a 25–30-year-old man with a pale yellow Mustang (Maryland license plate GJ783), allegedly possessed a pistol and rifle and claimed to have visited Memphis to see King but was turned away due to snow. He was linked to Robert Mullin and Mickey Busby, students at Memphis State University who traveled from Memphis to Knoxville. Vincent De Palma, a former Minuteman, was scrutinized for his movements in New England, including visits to Bristol, Connecticut, and Rhode Island, with FBI inquiries into his alleged firearm possession. The documents reference composite suspect descriptions, vehicle rentals (e.g., a light green Ford Mustang in Memphis), and forensic analysis of a bathroom window dent potentially linked to a Remington rifle (serial number 461476). A separate investigation mentions Robert De Pugh, leader of the Minutemen group, who was wanted by federal authorities. A "strike team" is referenced as possibly targeting MLK if De Pugh were arrested, with De Palma (code name Willard) linked to a Memphis hotel where MLK stayed. Richard Kinst’s travel between Colorado Springs, St. Louis, and Nashville in April 1968 was noted, alongside requests to analyze beer can tax stamps for distribution area links.  

Key People  
- **Bud Mitchell**: 25–30-year-old man with a pale yellow Mustang (license plate GJ783), allegedly possessed a pistol and rifle; claimed to have visited Memphis to see King but was turned away due to snow.  
- **Robert Mullin** and **Mickey Busby**: Memphis State University students interviewed regarding travel from Memphis to Knoxville; associated with Bud Mitchell’s movements.  
- **Vincent Paul De Palma**: Former Minuteman linked to FBI inquiries; visited Bristol, Connecticut, and Rhode Island; alleged firearm possession; possibly connected to assassination plot via Memphis hotel registration.  
- **Robert De Pugh**: Leader of the Minutemen group, wanted by federal authorities; referenced in a "strike team" plot targeting MLK if arrested.  
- **Richard Kinst**: Suspected individual with travel ties to Memphis and Nashville; flight records indicate movement between Colorado Springs, St. Louis, and Nashville in April 1968.  
- **Edward Bumgardner** and **Robert Bagwell**: Former FBI agent and informant linked to De Pugh’s fugitive status; Bagwell interviewed for information on De Pugh’s whereabouts.  
- **Barbara Gallegos**: Contacted Denver office regarding artist sketch of suspect.  

Key Locations  
- **Memphis, Tennessee**: Central to investigations; includes vehicle rentals (e.g., light green Ford Mustang), interviews with witnesses, and hotel registration linked to MLK’s stay.  
- **St. Louis, Missouri**: Forwarded recent photo of Bud Mitchell to Memphis; paper bag registered to Graham Papercopy Co. found near assassination site.  
- **New Haven, Connecticut**: Involves Vincent De Palma’s movements and FBI inquiries.  
- **Rhode Island** and **Bristol, Connecticut**: De Palma’s residence and travel history; Bristol visit included hospital stay for his mother’s nervous condition.  
- **Independence, Missouri**: De Palma’s residence; linked to Minutemen group.  
- **Colorado Springs, Colorado**: Flight records tied to Richard Kinst’s travel.  
- **Denver, Colorado**: FBI office involved in case.  

Key Events  
- **April 4–5, 1968**: Bud Mitchell allegedly visited Memphis, claiming possession of a pistol and rifle; FBI checked his movements and vehicle rental records (light green Ford Mustang rented under unit number 87).  
- **March 29–30, 1968**: Vincent De Palma’s whereabouts scrutinized by FBI in New England.  
- **April 5, 1968**: Forensic analysis of a bathroom window dent near Lorraine Motel linked to potential Remington rifle (serial number 461476).  
- **Investigation into assassination plots**: Mentioned "strike team" targeting MLK if Robert De Pugh were arrested; De Palma (code name Willard) linked to Memphis hotel where MLK stayed.  
- **Tax stamp analysis**: Request to determine beer can distribution area near assassination site.  
- **Flight records**: Richard Kinst’s travel between Colorado Springs, St. Louis, and Nashville in April 1968 noted.  

Key Organizations  
- **FBI Memphis Division**: Conducted interviews, vehicle checks, and forensic analysis.  
- **FBI New Haven Division**: Inquired into Vincent De Palma’s movements and firearm possession.  
- **Minutemen**: Group associated with Robert De Pugh; referenced in assassination plot discussions.  
- **Graham Papercopy Co.**: Registered owner of paper bag found near assassination site.  
- **Delta Airlines**: Provided travel records for William J. Lehmeier.

MLK Declassified Files

44-me-1987_hs1-852611265_62-02-part_2_of_2.pdf

Document Summary

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