</s>got out in time and King were still alive, he would get the bounty on King (HQ 44-38861-4143). A prisoner who was at MSP from 1958 through 1965 stated Ray did not like Negroes and was capable of killing Dr. Martin. Luther King, Jr. (HQ44-3861-4113). Ray's psychological background is also a very important avenue of review. As a result of a voluntary psychiatric examination in 1966, Ray was described as having a sociopathic personality, antisocial type with anxiety and depressive features (HQ 43-3881-3505). In 1954, a prison sociologist stated that Ray's delinquencies seem to impulsive behavior, especially when drinking gue (HQ 40-38961-3333). These characteristics and comments about Ray support the opinion of psychologist Dr. Mark Freeman. While Ray was in Los Angeles he was a patient of Dr. Freeman. Dr. Freeman believes that Ray was potentially capable of assassination, was a self-motivated person who could act alone, and likely fantasized on being someone important. There were two matters involving Ray and blacks while outside prison which shed some light on whether his hatred of blacks and need for importance and profit could have motivated him to murder. While in Mexico in the fall -95- 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14178

The document details FBI surveillance and investigations into Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), focusing on alleged communist infiltration during the early 1960s. Key points include:  
- In 1963, the FBI authorized technical surveillance of MLK’s residence and SCLC offices in New York City after internal debates over communist influence in civil rights activism.  
- The Bureau’s security investigation of MLK was based on claims that his advisor, a person identified as a Communist Party USA (CPUSA) member, influenced his political strategies, speeches, and organizational activities. This advisor reportedly drafted MLK’s speeches and advised on fundraising and tax matters.  
- A 1964 task force review concluded the investigation’s initial justification may have been valid but its continuation was unwarranted due to lack of evidence linking MLK or SCLC to CPUSA. The Bureau provided no documentation confirming communist ties, though informants’ reports were cited as sources.  
- FBI surveillance included electronic monitoring at hotels (e.g., Willard Hotel in Washington, D.C.) and unauthorized entries into SCLC premises to gather intelligence. These actions violated Fourth Amendment protections and privileged relationships.  
- COINTELPRO tactics were employed to discredit MLK, including leaking false information about his personal life and family, targeting associates like Coretta King, Ralph Abernathy, and Andrew Young. The Bureau also attempted to influence political figures (e.g., Vice President Spiro Agnew) to undermine MLK’s credibility post-assassination.  
- Post-assassination efforts by the FBI included briefing Congress on MLK’s background to block a national holiday in his honor and distributing monographs to federal officials.  

The document also discusses an internal review of the FBI's surveillance and investigative activities related to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., concluding that Dr. King was not a threat to domestic security, having consistently adhered to non-violence and advocated for civil rights without endorsing violent subversion. The report criticizes the FBI's continued surveillance post-1963, noting that the advisor associated with Dr. King had disassociated from the Communist Party in 1963 due to its failure to support the civil rights movement. It asserts that the security investigation of Dr. King was unwarranted and may have violated federal statutes (18 U.S.C. 241/242). The report also highlights administrative failures by the Attorney General and FBI in overseeing internal security matters, including inadequate supervision of the FBI's activities during the murder investigation. Recommendations include stricter Department of Justice oversight of the FBI, control of public relations efforts by the Attorney General’s office, and ensuring minority representation within the FBI to improve race-related investigations.  

The document further details the FBI's investigation into the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., focusing on James Earl Ray's potential involvement. It outlines Ray's psychological profile, including his sociopathic personality and antisocial tendencies noted in psychiatric evaluations from 1966. Ray's alleged racist behavior is highlighted through incidents in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, where he expressed intent to kill Black individuals, and in Los Angeles, where he verbally threatened patrons at a bar. Financial activities are explored, noting Ray's expenditures post-escape from Missouri State Penitentiary, including car purchases and photo equipment, which suggested external funding sources. The FBI investigated potential connections between Ray and his family members, particularly Jerry and John Ray, who were allegedly involved in providing financial or logistical support. Despite efforts to trace Ray's funds, the Bureau concluded that he likely committed several robberies independently. The document also critiques the FBI's investigation process, noting delays in sharing information with Departmental officials and a lack of coordination during critical stages. It acknowledges the FBI's eventual identification of Ray through fingerprint analysis but questions whether alternative leads, such as family involvement, were sufficiently pursued.  

Key People  
- **Martin Luther King Jr.**: Central figure of the civil rights movement, subject of FBI surveillance and discrediting campaigns.  
- **Ralph Abernathy**: MLK’s close associate and SCLC leader, targeted for monitoring due to alleged "immoral activities."  
- **Coretta King**: MLK’s wife, scrutinized by the Bureau for travel patterns and allegedly plotted with Abernathy to sustain media attention after his assassination.  
- **Andrew Young**: SCLC leader, also monitored by the FBI.  
- **J. Edgar Hoover**: FBI Director who authorized surveillance and COINTELPRO activities against MLK and associates.  
- **William Sullivan**: FBI official involved in planning surveillance strategies and disseminating derogatory information about MLK.  
- **James Earl Ray (suspected assassin)**: Subject of FBI investigation, with alleged connections to his brothers Jerry and John Ray.  
- **Jerry Ray**: Ray’s brother, allegedly involved in financial or logistical support.  
- **John Ray**: Ray’s brother, visited Ray in prison and potentially aided him post-escape.  
- **Ima Morales**: Mexican woman who witnessed Ray’s racist remarks.  
- **Pat Goodell**: Female customer at a bar where Ray made threatening comments.  
- **Dr. Mark Freeman**: Psychologist who assessed Ray’s potential for violence.  

Key Locations  
- **Washington, D.C. (Willard Hotel)**: Site of electronic surveillance capturing private conversations between MLK and others.  
- **New York City**: Location of MLK’s residence and SCL.TC offices under technical surveillance.  
- **Memphis, Tennessee**: Site of King’s assassination.  
- **Missouri State Penitentiary**: Ray’s incarceration and escape location.  
- **Puerto Vallarta, Mexico**: Incident involving Ray’s racist behavior.  
- **Los Angeles, California**: Ray’s residence and employment at Wimbledon restaurant.  
- **St. Louis, Missouri**: Carol Pepper’s address linked to Ray’s prison money transfers.  
- **Atlanta**: Hub for FBI field operations targeting MLK’s associates and monitoring activities related to the assassination.  

Key Events  
- **1963 Surveillance Authorization**: FBI approved electronic monitoring of MLK’s home and SCLC office following debates over communist influence in civil rights activism.  
- **1964 Task Force Review**: A review concluded that while initial investigations may have been justified, continued surveillance lacked evidence of CPUSA ties to MLK or SCLC.  
- **COINTELPRO Activities**: FBI engaged in discrediting MLK through leaks, false information, and targeting associates to disrupt his movement.  
- **Post-Assassination Efforts**: Bureau briefed Congress on MLK’s background to block a national holiday and distributed monographs to federal officials.  
- **FBI’s Identification of Ray**: Through fingerprint analysis after his escape from prison.  
- **Ray’s Financial Activities**: Post-escape expenditures, including car purchases and photo equipment, suggesting external funding sources.  
- **Family Connections**: Investigation into Ray’s brothers Jerry and John for alleged financial or logistical support.  
- **Unauthorized Entries**: FBI conducted illegal entries into SCLC premises to gather intelligence, including obtaining specimens of MLK’s handwriting.  
- **Administrative Failures**: Criticism of the Attorney General and FBI for inadequate oversight during the murder investigation.  

Key Organizations  
- **Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)**: Conducted surveillance, COINTELPRO operations, and investigations into MLK and the SCLC.  
- **Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC)**: Organization led by MLK, subject to FBI monitoring and discrediting efforts.  
- **U.S. Department of Justice**: Involved in post-assassination efforts to block a national holiday honoring MLK.  
- **Civil Rights Division**: Oversight of the investigation and legal proceedings.  
- **Memphis Police Department**: Initially involved in the investigation but later deemed uncooperative by the FBI.  
- **Office of Public Information (proposed control over FBI communications)**: Mentioned as part of recommendations for restructuring FBI oversight.  
- **COINTELPRO (counterintelligence program referenced as unlawful)**: Employed tactics to discredit MLK and disrupt civil rights activities.

MLK Declassified Files

44-om-310_763633_15-07-part_3_of_5.pdf

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