The National Archives has released over 10,000 pages of previously unreleased documents related to the assassination of Senator Robert F. Kennedy in 1968, adding new dimensions to the historical understanding of this tragic event. This document release follows a similar disclosure concerning the assassination of President John F. Kennedy and has reignited discussions surrounding the circumstances of RFK’s death and its aftermath.
The documents were made public by Tulsi Gabbard, the director of national intelligence, and include more than 200 PDFs that detail various aspects of the investigation into Robert Kennedy’s assassination. The release contains information about the shooting that occurred on June 4, 1968, at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles, where Kennedy was addressing supporters after winning the California primary. According to the documents, he was shot by Sirhan Sirhan, a Palestinian Jordanian man, who was subsequently disarmed by bystanders.
The documents reveal critical details about the chaotic scene following the shooting, including the immediate medical response. Kennedy was critically wounded, suffering from gunshot wounds to the brain and shoulder, and was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery. He succumbed to his injuries approximately 26 hours later.
Investigators quickly identified Sirhan as the shooter, but the documents also indicate that there were concerns about the thoroughness of the investigation conducted by the Los Angeles Police Department. Some reports suggest that police discouragement of witness statements about a potential second gunman may have hindered a more comprehensive investigation into the assassination. Eyewitness accounts pointed to a mysterious woman in a polka dot dress being present at the scene and reportedly claiming that “we shot him,” yet such claims were not thoroughly pursued by investigators.
The newly released documents also contain details about Sirhan’s background and possible motives. Sirhan reportedly expressed a desire to kill Kennedy in writings found in his room, which included statements like “RFK must die.” During police interviews, he admitted to feeling a deep-seated obsession with eliminating Kennedy, although he also claimed to have no memory of the shooting itself. His defense team has previously suggested that he may have been hypnotized into committing the act.
In addition to Sirhan’s confession, the documents include communications from various agencies regarding the necessity of adhering to legal protocols given the historical context of presidential assassinations in the United States. This has led to renewed scrutiny of the investigation’s handling, as many believe that the authorities were too eager to conclude the case without exploring all possible avenues.
Public reaction to the assassination at the time was mixed and often conspiratorial. The documents reveal a significant public sentiment of distrust, with numerous letters sent to government officials questioning the integrity of the investigation and suggesting the possibility of a larger conspiracy. Some citizens expressed frustration over the unanswered questions surrounding the assassinations of prominent figures like Robert Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr., reflecting a societal atmosphere rife with skepticism and anxiety.
Despite the extensive nature of the document release, experts, including Professor Larry Sabato from the University of Virginia, have indicated that while the files provide additional context, they do not present groundbreaking revelations. They reaffirm the complexities surrounding RFK’s assassination, including Sirhan’s potential guilt and the missteps in the investigation that have contributed to enduring conspiracy theories.
As discussions continue regarding the implications of this document release, the call for a more thorough examination of the events surrounding Robert Kennedy’s assassination remains strong. The newly revealed materials underscore the need for transparency in historical investigations, particularly when they involve significant national figures and pivotal moments in American history.