The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has officially declassified 54 documents related to the assassination of Senator Robert F. Kennedy (RFK), offering new insights into the circumstances surrounding the 1968 tragedy. These materials, released on Thursday, include 1,450 pages of previously restricted information, providing the public with a greater understanding of the events that led to RFK’s death and the agency’s assessment of the incident.
The release coincides with an executive order signed by former President Donald Trump to declassify historical records related to the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy, civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., and RFK. CIA Director John Ratcliffe emphasized that the release aligns with Trump’s commitment to transparency, enabling the agency to fulfill its duty to the American public.
Among the latest disclosures, the documents reveal RFK’s interactions with CIA during his time as a senator, specifically during his travels to the Soviet Union, where he reportedly shared his experiences. These insights reflect RFK’s dedication to his country. Additionally, the files provide a detailed psychological assessment of Sirhan Sirhan, the individual who assassinated RFK, suggesting that his actions were impulsive rather than premeditated.
The CIA’s release is part of a larger effort involving collaboration between the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), and the Department of Justice. The files indicate that while RFK was not seen as part of a conspiracy, Sirhan may have been influenced by external pressures or internal motivations, as noted in a personality assessment memo from 1968.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., RFK’s son, shared his thoughts on the matter during a recent interview, indicating his lack of awareness of his father’s dealings with the CIA during his 1955 trip. These revelations, while not directly related to the assassination, provide a broader context of RFK’s life and his interactions with U.S. intelligence, adding depth to the historical narrative.