The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has recently released 54 declassified documents that provide new insight into the circumstances leading up to the assassination of Senator Robert F. Kennedy (RFK) in 1968. The documents were made public following an executive order signed by former President Donald Trump, which aimed to increase transparency regarding key historical events, particularly those involving prominent figures like President John F. Kennedy and civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.
Among the newly disclosed materials is information regarding RFK’s collaboration with the CIA, including details about his experiences during a 1955 trip to the former Soviet Union, where he served as a Senate aide. These documents reveal how RFK shared insights with the agency about the political dynamics of the region and his personal observations regarding Soviet activities. The materials also include the CIA’s internal assessments of Sirhan Sirhan, the man who shot RFK in Los Angeles on June 5, 1968. These evaluations suggest that federal authorities at the time believed Sirhan’s actions were more impulsive than premeditated and likely not part of a larger conspiracy.
The release coincides with discussions about the broader effort to provide the public with information on significant historical events. It is a collaborative effort led by former President Trump and spearheaded by former Hawaii Senator Tulsi Gabbard, with support from the CIA, FBI, Department of Justice, and the National Archives. This initiative reflects a long-standing demand for transparency in government operations, particularly regarding incidents that have fueled numerous conspiracy theories over the years.
In addition to the CIA’s contributions, the release of these documents comes amid ongoing investigations into other historical cases, prompting speculation about the potential for further revelations. The materials are now available through official government websites, allowing the public to explore the contents at their own discretion. Some experts and historical researchers have already begun examining the documents to uncover new details about the events that led to RFK’s assassination and the agency’s role in the aftermath.
Meanwhile, RFK’s son, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has spoken publicly about the release of the documents, highlighting the significance of the information while expressing personal curiosity about his father’s activities during this period. He has described the process of discovering new details about his father’s work with the CIA, emphasizing how it has deepened his understanding of the historical context and RFK’s contributions to U.S. foreign policy.