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Revisiting the 1968 RFK Assassination

On June 5, 1968, Senator Robert F. Kennedy (RFK) was fatally shot at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles, moments after delivering a victory speech for the California Democratic primary. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) identified Sirhan Bishara Sirhan, a 24-year-old Palestinian-Jordanian, as the lone gunman, driven by Kennedy’s support for Israel. Sirhan was convicted in 1969 and sentenced to life in prison. Yet, lingering controversies over ballistics evidence, witness accounts, and potential conspiracies continue to fuel debate.

In April 2025, pursuant to Executive Order 14176 signed by President Donald J. Trump on January 23, 2025, the National Archives released approximately 10,185 pages of declassified records related to the RFK assassination. These documents, including FBI reports, witness statements, and Department of Justice communications, provide a detailed view of the 1968 investigation. Analyzing this extensive collection will require significant time due to its volume. Compared to the recently released John F. Kennedy (JFK) assassination files, the RFK records are better organized, though the improvement is marginal. This article explores critical findings from the declassified records, ongoing controversies, and their historical significance.

Navigating the Declassified RFK Assassination Records

The April 2025 release includes 10,185 pages across 229 PDF files, encompassing FBI investigative files, witness testimonies, and official correspondence, alongside collections like Robert F. Kennedy’s Attorney General Files and Jean Stein’s Personal Papers. This analysis focuses on key documents, such as FBI reports (e.g., “44-bh-1772-part_1_of_2.pdf,” “166-12c-1_section_1-part_1_of_5.pdf”), which represent the broader release. The following sections highlight the primary findings and their implications.

Unmasking Sirhan Sirhan’s Motive and Actions

The records confirm Sirhan Sirhan’s role as the assailant. Born in Jerusalem, Jordan, and immigrating to the United States in 1957, Sirhan worked as an exercise boy at Santa Anita Race Track until a 1966 horse-riding accident deepened his isolation. Interviews with acquaintances, such as Specialist Four Bruce Fulton, portray Sirhan as an introvert with strong ties to Jordan and animosity toward U.S. support for Israel.

FBI files reveal handwritten notes in Sirhan’s room, including a statement that “RFK must be disposed of”. Initial handwriting analysis was inconclusive due to limited samples, but later confirmation tied these writings to Sirhan. Witnesses Humphrey Cordero and Enrique Rabago reported Sirhan at the Ambassador Hotel on June 4, 1968, making derogatory remarks about Kennedy’s wealth and influence. Evidence of Sirhan practicing at a shooting range days prior establishes premeditation.

A June 1968 Attorney General statement declares no evidence of a conspiracy was found, framing the assassination as an individual act. This aligns with Sirhan’s 1969 conviction and ongoing imprisonment.

Mapping the 1968 Investigation’s Efforts

The records detail the FBI and LAPD’s extensive investigation:

• Crime Scene Evidence: Sirhan used an eight-shot .22 caliber Iver Johnson pistol, with all shots expended. Additional .22 caliber bullets and a sales receipt were found in his car.
• Witness Testimonies: Hotel staff and campaign workers corroborated Sirhan’s presence and behavior.
• Public Response: Letters, such as Robert W. Murphy’s to the President on June 10, 1968, demanded severe punishment for Sirhan. International memorial services in Ottawa, Paris, and London underscored Kennedy’s global influence.

Chasing the “Girl in the Polka-Dot Dress” Enigma

A compelling investigative lead involves a woman in a polka-dot dress, reported by witness Sandy Serrano, a 20-year-old Youth for Kennedy worker. Serrano claimed the woman fled the hotel post-shooting, exclaiming, “We shot him!”. The LAPD could not identify her, despite three women, including Kathy Fulmer, claiming to be the individual. Serrano rejected each, stating, “You’ve got to be color-blind to think that’s the girl.” The records provide no resolution, keeping this lead central to conspiracy theories.

Dismantling Early Conspiracy Theories

The documents address early speculation, such as Mayor Samuel W. Yorty’s claim that Sirhan was linked to the W. E. B. DuBois Clubs of America, a Marxist organization. FBI investigations and Communist Party leader Dorothy Healy’s statements found no evidence of such ties, with the Party planning legal action against Yorty. This highlights the challenge of separating fact from rumor in high-profile investigations.

Scrutinizing Persistent RFK Assassination Controversies

Challenging Ballistics Evidence

Dr. Thomas Noguchi’s autopsy reported Kennedy was shot from behind at close range (1–3 inches), with bullets entering at an upward angle. Witnesses placed Sirhan 3–6 feet in front of Kennedy, raising questions about the fatal shots’ origin. A 1975 ballistics panel found bullets could not be definitively matched to Sirhan’s gun. The records confirm the eight-shot pistol but lack detailed forensic reports on bullet trajectories or crime scene analysis, leaving these discrepancies unresolved and fueling second-gunman theories.

Grappling with Lost Evidence

The LAPD’s destruction of evidence, including a door frame and ceiling tiles from the Ambassador Hotel’s pantry, was criticized in a 1977 Los Angeles District Attorney’s report as a “serious lack of judgment”. The records do not address this issue, and the absence of forensic details heightens concerns about missing clues.

Evaluating State Department Cable Claims

Initial reports suggested State Department cables discussed RFK’s assassination before June 5, 1968, implying foreknowledge. The released documents contain no such cables, suggesting these claims may be exaggerated or misreported.

Advancing Historical Clarity

The 2025 RFK assassination records offer a comprehensive view of the 1968 investigation, confirming Sirhan’s role and motives. However, their lack of forensic evidence limits their ability to resolve ballistics controversies or conspiracy theories. The records underscore the challenges of historical truth-seeking, particularly when evidence is destroyed or withheld, and align with broader efforts toward government transparency.

Paving the Way for Future Research

Analyzing the full 10,185-page collection will require significant time due to its extensive scope. Further declassifications, particularly of forensic reports or additional witness accounts, could clarify ballistics discrepancies. Advanced forensic techniques, such as reanalyzing audio recordings or reconstructing the crime scene, may yield new insights. Researchers should cross-reference these records with the California State Archives’ LAPD files, which include investigation documents and evidence items.

Reflecting on the RFK Assassination’s Lasting Questions

The April 2025 release of RFK assassination records provides critical insights into the 1968 investigation, confirming Sirhan Sirhan’s role while leaving pivotal questions unanswered. Unresolved leads, like the “girl in the polka-dot dress,” and missing forensic details sustain debates about a possible second gunman or cover-up. Better organized than the recent JFK files, though only marginally, these records highlight the need for continued research and transparency to fully understand a defining moment in American history.

Key Citations

• Executive Order 14176, January 23, 2025. White House
• RFK Assassination Records. National Archives
• RFK Autopsy Report. Mary Ferrell Foundation
• RFK Assassination Overview. Mary Ferrell Foundation
• “Trump Declassifying JFK, RFK, MLK Records.” Forbes, January 23, 2025
• Fact Sheet: JFK, RFK, MLK Files Release. White House
• RFK Assassination Investigation Records. California State Archives