Who Killed Martin Luther King Jr.?

Who was MLK?

• The most prominent Civil Rights leader of the era, MLK was in Memphis, TN in April of 1968 after a successful march for the rights of sanitation workers in the city in February .

I’ve Been to the Mountaintop

• And then I got to Memphis. And some began to say the threats... or talk about the threats that were out. What would happen to me from some of our sick white brothers? Well, I don't know what will happen now. We've got some difficult days ahead. But it doesn't matter with me now. Because I've been to the mountaintop. And I don't mind. Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I'm not concerned about that now. I just want to do God's will. And He's allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I've looked over. And I've

seen

the promised land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the promised land! [applause] And so I'm happy, tonight. I'm not worried about anything. I'm not fearing any man. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord!

Death Threats and the Assassination • King had received death threats, including a threat to blow up his plane on the way to Memphis, for days prior to his assassination. • On April 4, 1968, MLK was shot and killed while staying at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis.

The Suspect

• James Earl Ray was the immediate suspect due to the fact that it was reported the shot was fired from his room and a rifle with his finger prints was found nearby. He was caught two months later with a false ID trying to leave the country.

Confession and Sentencing

• Ray confessed to the murder on March 10, 1969, in part to avoid a trial and death sentence, and was given a 99 year sentence for the murder of King.

• Almost immediately after going to prison, though, Ray, recanted his confession and spent the rest of his life denying that he was the killer.

Controversies and Questions?

• Ray always claimed a man named “ Raoul ” had planned and executed the crime, though “Raoul” was never identified nor found.

Questions and Controversies?

• The FBI revealed that King was under constant surveillance and that Bureau Chief Hoover hated King. He had even attempted to blackmail King into taking his own life by sending tapes of King’s adultery to his wife.

Controversies and Questions?

“King, look into your heart. You know you are a complete fraud and a great liability…an evil and vicious one at that…there is but one way out for you…you better take it before your filthy self is bared to the nation.”

Controversies and Questions?

• Why were security details assigned to protect King taken off-duty at the time of the murder?

• Did the $50,000 bounty on King’s head encourage other shooters that were never investigated?

• Did the local police ignore threats and leave King vulnerable based on revenge for his part in the city’s sanitation strikes earlier in the year?

Who Killed Malcolm X?

Malcolm X

• A member of the Nation of Islam until 1964, Malcolm X fought for equal rights for the black community until his assassination on February 21, 1965.

The Assassination

• On February 21, 1965, Malcolm X was shot and killed by three to five assailants as he prepared to give a speech at the Audubon Ballroom in Harlem, NY.

The Murderers

• Convicted by a jury, three members of the Nation of Islam (Talmadge Hayer, Norman 3X and Thomas 15X) were found guilty of firing the sixteen shots that killed Malcolm X.

Malcolm X v. The Nation of Islam • A former member of the NOI, Malcolm had left in 1964 and started his own organization, the Muslim Mosque, Inc. Did the split lead to his assassination?

"It is a time for martyrs now, and if I am to be one, it will be for the cause of brotherhood. That's the only thing that can save this country." Malcolm X, February 19, 1965

NOI Controversy

• Was Elijah Muhammad jealous of Malcolm X’s popularity within his organization?

• The NOI forbade its members from attending MLK’s speech in Washington, yet Malcolm attended, which enraged Elijah.

• Malcolm was angered and over Elijah’s affairs and illegitimate children and called him out over the issue.

NOI Controversy

• Did Muhammad call for his followers to kill Malcolm X in retaliation for leaving and for outing his affairs?

• Did Minister Louis X further push for his death when he said, – “Only those who wish to be led to hell, or to their doom, will follow Malcolm…The die is set and Malcolm shall not escape…such a man Malcolm is worthy of death.”

FBI Involvement?

• Did the FBI set Malcolm up with the details of Elijah’s affairs in order to make him a target?

• Did an FBI “plant” in the NOI call for the assassination?