Release of MLK files a ‘distraction' from Epstein saga, activists say
Some 240,000 pages of intelligence included in the digital document dump had been under a court-imposed seal since 1977, when the FBI first gathered the records and turned them over to the National Archives and Records Administration.
In a statement released on Monday, King's two living children, Martin III, 67, and Bernice, 62, said their father's death had been a 'captivating public curiosity for decades,' but reiterated that the files were deeply personal and urged people to read them 'within their full historical context.'
'He was relentlessly targeted by an invasive, predatory, and deeply disturbing disinformation and surveillance campaign orchestrated by J. Edgar Hoover through the Federal Bureau of Investigation,' the King children said in their statement.
Story continues below advertisement
'The intent … was not only to monitor, but to discredit, dismantle and destroy Dr. King's reputation and the broader American Civil Rights Movement.'
'These actions were not only invasions of privacy, but intentional assaults on the truth — undermining the dignity and freedoms of private citizens who fought for justice, designed to neutralize those who dared to challenge the status quo.'
The Kings said they 'support transparency and historical accountability' but 'object to any attacks on our father's legacy or attempts to weaponize it to spread falsehoods.'
View image in full screen
After Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was freed from jail (under a $2,000 appeal bond), he was greeted by his wife, Coretta, and children, Martin and Yolanda, at the airport in Chamblee, Ga., on Oct. 27, 1960. Getty Images
The King family was granted access to the documents for review before they were unsealed, but was still poring over them when they became public, according to The Associated Press.
Included in the files are leads pursued by the FBI following King's assassination, as well as details of the CIA's investigation into King's focus on international anti-war and anti-poverty movements in the years before he was killed.
Story continues below advertisement
'As the children of Dr. King and Mrs. Coretta Scott King, his tragic death has been an intensely personal grief — a devastating loss for his wife, children, and the granddaughter he never met — an absence our family has endured for over 57 years,' his children wrote.
Get daily National news
Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy
'We ask those who engage with the release of these files to do so with empathy, restraint, and respect for our family's continuing grief.'
They also doubled down on their family's steadfast belief that the man accused of killing their father, James Earl Ray, was not solely responsible, if at all.
King was 39 when he was shot dead on April 4, 1968, while standing on his hotel balcony at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tenn. Bernice King was five and Martin III was 10.
Tulsi Gabbard, the director of national intelligence, said the unsealing of the files was 'unprecedented' but commended President Donald Trump for facilitating their release.
During his presidential campaign, Trump also vowed to release files related to former president John F. Kennedy's 1963 assassination and signed an executive order to declassify the JFK records when he assumed office in January, along with files associated with Robert F. Kennedy's and King's 1968 assassinations.
The government unsealed the JFK records in March and shared some RFK files in April.
Story continues below advertisement
Despite King's surviving children's disapproval of the unsealing of their father's file, other family members have expressed support for the Trump administration's actions.
Alveda King, Martin Luther King Jr.'s niece, said she was 'grateful to President Trump' for his 'transparency.'
Meanwhile, civil rights leader Al Sharpton says the release of the King files is 'not about transparency or justice,' but is merely a 'distraction' from 'the firestorm engulfing Trump over the Epstein files and the public unraveling of his credibility.'
The King Center, founded by King's widow and prominent civil rights activist Coretta Scott King and now run by Bernice King, reacted separately from Bernice's joint statement with her brother, framing the release as a distraction from both long- and short-term political controversy.
'The King Center believes it is unfortunate and ill-timed, given the myriad of pressing issues and injustices affecting the United States and the global society, to distract from the critical needs and traumatic outcomes resulting from these issues and injustices,' the statement said.
'Further, we cannot afford to be diverted from how we each can contribute to changing the trajectory of our 'World House.' If we are not careful, that is what the release of the FBI files could precipitate for many.'
Trump has spent the last two weeks attempting to quell growing calls from his supporters to release incriminating documents detailing the actions of the former financier and child sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein after his administration U-turned on a promise to share a so-called 'client list' and other unseen documents related to him.
Story continues below advertisement
The president's yo-yoing has splintered Republican support, with some of his staunch allies straying from their otherwise supportive Trump rhetoric.
On Monday, outspoken Georgia Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene wrote on X, 'If you tell the base of people, who support you, of deep state treasonous crimes, election interference, blackmail, and rich powerful elite evil cabals, then you must take down every enemy of The People.'
'If not. [sic] The base will turn and there's no going back,' she warned.
'Dangling bits of red meat no longer satisfies. They want the whole steak dinner and will accept nothing else.'
If you tell the base of people, who support you, of deep state treasonous crimes, election interference, blackmail, and rich powerful elite evil cabals, then you must take down every enemy of The People.
If not.
The base will turn and there's no going back.
Dangling bits of…
— Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene🇺🇸 (@RepMTG) July 21, 2025
Story continues below advertisement
Meanwhile, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson said on Monday that he will not allow votes on measures related to the Epstein files during the House's final week before an extended recess. It comes less than seven days after Johnson called on the president to release the Epstein files during a podcast appearance with right-wing commentator Benny Johnson.
'It's a very delicate subject, but we should put everything out there and let the people decide it,' Johnson said last Tuesday.
'I agree with the sentiment that we need to put it out there,' he continued, adding that Attorney General Pam Bondi needs to explain why she has not presented Epstein-related documents she had previously said were 'sitting on my desk.'
Bernice King and Martin III did not mention Trump in their statement. Nonetheless, later in the day, Bernice King shared a black-and-white photo of her late father, looking annoyed, with the caption 'Now, do the Epstein files.'
Story continues below advertisement
— With files from The Associated Press
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Global News
2 hours ago
- Global News
A man accused of stabbing 11 people at a Walmart is in Michigan authorities' custody
Chaos unfolded at a Walmart in Michigan after a man burst into the store during a calm shopping afternoon and stabbed 11 people at random, authorities say. The attack on Saturday left six victims in critical condition and a suspect in custody. The 42-year-old suspect entered the store shortly before 5 p.m. and used a folding knife to stab the victims, the Grand Traverse County Sheriff's Office said in a statement on social media. Their ages weren't immediately known. A sheriff's deputy arrived within minutes and took the man into custody. Steven Carter was loading his truck in the Walmart parking lot when he saw a man cut a woman's throat with a knife. About five minutes later, the man was surrounded by shoppers in the parking lot, including one who was holding a gun. The group of five or six people kept yelling to the man 'drop the knife,' he said, and the man responded: 'I don't care, I don't care.' He kept backing away from the crowd, before someone tackled and subdued him. Story continues below advertisement 'At first, it was disbelief. I thought maybe it was like a terror attack,' said Carter, who delivers customer orders from Walmart. 'And then it was fear, disbelief, shock. And that was, it was just amazing. And it all happened fast. Like he was totally subdued on the ground by the time police arrived.' Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy An update on the condition of the victims was expected early Sunday. Emergency vehicles and uniformed first responders gathered in the parking lot of the shopping center that houses several other retail stores. Authorities also were seen interviewing employees, still wearing blue uniform vests and name tags, nearby as the response gave way to an investigation. Tiffany DeFell, 36, who lives in Honor, about 25 miles (40 kilometers) from Traverse City, said she was in the store's parking lot when she saw chaos erupt around her. 'It was really scary. Me and my sister were just freaking out,' she said. 'This is something you see out of the movies. It's not what you expect to see where you're living.' Munson Healthcare said via social media that 11 people were being treated at the region's largest hospital in northern Michigan. Spokesperson Megan Brown said all were stabbing victims. Six people were critical and five were in serious condition late Saturday, she said. Sheriff Michael Shea said the weapon involved appeared to be a folding-style knife. Shea said the suspect is believed to be a Michigan resident but declined to share further details. Michigan State Police had said earlier in the day that the suspect was in authorities' custody. Story continues below advertisement Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said: 'Our thoughts are with the victims and the community reeling from this brutal act of violence.' Walmart said in a statement that it would continue to work closely with law enforcement in the investigation. 'Violence like this is unacceptable. Our thoughts are with those who were injured and we're thankful for the swift action of first responders,' the statement said. FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino said in a social media post that bureau officials were responding to 'provide any necessary support.' Traverse City is a popular vacation spot on the coast of Lake Michigan. It is known for its cherry festival, wineries and lighthouses and is about 25 miles (40 kilometers) east of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
Global News
3 hours ago
- Global News
U.S. politics threaten to complicate Canada's co-hosting of 2026 World Cup
With less than a year to go until the 2026 World Cup, political tensions and U.S. policy threaten to pose problems as Canada, the United States and Mexico prepare to co-host the tournament. Next year's FIFA World Cup will be the biggest ever, with the three countries hosting a record 48 teams. Between June 11 and July 19, they will play 104 matches, most of them in the U.S. With millions of fans expected to cross borders to attend the games, U.S. President Donald Trump's harsh immigration policies — which include travel bans on some countries, immigration raids and mass deportations — are generating anxiety. 'This is all being driven by the United States. And we're entirely the guilty party here,' said Victor Matheson, a professor at College of Holy Cross in Massachusetts who specializes in sports economics. 'You could have significant immigration problems with fans and players going across borders.' Story continues below advertisement The U.S. has travel bans in place for 12 countries and restrictions in place for seven, and is considering banning travellers from another 36 countries. Though there are exemptions for athletes, staff and families, the unpredictability of Trump's administration means no one knows for certain what kind of rules might be in place by the time the tournament starts. Economist Andrew Zimbalist, who wrote a book on the economics of hosting the World Cup, said Trump has the ability to make it difficult for people to travel, but it's not clear whether he will actually do so. 'I think probably Trump himself might not have the answers because … he responds very impetuously to changes in his environment,' he said. Concerns about visas or political opposition to Trump might lead some soccer fans to decide not to attend at all, while others opt to attend the games in Canada instead, Zimbalist suggested. But he also pointed out that the quarter, semifinals and final are all taking place in the U.S. A spokesperson for Canadian Heritage said Canada could see a million international visitors during the tournament. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy 'Given the tri-national nature of the event, it is anticipated that international and domestic travellers will move back and forth between Canada and the United States. The focus will continue to be on the flow of movement, the safety of travellers and the security of the borders,' the spokesperson said. Story continues below advertisement A spokesperson for the Canada Border Services Agency said the agency is working closely with federal government departments, host cities and FIFA 'in the safety and security planning for this international event.' Matheson said fans — particularly those from countries that have found themselves in Trump's crosshairs — have good reasons to be worried. 'I would be very concerned about planning a vacation that has you travelling from Mexico or from Canada into the United States and back. I don't think that you can guarantee that vacation of a lifetime is actually going to be there for you to actually take,' he said. He said it's one thing to be denied entry, another to end up in jail and deported — potentially to a prison in El Salvador. 'No one wants to go to the World Cup to watch some soccer games and then end up in jail,' he said. Trump's moves to impose tariffs on much of the world, including Canada, could also affect the World Cup. Matheson offered the example of someone who makes jerseys for a country's team who would want to ship those jerseys across the border with the team. 'Tariffs make that type of inventory management pretty challenging,' he said. Story continues below advertisement Tim Elcombe is a professor at Wilfrid Laurier University whose areas of expertise include sports, politics and international affairs. He said 'there was a sense that having the event in Canada, the United States and Mexico would almost be a bit of a calming of the political waters,' as the cup returned to Western countries. Instead, he said, the 2026 tournament may be even more politically charged than the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Canada is co-hosting one of world's biggest sporting events with a country whose president has instigated a trade war and threatened annexation. Canadians have cut travel to the U.S. and stopped buying American products — and it's not clear what all of that might mean for the World Cup. While Vancouver and Toronto will host some games, 'really this is an American-centric competition,' Elcombe said. 'So how will Canadians feel about this? Will we get behind it? Will it become the event I think they were hoping it would be?' In early July, labour and human rights groups, including Human Rights Watch, wrote to FIFA president Gianni Infantino to say U.S. policies under Trump pose a 'serious threat' to individuals, especially non-citizens. The letter accused FIFA of ignoring 'the clear evidence of the significant deterioration of the rights climate in the United States.' Story continues below advertisement Elcombe said while the United States is likely to take the brunt of scrutiny, Canada is not immune. 'Canada is going to have to be prepared for a very critical eye in terms of focus on some of the issues in Canada from a human rights perspective, because I think they will be exposed,' he said, citing Canada's relationship with Indigenous Peoples as one example. MacIntosh Ross, a fellow at the Scott McCain and Leslie McLean Centre for Sport, Business and Health at Saint Mary's University, said Canada should put pressure on the U.S. government 'to make sure that things happen in a safe or as safe a manner as possible.' 'The Canadian organizers and the Canadian government need to be very clear about their expectations for their partners in this World Cup and reiterate them and state them over and over again,' he said. Elcombe noted Infantino, who has 'very much established himself as a friend and supporter of President Trump,' could be a key player in determining how the coming months unfold. It's difficult to predict what Trump might do, Zimbalist said. If there are political issues in the United States that he wants to distract people from, 'you can see him doing crazier and crazier things internationally to get people's minds off of what's actually happening.' But Trump also has shown that he cares about the World Cup and looking good as he hosts the tournament. Story continues below advertisement 'I think he does care about image and he does care about being on the world stage,' Zimbalist said. 'So I can see that being a significant deterrent, actually.'
Global News
3 hours ago
- Global News
City fines Montreal church for hosting MAGA-affiliated singer Sean Feucht
The City of Montreal has fined a local church for hosting a concert by the U.S.-based Christian musician Sean Feucht. Feucht's controversial views and his status as a rising star in the MAGA movement have led officials to cancel his concerts in several Canadian cities in recent days. But on Friday evening, an evangelical church in Montreal allowed Feucht to perform a hastily scheduled concert over the objections of the city administration, and is now facing a $2,500 fine. A spokesperson for Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante said the Ministerios Restauración Church in the city's Plateau-Mont-Royal borough did not have a permit to organize a concert, and had been informed that the event could not take place. 'This show runs counter to the values of inclusion, solidarity, and respect that are championed in Montreal. Freedom of expression is one of our fundamental values, but hateful and discriminatory speech is not acceptable in Montreal,' Philippe Massé said in a statement. Story continues below advertisement 'A ticket was issued because the organization violated the regulations by going ahead with the show.' Protesters gathered outside the church during the concert Friday evening. Montreal police say they arrested a 38-year-old man for obstruction. They also say a smoke bomb was set off inside the church during Feucht's performance. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Feucht reacted Saturday on social media to the events in Montreal, claiming that two smoke bombs were thrown at his head during the concert. 'Now you want (to) fine the church for doing what the church does – WORSHIP,' he said on X. 'Every Canadian should be embarrassed/concerned with this. No bigger scandal in Canada.' The church did not respond to requests for comment from The Canadian Press. Feucht was scheduled to perform east of Ottawa in Alfred, Ont. on Saturday afternoon, before moving on to the Toronto area on Sunday. The Christian singer describes himself as a musician, missionary, author and activist. He has spoken out against 'gender ideology,' abortion and the LGBTQ+ community, and his religious and political views have grabbed the attention of U.S. President Donald Trump's administration. The Atlantic magazine, based in Washington, D.C., recently described Feucht as a Christian nationalist who has become a 'MAGA superstar.' 'Between praising President Donald Trump as God's chosen one and suggesting that abortion supporters are 'demons,' Feucht has repeatedly advocated for the fusion of church and state,' the article says. Story continues below advertisement Complaints from residents and planned protests have prompted officials to cancel all six of the concerts scheduled as part of the eastern Canadian leg of Feucht's 'Revive in 25' tour over the last week, forcing him to seek alternate venues. On Tuesday, Parks Canada announced it had revoked a permit for a performance scheduled at a national historic site in Halifax, citing 'heightened public safety concerns.' Concerts have since been cancelled in Charlottetown, Moncton, N.B., Quebec City, Gatineau, Que. and Vaughan, Ont. Feucht announced his Montreal concert venue on Thursday, after his planned Friday show in Quebec City was cancelled. A second spokesperson for Plante said the show was scheduled at the 'last minute without notice.' The singer says he's the victim of 'Christian persecution,' and is accusing Canada of tyranny and censorship. 'A couple crazy activists started raising up all of this ruckus across Canada, and one by one all of our permits were cancelled out of safety concerns,' he said in a social media video posted Friday night following the Montreal performance. 'Here we are in the middle of a firestorm.' Feucht still has a series of concerts scheduled in western Canada in August. On its Spanish-language website, the Ministerios Restauración Church says it has 700 congregants, 'whose lives have been restored and transformed by the work God does through our ministry.'
