Transcript of 166-12c-1_serial_2_62_hq_587_section_1-la-report_10.10.68-part_1_of_7.pdf

================================================== Page 1 ================================================== BU 62-587 SECTION I Los Angeles Report 10/10/68 Pages 1-294 SIRHAN BISHARA SIRHAN CIVIL RIGHTS ================================================== Page 2 ================================================== 0-6 (Rev. 417-68) From Director Federal Bureau of Investigation lMr Owuwn To The Solicitor General February 19, 1969 Deputy Attorney General Assistant Attorey General Jrrynstal Director, Bureau of Prisons The Pardon Attomney Chairman, Parole Board Assistant Attorey General for Administration Immigration &nd Naturalization Service Bureau of Narcotics &nd Dangerous Druge Office of Alien Property Chief Accounts Branch Chief Administrative Serviceg Office Chief of Personnel General Litigation Section, Civil Division Records Adminigtration Office Att:: Antitrust Div. Civil Div. Civil Rights Div. Criminal Div. Internal Security Div. Inter-Division Information Unit A. No further action will be taken in this cage in the abgence of & specific request from you. B. Please advise what further investigation, if any, i8 desired in this matter: For your information, I am enclosing & communication regarding the holder of & diplomatic or international organization visa:] de_12C_ D For your information: DECARTMENT'OF JUSTICE R E. Pleage note change in caption of thig caqe_ 1 7 FEB 19 1969 8A O Civ_RIGHMIL' John Edgar Hoover Director cc: Attomey General Deputy Attorney General Antitrust Div. Civil Div. Civil Rights Div. Criminal Div. Internal Security Div. IDIU 1 (Upon remoual of classified enclosure8, if any, this transmittal form 5 become s UNCLASSIFIED ) 1C. ================================================== Page 3 ================================================== FD-204 (Rev . 3-3-5 9) UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION to: Report of: AMEDEE 0 RICHARDS 9 JR_ Ofice: Los Angeles Celiforni? Date: 10/10/68 Field Office Filo #: 56-156 Bureou File # 62-587 Title: SIRHAN BISHARA SIRHAN Character: CIVIL RIGHTS Synopsis: On 8/2/68 3IRHAN BISHARA SIRHAN , represented by hig attorney 9 RUSSELL E. PARSONS sppeared before Los Angeles Superior Court Judge RICHARD SCHAUER and pled not guilty t? charge of murder in 8 laying of Senator ROBERT F KENNEDY_ Tria 1 date set for 11/1768 . SIRHAN al8? pled not guilty t? felonizusly aeeaulting_ with 2 deadly weapon and with intent t? commit murder, five other persons Iyounded the eame night at the election celebration at the Ambagsadar Hotel , Los Angelee Ca lifornia On 9/25/68 California State Court 3f Eppea lg denied Los Angeles Dietrict Attorney EVELLE J . YOUNGER ' s petition t? block enforcement of a publicity ban 3n the pending tria l of SIRHAN _ Additional Ambageador Hotel employeee interviewed and uneble t? recal1 observing SIRHAN in Ambassador Hotel prior t? shooting DUN GIFFORD, Legal Agsistant t? Senator EDWARD KENNEDY and State Co-Ordinator in campaign 3f late Senator ROBERT F_ KENNEDY , adviged he 8€w SIRHAN step Jut with a gun from the right in the kitchen are? of Ambageador Hotel and heerd shote GIFFORD unable t? state he 2ctually saw SIRHAN fire the shots but 83w WILLIAM BARRY strike SIRHAN . GIFFORD aeeieted in subduing SIRHAN after ehooting 2 long with ROOSEVELT GRIER , RAFER JOHNSON GEORGE PLIMPTON , and WILLIAM BARRY _ JAMES BRESLIN 9 FGh Thls document contatns nelther recommendations nor conclusions of the FBI. It is the property of the FBI and is loaned to your agency; It and Its contents are not to be distributed outs Ide Your agency. Copy ================================================== Page 4 ================================================== LA 56-156 newvspaper reporter, adviged thst he Ia 8 in kcitchen area but did not see actual shooting Immediately after ghooting , he went up t? SIRHAN_ 2 wh? was being held by several individuale and asked SIRHAN twice , did yju have to do itzi SIRHAN Was rolling his eyes and did not answer_ EVAN FREED , free lanc e photographer_ 2 advieed wa in kitchen area and saw SIRHAN shooting but did not actually see Senator KENNEDY hit by gunfire or fal1 t? flo3r PETE IIAMILL, free lance writer ) advised Ttas in kitchen area at time 3f shoting - Szw 3IRHAN BISHARA SIRHAN in front of and to Senator KENNEDY ' s left about seven 3r eight feet With his arm fully extended and his face in tremendous concentration shooting 3 gun at Senator KENNELY _ HAMILL did not observe SIRHAN in Ambagsador Hotel prior to ehooting DANIEL JOHN CURTIN , worker in late Senator KENNEDY ' & campaign , adviged he wae in kitchen area at time of shooting and heard severz1 shots and saw Senator KENNEDY falling t? the floor_ CURTIN believes he was one of very first t? reach Senator KENNEDY on floor and handed him a set of rosary beads As CURTIN wae leaning )ver Senator KENNEDY _ the Senator appeared a2 if he Ia s starting to say eomething 2 but nige of crowd prevented CURTIN from understanding it CURTIN obgerved SIRHAN being held several pereone after shooting Additional interviews conducted with individuals acquainted with SIRHAN BISHARA SIRHAN and other menbers of his family_ SIRHAN described a8 "loner" who had no c loee friende or girl friends Foner instructor of STRHAN at Paeadena City College described SIRHAN as very pro-Arab and exhibiting an almost uncontrollable temper in defense 3f Arab national unity Anonymoug letter to ETHEL KENNEDY Hyannis Port Maseachusette " wa: pos tmarked Chicag? , Illinois 8/6/68 and skated WILLIAM ERTL , 1402 Greenwood Avenue Chicag?, Was reepongible for aseassination of late Senator KENNEDY _ Investigation determined 1402 Greenwood Avenue was non-efigtent address in Chicag? and n? record of individual named WILLIAM ERTL located in Chicag? Telephone Directory_ 9 Chicag? Credit Bureau, or Chicag? Police Department FBI Laboratory identified lb - "Why by ================================================== Page 5 ================================================== LA 56-156 eignature and address 1; SIRHAN SIRHAN_ 696 E. Howard M Street , Pasa on shooting roster of San Gabriel Va lley Gun Cub Duarte 9 California for 6/47/68 , 88 having been Written by SIRHAN BISHARA SIRHAN . 5 P_ ~ lc- ~C ================================================== Page 6 ================================================== LA 56-156 jos/2jc TABLE OF CONTENTS Progecutive Action Concerning SIRHAN BLSHARA SIRHAN _ 2 Interviews of Employeee of Ambaggador Hotel, Los Angeles , California 5 Additional Interviews of Individuals in Area of Shooting 22 A Members of Stafi of Sena tor ROBERT F KENNEDY 23 B Repregentatives of Newe Media ;. 37 C _ Other Individualg a t Amba ssador Hotel 68 Background Concerning SIRHAN Family 104 A Interviews of Neighbors and Former Neighbors of SIRHAN Family in Pasadena 9 California 195 B_ Additional Inveetigation Rela to SIRHAN Family 111 Interview of Mrs MARY SIRHAN 9 Mother of SIRHAN BISHARA SIRHAN 3 on August 12, 1968 117 I Page ting ================================================== Page 7 ================================================== 2 LA 56-156 jos/pjc Page Ba ckground Concerning SIRHAN BLSHARA SIRHAN 120 A Education 121 B Employment 136 C_ Asgociates and Acguaintances 153 D Additional Investiga tion Rela ting to SZRHAN Investiga tion Attempting to Locate Bank Accounts in Los Angelee Area for SIRHAN BLSHARA SIRHAN 171 Interviews of Individuals at San Gabriel Valley Gun Club Duarte , California 9 June 4 9 1968. 174 Investiga tion Concerning Alleged Statement Made by SIRHAN BLSHARA SIRHAN in Golden Garter Bar 9 Alhambra , California ) in La te May 1968 "We will wait till he gete into town and then we will him { 181 Investigation Concerning Allegation that SIRHAN BISHARA SIRHAN was at Da ve 8 Coffee Shop 9 Alhambra , California 5 on June 4 , 187 Invegtigation of Allegation that SIRYAN BLSHARA STRHAN Wa s a Steady Customer of Film Department at Lucky Diecount Store, Pasadena 9 California 191 II 158 get 1968 ================================================== Page 8 ================================================== 3 LA 56-156 Jos /pjc Page Investigation Concerning Alleged Purchages of Ammunition by SIRHAN BISHARA SIRHAN a t Lock, Stock N Barrel Gun Shop 9 San Gabriel 9 California 195 Investigation Concerning_ Photograph Taken of Sena tor ROBERT F KENNEDY and Others Before KENNEDY 8 Aseassination Which Include SIRHAN BISHARA SIRHAN 202 Investigation Concerning Individual Who Came Into Pappy T 8 Stew Houge 9 Rajwood 9 Texae 9 on 23_ 9 1968, and stated Was Going to California to Get One of Those Sena torgi 298 Investigation Concerning PERNELL EZZELL, Who Allegedly Telephoned a Former Enployer in Florida Fronl Denver Colorado , on June 6 , and stated He Had a Great Amount of Money Obtained a8 a Result of Hig Part in Aeeagsination of Dr MARTIN LUTHER KING and Shooting of Sena tor ROBERT F KENNEDY 214 Investigation Concerning Statement Allegedly Made in Mid 1968 , by BUDDY" JENSEN at a Conference in Miami Beach 9 Florida 7 Tha t KENNEDY Would Be Killed 226 III Mawy May 1968 ~May ================================================== Page 9 ================================================== LA 56-156 Jos/pjc Page Investigation Concerning an Individual Reported a8 a Laicized Priest and Friend of KENNEDY Family Reportedly Present a t Central Receiving Hospital When Senator ROBERT F KENNEDY Brought in June 5, 233 Investigation Concerning DONALD DAVID EVANGELLSTA , Erta Banquet Waiter at Ambaggador Hotel, Los Angelee 9 From 17-June 19 9 1368 _ 237 Investiga tion Concerning Letter Received by Sister M_ MADDALINA Georgetown University 2 Wa shington D, Which Concerned an Accomplice in the Death of ROBERT F KENNEDY _ 247 Interview of HAFEZ ARAFAT 9 Canoga Park, Ca lifornia Who Bearg Resemblance to SIRHAN BISHARA SIRHAN 257 Investigation Concerning Allega tion Tha t CLIFFORD DANIEL GRESHAM Made Statemente Concerning Pogeible Aseageination of Sena tor ROBERT F KENNEDY 263 Investigation Concerning Sta tement Allegedly Made By a Waitrees Named if M LISA in Sherman House Coffee Chicago_ 2 on June 1 , 1968 3 Tha t She Had Just Heard Senator ROBERT F KENNEDY Had Been Shot in the Head 274 IV 1968 May C ; , Shop , ================================================== Page 10 ================================================== LA 56-156 Jos /pjc Page Investigation Concerning Anonymous Ca11 Received By Chicago , Illinoie 9 Police Department Tha t an Arab Named 11 ABDO" Wa 8 Involved in the Shoot of Sena tor ROBERT F KENNEDY 280 Investigation Concerning Rumor Reported KAss LITZENBERG on June 2 , 1968_ Predicting Some Political Figure Wag Going to be Killed 284 Inveetigation Concerning ABBAS JIBRIL 9 Who Indicated Approxima One Year Ago He Was a Member of a Secret Organization Whoge Purpose Was Aseassination or 'Doing Away With M1 Political Figures _ 288 Investiga tion Concerning OLIVER B. OWEN 9 Who Adviged Los Angelee Police Department He Had Picked Up a Hitchhiker He Believed Identical to SIRHAN BISHARA SIRHAN in Los Angeles on June 3, 1968 295 Investiga tion Concerning Allegation Tha t SIRHAN BISHARA SIRHAN Wa 8 Seen on June 2 , 1968 $ a t Residence of Mr and Mrs BENJAMIN BEN-EZRA 9 nwood , California 304 ing By tely Ly= ================================================== Page 11 ================================================== LA 56-156 Jos /pjc Page Investiga tion Concerning WILLIAM ERTL, Who Wae Reported in Anonymoue Letter Addresged to Mrs ETHEL KENNEDY As Responsible For the Aeeassination of Senator KENNEDY 307 Inves tion Concerning HOWARD PHILLIP ETHRIDGE Who Reportedly Told Two Women Who Had Picked Him Up As Hitchhiker on August 13 , 1968 5 Tha t He Had Been In on Killing of KENNEDY 319 Investigation Concerning Allegation That SIRHAN BLSHARA SIRHAN Was Well Known to the Weitresges at the Red Lion Restaurant , Pomona California 322 Inves tigation Concerning ADA BUTEAU , Hartford , Connecticut Who Tele - phonically Contacted {he White Houge on June 28 2 1968, and Stated She Knew a Person Who Aesigted STRHAN in Killing Sena tor KENNEDY Inveetigation Concerning Alleged Sta tement by JAMES RIDDLE HOFFA Memorial 9 1968 2 That He Had a Contract Out on Senator ROBERT F KENNEDY 331 VI tiga 326 Day ================================================== Page 12 ================================================== LA 56-156 JOS /pjc Page Investigation Concerning Rumor Circulating in Israel) 2 and Europe in Mid-Maj 9 1go3, Tha t Senator ROBERT KENNEDY Had Been Shot 342 Miscellaneous 362 Physical Evidence 388 VII ================================================== Page 13 ================================================== GA 56-156 JOS / rem PROSECUTIVE ACTION CONCERNING SIRHAN BISHARA SIRHAN 2 ================================================== Page 14 ================================================== 1 LA 56-156 AOR/ jr On August 2 , 1968, SIRHAN BISHARA SIRHAN not guilty to the charge of murder in the slaying of' ROBERT F KENNEDY Los Angeles Superior Court Judge RICHARD SCHAUER set the trial date for November 1, 1968 9 in this matter Represented by his attorney_ 9 RUSSELL E PARSONS SIRHAN also pled not guilty to feloniously assaulting, with a deadly weapon and with intent to commit iurder 9 five other persons wounded the same night at the election celebration at the Anbassador Hotel) Los Angeles , California Judge SCHAUER did not at this hearing name the judge who Will preside over the case Also at this_hearing, Los Angeles County District Attorney EVELLE J_ YOUNGER, a88isted by Deputy District Attor- neys JOHN HOWARD and DAVID FITTS, asked the : Judge SCHAUER vacate or modify a previous court order restricting publicity in this case SIRHAN S attorney RUSSELL E PARSONS and A_ L. WIRIN, Chief Counsel 0f the Southern California Chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union , opposed the motion of YOUNGER _ WIRIN was allowed to appear as a "friend " of the court The motion of YOUNGER regarding publicity on this case wa8 denied by Superior Court Judge RICHARD SCHAUER _ On September 10 , District Attorney EVELLE J YOUNGER signed an appeal requesting that the court order limiting publicity in the SIRHAN case be modified The District Attorney sought reversal of the order in a petition for a writ 0f mandate and prohibition from the State Court of Appeal 3 pled 1968 ================================================== Page 15 ================================================== 2 EA 56-156 AOR/jr On September 19 1968 , Superior Court Judge RICHARD SCHAUER , of the Master Caiendar Criminal Department of the Superior Court 9 selected Superior Court Judge ROBERT V_ WALKER to try SIRIAN BISHARA SIRHAN _ SCHAUER also announced that the trial would take place in the courtroon now des ignated a8 Department 107 _ 9 Roon 832, located on the 8th floor of the Hall of Justice _ Trial is currently scheduled for November 1, 1968_ The California State Court of Appeals on September 25, 1968 denied District Attorney EVELLE J YOUNGER ' 8 petition to biock enzorcement of a publicity ban on the pending trial 0f SIRHAN BISHARA SIRHAN. The office of the District Attorney indicated that it might ask for a hearing on the matter before the State Suprene Court ================================================== Page 16 ================================================== 1 LA 56-156 JOS /rem INTERVIEWS OF EMPLOYEES OF AMBASSADOR HOTEL, LoSANGELES , CALIFORNIA 5 ~ ================================================== Page 17 ================================================== FD-3 02 (Rev. 4-15-64) FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGA TION 9/24/68 Date FRANCES A BATLEY 9 West Zighth Street , Apartment 218, Los Angeles , California, advised the following: BAILEY claimed that she could not furnish any ad- ditional information to that furnished during interview by an agent of the FBI on June 14, At that time she stated that When she was on duty in the uniform room of the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles on Sunday , June 2, 1968, two Caucasian males came to her window and asked to borrow waiter 8 jackets 80 they could u8e them to in to see Senator KENNEDY who was then at the hotel. Her recollection was that these two men, who were unknown to her, had no authority to obtain the jackets _ Their request was refused by BAILEY , who said that she was busy , and since there was quite a bit of activity, she did not pay close attention to these individuals to the extent that she could describe them in detail_ She was of the impression that they were of dark complexion but was sure that she would be unable to recognize them should she see them again- Photographg of SIRHAN SIRHAN and members of his family were exhibited to BALLEY who said that she had no recol- lection of ever having observed any Of the individuals in the photographs at any time. 9/19/68 Los Angeles, California Log Angeles 56-156 On at File # 6 SA LESLIE F WARREN / cyn 9/23/68 by Date dictated This document contains neither recommendations nor conclusiong of the FBI. It i8 the property of the FBI and is loaned to your agency; it and its contents are 'not to be distributed outside your agency. 2981 1968 _ get ================================================== Page 18 ================================================== FD-3 02 (Rev. 4-15-64 ) 9/19/68 FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION IRENE WISHNUCK , 374 South Columbia Street , Los Angele8 , advised the following Date WISHNUCK , who 18 employed In the linen room which main- tains linen and uniforrs at the Ambassador Hotel, Los Angele 8 , said that she could not add any additional information to that furnished when she was interviewed by an agent of the FBI on June 10, 1968, with respect to the shooting of Senator ROBERT F KENNEDY She had reported for work at the hote1 on June 4, 196.3, at 11 PM and off duty at 7 AM on June 5, 1968 . She had remained in the linen roor and had no first hand Irnow ledge of the shooting which had occurred on a floor in the hotel above the area where she worked She recalled, that she had previously related that on the afternoon of June 3, 1968, a Negro male over 6' tall, medium build, and about 30 years old, had asked for a busboy '8 uniform, but he did not have the necessary card with which to obtain the uniform When he Wa,3 unable to produce such a card, he turned and just walked away _ WISHNUCK said that she did not feel that she could identify the Negro male if she ever saw him again and that no other employee to her Icnowledge observed this man. She stated she has never seen this man since and has no idea who he may have been WISHNUCK exanined photographs of SIRHAN SIRHAN anc members of his family and said that she had no recollection of ever seeing any of the persons in these photographs at any time 9/19/68 Los Angeles , California Los Angeles 56-156 On at File # SA LESLIE F WARREN/cyn 9/23/63 by Date dictated This document contains neither recommendations nor conclusions of the FBI. It is the property of the FBI ad is loaned to your agency; it and its contents are 'not to be distributed outside your agency got ================================================== Page 19 ================================================== FD-302 (Rev. 4-15-64 ) FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION 'Date 8/19/68 WILLIAM F GARDNER 221 North Belnont Street , Glenda Ca lifarnia , phone"242-9522,_ advised that he wa s no longer Chief Security Officer of the Ambassador Hotel in L3s_Angeles and was current Ly a ttending law schopl Mr VARDIGAN T_ MOON has replaced GARDNER a S Chief Security Officer 3f this hotel. During the Senator ROBERT F KENNEDY campaign party in the Embassy Room at the Acbassador Hotel 3n the e vening 3f June 4 and the morning of June 5, 1968 3 the hotel on a number of extra erp loyees The Security Department hired six extra guards whom they have used in the past and wh3 Were al1 on duty a t the time 3f the shooting _ Senator KENNEDY had refrained from using any security guards , consequently specific security assignments were not made to guard him GARDNER selected two waiter captains to lead the KENNEDY procession to and from the Embassy Rozm where Senator KENNEDY was to" speak. The KENNEDY campaign party did not have any dinner arrange ment s , 80 there were no large number of ertra waiters hired . There were 8 Oie extra waiters utilized in the Rozi Service Depa rtment and extra bartenders Were used_ The va ripus departments hiring these extra employees norma Lly utilized extra employees with whom they ha ve had previous experience and every department wou la be accountable for the extra emplojyees hired . During the evening the Embassy Room was extremely crowded . There was no attempt t? cha llenge anyy persons coming or going until the room reached capacity and then persons Were denied entrance on the basis that the overc rowding would create a fire hazard Persons en tering the Embassy Room were not cha llenged continua except when the fire hazard approach was used to stop theng and Anyone Wishing to in wou Ld have had little trouble On 8/12/68 at Gle endeley California -Fil?s_Angeles 56-156 8 by 84 LESLIE F WARREN/1g_ Date dictate8/14/68 This document contains neither recommendations nor conclusions of the FBI. It is the property of the FBI and is loaned to your agency; it and its contents are not to be distributed outside your agency. le, put 1ly get ================================================== Page 20 ================================================== 2 CA 56-156 Concerning an orange colored parphlet which bore Ii the caption "Kill Kennedy= which Mr GARDNER was a lleged to have displajyed to ELMER M_ BOOMOWER 9 an emp loyee of the Ace Guazd Service, Granada Hills 9 on the night of Jure 4 , 1968 9 GARDNER advised as follows: During the height 3f the Senator KENNEDY campaign party it wa s mentioned to GARDNER by sone 3f the hotel emp identitielnot recalled 9 that bumper stickers were 'logeesg paesedtoie inthe front of the lobby and in front oi the Embass,y Room which bore lettering abput killing KENNEDY The persons reportedly passing out these bumper mi stickers were described a9 being young people 9 "hippie type _ A hotel emp loyee had furnished one 3f the stickers to GARDNER who said that it was a reddish orange in color with black lettering. He did not rezall the exact caption on the bumper sticker but in substance the wording justified the killing 2f JOHN F KENNEDY and did nat pertain to Senator ROBERT F KENNEDY GARDNER said that he had turned this bumper sticker over t? the Los Ange les Police Department after the shooting of Senator KENNEDY 9 ================================================== Page 21 ================================================== FD-3 02 (Rev. 4-15-64) FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION 9/24/68 Date Mr ROBERT J _ GINDROZs , Head" Chef, Ambassador Hotel, Los Angeles , advised that al1 of the employees in his depart - ment, which included a11 of the chefs and certain administrative employees in the hotel kitchen who were on duty on June 4 1968, and June 5, 1968, were; established employees who had worked with the hotel for some period of time No employees had been hired recently or within a reasonable short period before the shooting of Senator ROBERT F KENNEDY _ Mr GINDROZ said that he was not in the area where Senator KENNEDY wa8 shot at the time of the shooting &nd he had no recollection of having ever seen any suspicious person in the area before the shooting. Mr GINDROZ, following examination of photographs 0f SIRHAN SIRHAN and his family, stated he had no recol E lection of seeing any of the persons whose photographs were shown him at any time in or around the Ambassador Hotel or otherwise 9/20/68 Los Angeles , California Los Angeles 56-156 On at File # 10 SA LESLIE F WARREN /cyn 9/23/68 by Date dictated This document contains neither recommendations nor conclusions of the FBI. It is the property of the FBI and is loaned to your agency; it and its contents are not to be distributed outside your agency_ ================================================== Page 22 ================================================== FD-3 02 (Rev. 4-15-64 ) FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGA TION 9/10/68 On September 4 , 1968 9 JACK GRUGAlPate3oo3 Teeward Avenue Apartment 17 Los Angeles ) California wa: interviewed at the Ambasgador Hotel $ 3406 West Wilshire Boulevard Los Angeles _ 5 where he is a Security Guard GRUGAN advised he was previously interviewed by FBI Agents follow the shooting of Senator ROBERT KENNEDY He stated he wa3 on duty the night of che shooting and his post wa8 at the back parking lot of the hotel He stated 3 Los Angeles Police Department Unit was writing parking tickets at the rear of the hotel when he learnedabout the shooting of Senator KENNEDY He stated that he directed the Los Ange les Police Officers to the place of the ghooting. He stated other Police Officers were at the scene and the only time he saw the person suspected of shooting Senator IZNNZDY was when the police tool the suspect out of the hotel to a waiting police car At that time he a short glimpse of the suspect GRUGAN stated he had not seen the suspect before and he could furnish no further information concerning the shooting_ On 9/4/68 at Lo8 Ange les _ 5 Ca lifornia File # Lo8 Angeles 56-156 11 byAusa_FREDRICK E BECKER/d jm Date dictated 9/10/68 This document contains neither recommendations nor conclusions of the FBI. It i8 the property of the FBI and is loaned to your agency; it and its contents are not to be distributed outside your agency. ing got ================================================== Page 23 ================================================== FD-3 02 (Rev. 4-15-64) FEDERAL BUREAU. OF INVESTIGATION August 7, 1968 Date MARCOS HERNANDEZ advised that he recently returned from 8 trip to Mexico to see his relatives _ He stated that he does reside at 4217 East Folsom Street , Los Angeles but has never worked at the Ambes s adpr Hotel _ He stated that a man by the name of BEN JAMIN SOLES (a friend of his unc le who resides with HERNANDEZ ) visited from Mexic0 and got the job at the hotel. SOLES used his (HERNANDEZ ) name end address 8s he was in the United States on a 48 hour visa but apparently decided to remain permanently . HERNANDEZ stated that while he was in Mexico , he spoke to 8 girl friend d SOLES who stated that SOLES wa8 employed in California She would not Ve any additional information a8 she knew he was in the United Stetes illegally. HERNANDEZ further advised that he was employed at the Civic Center Shop 9 at Olympic and Flower Streets on the night of the assassination of Senator ROBERT XENNEDY _ He could offer no information on the events of that evening 12 On 7/31/68 at Los Angeles 9 Celifprnia File # LA 56-156 SA 4IMOTHY J_ 0 ' NEILL_ 8/2/68 by Date dictated This document contains neither recommendations nor conclusions of the FBI: It is the .property of the FBI and is loaned to your agency; it ad its contents are not to be distributed outside your agency. gi Body Irg ================================================== Page 24 ================================================== FD-302 (Rev. 4-15-64 ) 1 8/8/68 FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION WALTER JOACHTM was interviewed at his residence 9 apartment number 201 9 2971 West 7th Street 8aid he has been employed as 3 baker in the kitchen at R8e Ambassador Hotel, Los Angeles_ 9 California 9 for about eight and one-half years He worked the 1:00 p .m_ to 9:00 p . m shift in the hotel kitchen during the &fternoon-evening of June 4,1968 _ After he finished his work shift 9 he went hone and completed his plans to go on his vacation Mr JOACHIM said he was not at the Ambassador Hotel at the time that Senator ROBERT FRANC IS KENNEDY was shot _ He said he has no personal knowledge regarding the incident Mr JOACHIM said he has seen newspaper photographs of SIRHAN SIRHAN . He said he has never seen this individual before and is positive he did not see him at the Ambassador Hotel on June 4 9 1968 Mr JOACHIM had no background information to furnish regarding SIRHAN SIRHAN 8/6/68 Los Angeles , California Los Angeles 56-156 On at File # 13 SA JOHN F MORRISON_ jr 8/6/68 by Date dictated Thig document contains neither recommendations nor conclusions of the FBI. It is the property of the FBI and is loaned to your agency; it and its contents are not to be distributed outside your agency. ================================================== Page 25 ================================================== FD-302 (Rev. 4-15-64) FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION Date 8/28/68 EDITH JOHNSON_ Auditor, Banquet Waiters and Busboys Department, Ambassador Hotel, Los Angeles , California, advised follow ezamination of records oi waiters and busboys hired for and Shortly before the Senator ROBERT KENNZDY campaign party, June 4, 1968, a8 follows : Al1 waiters and busboys used were eitner regular employees or eztra employees who had been known to the hotel anc used a8 ertras irom time to time over a long period They al1 work out of Local 17, Waiters Union, 321 South Bizel Street , Los Angeles , Ca lii ornia There Was one exception, DONALD EVANGELISTA social security number Who was employecpil May 17 , 1968 . On 8/12/68at Los Angeles , Cali:orniti 'ile # Los Angeles 56-156 14 by SA LESLIE F NARREN vaa Date dictated 8/14/68 This document contains neither recommendations nor conclusions of the FBI. It is the property of the FBI and is loaned to your agency; it and its contents are not to be distributed outside your agency. ing ================================================== Page 26 ================================================== FD-3 02 (Rev. 4-15-64 ) FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGA TION Date 8/20/68 Mr PATRICK MURPHY Security Division 9 Ambassador Hotel, Los Angeles_ 9 said that he wa8 acting Security Officer in charge in the absence 3f Chief Security Officer VARDIGNAN T_ MOON wh? had recently replaced WILLLAM F GARDNER 9 the Security Officer who was at the Ambassador Hotel at the time when Senator ROBERT F KENNEDY was shot Mr GARDNER can now be reached at 221 North Belmont Street , phone 254-3256_ Concerning the number of extra employees hired at the time 3f the Senator ROBERT F KENNEDY campaign party at the Ambassador Hotel on the evening of June 4, 1968, and the morning of June 5, 1963 9 Mr MURPHY said that there Were a few extra employees hired in the Security Department 88 well as the Rozm Service Department and among the bartenders Norma lly the hotel maintains a list of extra workers in the va rious departments who are called when needed The various department heads would be aware of the identities 3f the extra employees hired during that affair or any extra or new employees hired a short period before the affair.MURPHY advised that Senator ROBERT F KENNEDY had refused to utilize any security from the hotel and consequent ly n? specific security a8signents were given and MURPHY himgelf had a roving assignment to look put for the hotel's interests: MURPHY spent a go3d part of the evening in the lobby and the area of the Embassy Roonl There Were thousands of pezple running in and out of the Emba ssy Room and when it became full, the firemen on duty would not let any additional people in the roon until someone camle out When this happened before midnight those people who could not into the Embassy Room Were going in through the kitchen area and were coming in through the back entrance of the Embassy Raon which opened through the kitchen . There were tw? separate, swinging door entrances through the kitchen and there wa 8 n? one challenging anyone coming in and out of the kitchen until 83 many pe?ple atteipted to g3 through the kitchen that MURPHY took a stand in front 3f one 3f the swinging door entrances of the kitchen and began tp keep_people put _ 8/12/68 Los Angeles , Ca lifarnia #s Angeles 56-156 On at File 15 SA LESLIE F WARREN 'lg 8/14/68 by Date dictated This document containg neither recommendations nor conclusions of the FBI. It i8 the property of the FBI and is loaned to your agency; it and it8 contents are not to be distributed outside your agency. get ================================================== Page 27 ================================================== 2 TA 56-156 He did not know 1f there wa8 similar coverage on the other kitchen entrances _ He said that under the clrcumstances there wa8 no need for the people t3 utilize any guises 3r pretenses in attempt to gain entranze to the kitchen _ Concerning the identity of firemen stationed at the Enbassy Room on the evening of June 4 , 1968 , MURPHY sa id that Inspector CECIL LYNCH of the Los Ange les Fire Provention Bureau could furnish this information 16 ================================================== Page 28 ================================================== FD-3 02 (Rev. 4-15-64) FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGA TION 1 Date 8/28/68 Mr ROBERT SALCZDO in charge of the bartenders at the Ambassador Hotel, Lo8 Angeles , California_ 9 advised that al1 the bartenders used at the hotel on the evening of June 1968 , and the morning 01 June 5, 1968 , during the various campaign parties_ including the party of Senator ROBERT KENNEDY 9 were al1 old empioyees or established eztra employees _ He had two bar boys Tho were fairly new but both had been at the end about eight months at the time There had not been any bars set up in the Embassy Room for the KENNEDY party but they had been set up out in the lobby of the hotel 09/12/68 atLos Angeles , California File #os Angeles 56-153 17 SA LESLIE R WARREN vaa 8/14/68 by Date dictated This document contains neither recommendations nor conclusions of the FBI. It i8 the property of the FBI ad is loaned to your agency; it and its contents are not to be distributed outside your agency. 4, ================================================== Page 29 ================================================== FD-3 02 (Rev. 4-15-64) FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGA TION Date 8/20/68 Mr HANS PETER BIDSTRUP Electrician, Maintenance Department jf the Ambassador Hotei, Log Angeles , advised the following: BIDSTRUP had previously been interviewed and had mentioned an unknown ma le Cauzasian wh? had talked to hin in the spund booth in the Venetian Room at the Ambassador Hotel about an hour before BIDSTRUP went off duty at 11 P.M_ on June 4, BIDSTRUP said tha t after he had seen photographs of SIRHAN STRHAN in the newspapers and on television, he had thought that SIRHAN resembled a ia le Caucasian whom he had talked to in the sound booth on June 4, 1968, Photographs of SIRHAN STRHAN and his brothers were exhibited to BIDSTRUP _ He said that the photograph of SIRHAN SIRHAN somewha t resembled this individual who had talked to him in the sound booth. This person was described a8 : Age 22 Height t? Weight 150'165 pounds Hair Dark Complexion Tan This person was carrying a gla88 with a drink in it and in the opinion 3f BIDSTRUP was slightly intoxicated This person had asked BIDSTRUP yju a Democrat?" He then made a lot of rambling statenen the text of which BIDSTRUP could not recall No diszussion or particular interest in Senator KENNEDY came up during this man' .9 presence in the booth There wa$ a Ljs Angeles Fireman on duty in the Venetian Room who wa s present when BIDSTRUP was talking t? the unknown ma le The name of this fireman was not recalled but BIDSTRUP described him as : On 8/12/68_ at Los_Angeles , California File #L2sAngeles 56_156 18 by SA LESLTE R WARRENLLg Date dictated 8/14/68 Thig document containg neither recommendations nor conclusions of the FBI. It is the property of the FBI ad is loaned to your agency; it and its contents are 'not to be distributed outside your agency. 1968 5'6" 5'8" "are ts, ================================================== Page 30 ================================================== 2 IA 56-156 Sex Ma le Age About 30 Hair Possibly blond 19 ================================================== Page 31 ================================================== FD-3 02 (Rev. 4-15-64) FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION Date 8/20/68 Inspector CECIL LYNCH , Fire Prevention 9 Public Assemb Ly 3f the Los Angeles Fire Depa rtment 9 Second and Hill Streets_ MA -86161, advised on August 12, that he would check the description of the firemen a88igned t? the Ambassador Hotel on the evening 3f June 4, 1968 in an a t tempt to identify the fireman working in the Venetian Room at about 10 P.M, on June 1968 9 described by HANS BIDSTRUP _ On August 13, 1968 9 Inspector LYNCH advised that the fireman in question was MICHAEL D. WHARTON 27028 Spring Creek Road , Palos Verdes Peninsula WHARTON 1s attached to the Fire Prevention Bureau of the Los Angeles Fire Department , 7166 West Manchester , Los Angeles , California 90045, phone 670-2875 _ 8/12/68 and On 8/13/68 at 188 Angeles, California File # Los Angeles_ 56_156 20 by SA LESLIE p WARREN Date dictated 8/14/68 Thig document contains neither recommendations nor conclusions of the FBI: It i8 the property of the FBI and is loaned to your agency; it ad its contents are not to be distributed outside your agency_ 1968 4, /1g ================================================== Page 32 ================================================== FD-3 02 (Rev. 4-15-64) FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGA TION Date 9/19/68_ Mr MICHAEL D WHARTON, 27228 'ing Creek Road, Palog Verdes, California , who is empleyed in the Fire Prevention Bureau of the Los Angeles Fire Department, 7166 West Manchester Avenue Log Angeles , Ca lifornia 9 telephone 670-2875, advised the foilowing: On the e vening of June 4, 1968, Mr WHARTON wa 8 on duty for the Fire Prevention Bureau in the Venetian Room at the Ambassador Hotel, during the Senator ROBERT F KENNEDY campaign party _ Mr WHARTTON recalled that an lectrician, apparently employed by the Ambassador Hotel, had| been Wor 'kcing in a sound booth in the Venetian Room around 10;03 11:20 P.m_ on June 4 9 1968 . The name of this e lectfician; howe ver wa: not known to Mr WHARTON and the latter had no recollection of observing any individual engaging this electrician in conversation in the sound booth around 10:00 P,M_ on June 4, 1968 . Mr WHARTON continued that he haa no recollection of observing any individua1 in the Venetian Room on the evening of June 4, 1968 or at any times who resembled SIRHAN" SIRHAN _ Photogra of SIRHAN SIRHAN and members of his family were exhibited to Mr WHARTON _ He said that he had no lcn owledge of' ha ving observed these individuals at any time and specifically not observing anyone resembling any of them in the Vene tian Room of the Ambassador Hotel on the 2 vening of June 4 , On 9/17/68 at Los_Angeles CaLifornia File # Los Angeles 56-_156 21 by SA IESLTE 9 WARREN/ecr Date dictated 9/18/68 This document contains neither recommendations nor conclusions of the FBI: It is the property of the FBI and is loaned to your agency; it &d itg contents are not to be distributed outside your agency. Spr phs 1968_ ================================================== Page 33 ================================================== 1 CA 56-156 Jos /rem ADDITIONAL TNTERVTEWS OF INDIVIDUALS IN AREA OF SHOOTING 22 ================================================== Page 34 ================================================== FD-302 (Rov. &-15-64j FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTGATION Date 9/5/68 Ms WILLIAM BARRY 9 Assietant Vice-President , Securi ty Depa rtment , Benker 2 Trust Compary 9 ` 120 Brca dwey , New ` York, New York 9 stated that 02 June 5 , 1968 , in the ambulance teking: Senator ROBERT' KENNEDY from the Ambassador Hotel , Los Angeles Gelifornie , to the Central Receiving Hospitel' , were the following. people : In the front seat was 'the embulance driver , in the middle was WILCIAM BARRY end seated n8ar' the right door Wa 8 WA RREN ROGZRS of "Look" Magezine In: the beck , with Sena tor KENNEDY , 8es i1is wife, ETHEL KENNEDY ; his sister 9 JEAN 'SMITH; FRED DUTTON end 011e ambulence attendant. FRED DUTTON Ta8 in the' bacl , up front near the partition; in back of the driver which would be 4t. Senator KENNEDY ' s feai o BARRY' 'doe s.not recall the exact location of the o.thers iz the back other than CTHEL KENNEDY and JEAN SMITH ware near Senator: KENNEDY = 23 On_92LL68 Laf New_York Nezz York File L-16h0 by_84 FRANGIS L CASHINiem Date dictated 9kl68 This documen/ contains neither recommendations nor conclusions- of' Ihe FBI. #t is the Pfoperly 'of Ihe F8l and' is loaned Io your ogency: il ond ils contenls ore not lo be disfribuled' outside Your agency. ================================================== Page 35 ================================================== FD-302 (Rev. 4-15-64) FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION Date_ 6L26168 Mr FREDERICK GARY DUTTON Pttorney , 1225 19th Street, N W , Washington, D advised he was an aide to Senator ROBERT F KENNEDY on his Presidential campaign , handling scheduling and travel arrangements . He stated that Senator KENNEDY left his Ambassador Hotel sulte at about 11:30 Pa m_ to make a victory talk to those gathered in the Embassy Room of the hotel He said he accompanied KENNEDY from his suite using a service elevator and passing through an area where KENNEDY was later shot 0 He said that en route to the Embassy Room he did not note any Particular crowd in the area where the Senator was shot DUTTON said he was aware that a large crowd had gathered in the Embassy Room as well as in a lower ballroom for the expected appearance of Senator KENNEDY He said these crowds had become rather loud and somewhat unruly awai the appearance of the Senator DUTTON stated he decided that upon the completion of Senator KENNEDY ' s victory_ talk, the Senator would g0 to the Colonial Room where the press had gathered , rather than to g0 down to the lower ballroom He said Senator KENNEDY left the um at the rear of the platform and he followed the Senator accompanied by Mrs KENNEDY DUTTON said he did not tell Senator KENNEDY that he was to proceed to the Colonial but believed that BILL BARR Y had done as BARRY was aware of the He stated he trailed Senator KENNEDY by about seven to elght feet when he heard a snapping noise similar to the sound of fire-crackers He said upon learning that Senator KENNEDY had been shot he proceeded directly to KENNEDY passing another_man_lying on_the_floor, Later identified-8 EAUL_SCHR ADF , 24 On 6/26/68 at_ Washington De C File #_ WFO_123-135 WALTER B_ SAVAGE by_ SAs_JOSEPH C KELLY WBSinlr Date dictated_ 6/26L68_ This documenf contains neilher recommendations nor conclusions of the FBI: It is Ihe property of the Fbl and Is loaned t0 agency; il and ils contents are nof to be disiributed oulslde Your agency. C. , ting podi Room plan_ SO , Your ================================================== Page 36 ================================================== WFO 173-135 2 an official of the United Auto Workers_ who appeared to be seriously wounded . He said Senator KENNEDY was lying on the floor and he Proceeded to open his collar and belt_ removing his cuff links and shoes . DUTTON said he was joined by Mrs _ KENNEDY and was not aware of any other activity in the area, He said that he had not heard that SIRHAN SIRHAN the suspected assassin, had ever been seen earlier or that SIRHAN had ever been evicted from any area by anyone _ He said that a dark skinned individual, possibly an Arabian, had reportedly been asked to leave the podium. He said he had seen a photo in Time magazine in which this dark skinned male appears , however upon viewing a photo of SIRHAN he deternined that SIRHAN is not identical to the dark-skinned individual in Time magazine DUTTON stated that he had never seen SIRHAN SIRHAN during his tour with Senator KENNEDY 25 ================================================== Page 37 ================================================== FD-302 (Rev. 4-15-64) FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION Date_ 7/1/68 DUN GIFFORD, Legal Assistant to Senator EDWARD KENNEDY advised he served 85 State Co-ordinator In the presidential Campaign of Senator ROBERT F KENNEDY GIFFORD stated he was 'on the podium when Senator ROBERT KENNEDY made his VIctory talk to those gathered In the Embassy Room of the Ambassedor Hotel. GIFFORD gaid that following KENNEDY 5 talk, he was to leave the podiun and g0 to hts right, as he faced the audience, where PIERRE SALINGER had planned to talk to him, He said that KENNEDY however , went to his left golng in the dlrection of the Colonial Room _ GIFFORD belleved that either FRED DUTTON or BILL BARRY mght have decided on the route to be taken by Senator KENNEDY after hls Speech. GIFFORD setd he followed Senator KENNEDY and saw him, BARRY and DUTTON pass through_ a double door entrance in the kitchen area , GIFFORD trailing' by about seventeen feet_ He stated he saw an individual, later identified as SIRHAN SIRHAN 9 step out from the right and he heard one shot, a short delay , then heard flve more shots . He said he cannot say he actually saw SIRHAN fire_ the shots, although he saw him WIth a gun. He said he then saw BARRY strike SIRHAN and' recalls SIRHAN was on the floor, 8 gun was on the floor and SIRHAN on his hands and knees , was moving toward the gun . He stated ROOSEVELT GRIER RAFER JOHNSON GEORGE PLIMPTON end he held SIRHAN _ He said JOHNSON held hlm by his lower GIFFORD having a hold on his head while all 26 On_ 6/24/68 at_ Weshington D, C, File #_ WFO 173-135 SA JOSEFH_ C. KELLY and by SAWALTER B SAVAGE JCK:sLb Date dictated 7/1/68 This documenf conloins neither recommendations nor conclusions of the FBI: It" ts the property of Ihe FBI and is looned to Your agency; #and ils contenls ore nof to be distrlbuted oulsfde agency: body_ Your ================================================== Page 38 ================================================== WFO 173-135 2 four of them were attemptIng to the gun from SIRHAN 8 hand GIFFORD said that all four of them leaned across SIRHAN 0 S body 0 and their combined hands grasped SIRHAN S gun hand He g4ld they removed thelr hands one at a tine per- mitting GRIER to west the gun from SIRHAN He said he believed GRIER upon removing the gun, handed t to JOHNSON _ GIFFORD sald SIRHAN did not say a word, at fIrst appearing composed and then appeared terrlfIed a8 the crowd reacted :o what had occurred _ GIFFORD stated he had never seen SIRHAN before the moment he sev him holding the gun. He safd he recalled that JESSE UNRUH was standing On a steam table calling for the Police and an embulance_ He satd Senator KENNEDY was Lying on the floor and another man also lay on the floor, both lying head to toe In 8 line, as he moved toward SIRHAN _ 27 get ================================================== Page 39 ================================================== FD-302 (Rev. 4-15-6 4 ) FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION 1 Date 6/26/68 JOSEPH D. GIORDANO , Office Manager,Senator ROBERT F KENNEDY ' s Office , New Senate Office Building, advised that he wa8 with the Senator during the Los Angeles Presidential Primary _ He stated that when the Senator made his speech in the Embassy Room; Ambassador Hotel, June Yictigss; 4 , he accompanied: the Senator to the stage from KENNEDY I 8 hotel suite After the Senator' 8 speech, according to GIORDANO , KENNEDY ' departed the stage area by Walking to the rear, through 3 hallway and into the kitchen KENNEDY was making his way toward the Colonial Room and planned to talk with II the "pencil-pregs GIORDANO said CIORDANO , was just leaving the ballroom and heard balloons breaking_ He was told KENNEDY had been shot He hastened to the area and observed the Senator lying on the kitchen floor_ About this time he saw ROSIE GRLER, a professional footbail player, holding an individual wich 3 gun _ GIORDANO took up a position at the Senator'8 side and assured hin he would be alright and to remain quiet _ When an ice pack arrived he held it to the Senatori8 head 9 and recalls seeing WILLIAM BARRY taking; off his coat and placing it under the Senator'8 head He stated when the ambulance arrived, he accompanied BARRY and the others to the hospital GIORDANO related that he does not recall seeing SIRHAN SIRHAN in the area prior to the shooting_ He men- tioned that at about 3:00 a .m, , June 5, 1968, he re 'called 28 e On 6/29/68 at Washington,_Da File # WFO173-135 by SA PHILIP E COGHLANbas/gja Date dictated 6/25/68 This document contains neither recommendations nor conclusions of the FBI: It i8 the property of the FBI and is loaned to your agency; it and its contents are not to be distributed outside your agency. he, ================================================== Page 40 ================================================== 2 WFO 173-135 seeing an unknown Tvhite female with 8 polka-dot dress talking to a police officer outside room number 507 _ He related this conversation lasted about three to five minutes He only recalls the dreee was Tvhite with large dots about the 8ize of a silver dollar; he believes the dots were black or dark blue GIORDANO feels that because of the time this may not be important but recalls the incident for what it might be worth_ 29 ================================================== Page 41 ================================================== FD-302 (Rey_ 4-15-64) FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION Date_ 7/1/68 FRANK MANKIEHICZ , Fress Secretary to Senetor ROBERT F KENNEDY On his presldential campaign advised that he and PIERRE SALINGER had planned that Senator KENNEDY follovlng his victory speech in the Embassy Room.of the Ambassador Hotel, would then g0 to a room occuped by SALINGER which was to the rlght of Senator KENNEDY and then the ' Senator mould 80 on to the Colonfal Room He stated when Senator KENNEDY finished his talk he left the podlum and proceeded toward the Colonlal Room which was off to his left_ He said he attached no significance to the fact Senator KENNEDY proceeded In the direction Of the ColonLal Room, a8 the routes taken by Senator KENNEDY were inot defInite and he often went directly Into 0 crowd rather than through some easter and leg8 crorded route 4s Planned . HHe stated BILL BARRY Or FRED DUTTON mlght posstbly know wy Senator KENNEDY proceeded to the Colonial Room after his talka MANKIEWICZ stated he trailed Senator KENNEDY by 'about ten to twelve feet 48 he moved toward the Colontal Room _ He seid as he passed through some double doors he heard 0 noise, similer to the sound 0f fire crackers , and thought It was inapproprLate to be getting off fire crackers He stated he never sew SIRHAN SIRHAN the suspected asgassin of Senator KENNEDY and a8 he moved forward he recalled seeing PAUL SCHRADE , a United Auto Workers official, lying on the floor about two feet from the body of Senator KENNEDY He sald he then Saw a "tableau" of arms in a struggle and a gun lying on a table He' Said he could not see the head of the man the group wes struggling with. He estimated that fifteen people were between him and Senator KENNEDY wen the shots were fired. 30 On_ 6/24/68 a Washington,_ D, C File #_ WFO 173-135 SA JOSEFH C. KELLY and by SA WALTER B. SAVAGE JCK:slb Date dictated_ 7/1/68 This documenf contains neither recommendalions nor conclusions of Ihe FBI. It" is the property of the FBI and is loaned to Your agency; ilond ils contents are nof to be distributed' outside Your agency ================================================== Page 42 ================================================== WFO 173-135 He said M - UECKER an Ambassador Hotel employee, was leading Senator KENNEDY through the narrow Passage way enroute to the Colonial Room He stated tha Mrg GBORGE PLIMFTON reportedly walked Past the suspected assa881n, SIRHAN SIRHAN and saw a gun in SIRHAN S hand just before the shoot MANCIEWICZ stated a8 he trailed Senator KENNEDY on his route, he could not be Of more assistance and thus ould furnish no additional {nformetion _ 31 ing ================================================== Page 43 ================================================== FD-3 02 (Rev. 4-15-64) FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGA TION Date 8/7/68 Mr WILLIAM NORRIS Partner_ 9 Law Firm of futtle and Taylor Suite 1300 609 South Grand Avenue Los Angeles , phone number "625-7831 advised that during the campaign Qf Senator ROBZRT F KENNEDY for the presidential nomination, he $ NORRIS , acted a8 one of twelve State of California Vice Chairmen under Chairman JESSE UNRUH In this capacity he aswociated With the Senator and other members of the Senator' 8 8taff and based on 1i8, NORRIS ' position, he furnished the following information with respect to his knowledge of the eventx of June 4 , 1968 and June 5 , 1968 , at the Ambassador Hotel NORRIS advised that he went to the Ambasgador Hotel at approximately 8:30 pm 3 and parked in the rear parking lot He then entered the hotel and went to the KZNNEDY press area_ 9 located in the Colonial Room , where he talked with various campa ign personalities _ At approximate 10:00 pm_ he went upstairs to the KENNZDY suite where he stayed for approximately 45 minutes He chen went downstairs to the Emba8 8y Room whece he met several friends and took them to the KENNEDY suite to meet the Senator Shortly thereafter_ he returned to the Embas8y Room and met other loyal supporters who al80 wanted to meet the Senator. Just a8 he wa8 about to take them upstair8 , he saw STEPHSN SMITH , the Senator' 8 brother-in-law 80 he delayed his upstairs 38 he realized that the Senator would appear in the Ba llroom in a few minutes_ When the Senator arrived , he , NORRIS_ remained in the pre88 alcove of the Embassy Room, just to the west of the platform _ After his speech the Senator left the tform to the reaf , through 8ome curtains which provided acce88 to the kitchen area and the main KENNEDY pre8s room He NORRIS , attempted to follow from the Embassy press area and he heard several diwtinct rapid reports _ He did not realize that anything out of the ordinary had occurred until he encountered a rush of people coming tovard him from the dieeet+on the SenatOr had gone ,plus the took Of stark tercor on the face of JUDY ROYER, the personal secretary On 8/2168 at Los_ Angeles California_File #os_Angeles 56-156 32 by SA DAVTD H COOK /cld_ Date dictated 8/44/68 This document contains neither recommendations nor conclusions of the FBI: It i8 the property of the FBI and i8 loaned to your agency; it and its contents are not to be distributed outgide your agency. ly trip_ pla ================================================== Page 44 ================================================== 2 LA 56-156 for former Governor PAT BROWN _ currently ag8ociated with the Beverly Hills Law Firm of BALL 9 HUNT, HART, and BROWN _ ROYER was standing on a chair looking down the passageway toward the Senator and he assumes that she must have seen some of the actual shooting There al80 were loud shouts and screaming in the air Shortly thereafter, many rumor8 were spread about concern- ing who was shot; He heard thatt STEVE SMITH , FRED DUTTON_ and PAUL SCHRADE, had been shot a8 well as the Senator The facts soon developed_ 5 however_ that STEVE SMITH &nd FRED DUTTON had not been shot_ for he saw both of them and they were uninjured _ It wa 8 then that SMITH told him that the Senator had been shot $ and that they should get a11 the people out of the Ballroom He NORRIS_ emphatically concurred and suggested that SMITH himself make a public announcement_ 9 since such an announcement coming from a member of the KENNEDY family would have more meaning to those assembled in the Ballroom Mr SMITH then made the announcement to clear the Ballroom NORRIS advised that he stayed at the hotel until approximately 3:00 am, helping to clear the area and talking to various friends He was shown a photograph of SIRHAN BISHARA SIRHAN and he stated that at no time during the evening did he see this individual He advised the security in the KENNEDY suite upstairs in the hotel was almost non existent and that it was fairly loose early in the evening at the Embassy Room but that as the evening wore on it became more difficult to access to that room He stated that he bases this observation on hi8 ability to access to those areas during the evening_ No one checked his press pas8 in the KENNEDY suite At approximately 10 30 pm a guard was at the Embassy Room and the guard checked his pas8_ but later on at approximately 1l:00 pm the guard denied him acce8s to the room, S0 he entered it Ehrough another back entrance 33 gain gain ================================================== Page 45 ================================================== 3 La 56-156 With regard to the plan for the protection of 'Senator KENNEDY while the Senator was in the state of California 5 he advised that VICTOR PALMIERI, member of the Presidentls Commission On Crime who was concerned over the safety of the Senator during his campaign_ 9 discussed this with STEPHEN SMITH in his_ 9 NORRIS presence on one of the Senator' 8 earlier trips to California PALMIERI suggested that stringent security be provided for the Senator but 1 If SMITH told PALMTERI We will just have to take our chances 34 ================================================== Page 46 ================================================== FD-3 02 (Rev. 4-15-64) FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION Date 6/28/68 ADAM WALINSKY _ 9 Legislative Assistant in Senat e, and speech writer for the late Senatar ROBERT FRANCIS KZNNEDY , wag interviewed in Room 3327, New Senate Office Building_ He seid he traveled with KSNNEDY in the Oregon and California primary campaigns During the evening of June 4, 1968, WALINSKY and Mrs MALINSKY had a room in the fifth floor KENNEDY Suite at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles, Califor- nia WALINSKY congratulated Senator KZNNEDY upon Winning the primary in California WALINSKY remained in the suite to watch the television broadcast of KeNNEDY 8 victory speech in the Ebassy Room _ After YENNZDY completed the speech, WALINSKY stood in the doorway of the KENNEDY suite talking as CAROL if WELCH told WALINSKY PILRRE just called and something 18 wrong with the Senator You had better g0 down and 8ee what i8 the matter WALINSKY said he Ialked into the hall with SWANIE VON HZINSCHEL and was still talking with VON HEINSCHEL when CAROL said, "There really 1s something wrong with the Senator ii WALINSKY said CAROL gave him a push and "7 said, "Get going' WALINSKY then rushed down the stairs and turned and left There were a lot of people cpming out of the room_ WALINSKY pushed, through and to the door of the Colonial Room _ A hotel security guard in front of the door would not let WALINSKY in, but a press representative spoke to the guard and he let WALINSKY through . WALINSKY said he saw Senator KZNNEDY lying on the floor and KENNEDY 8 wife, UTHEL, wa8 bending over him_ WALINSKY saw four or five policemen take SIRHAN SIRHAN out WALINSKY said he had never seen SIRHAN before. On 6/28/68_ ~at Walbnington_D File # WFQ173-135 35 SA PHILIP E. COGHLAN and by 84 ROGER D ASHLANDLRDA Date dictated 6/28/68 This document contains neither recommendations nor conclusions of the FBI: It i8 the property of the FBI and is loaned to your agency; it and its contents are not to be distributed outside your agency. got ================================================== Page 47 ================================================== 2 NFO 173-135 WALINSKY was unable to furnish any information about KENNEDY 8 plans for the evening o1 any change in plans for speaking to the people in the other ballroom . WALINSKY furnished the name of another speech writer for KENNZDY a8 JIFF GREZNFIELD, 17 Third Street, North- east , Washington, D C . He said GREENFI:'LD was in the KZNNEDY Suite on the fifth floor of the Ambassador Hotel at the time of the shooting. 36 ================================================== Page 48 ================================================== FD-302 (Rev. 4-15-64) FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGA TION 7/8/68 Date DAVID ADAMSON , Correepondent, London Daily Telegraph, 1200 National: Presg Building, furnished the following informa - tion: ADAMSON covered the Oregon and California primaries for his newspaper dividing his time betieen the MC CARTHY ana KZNNEDY campaigns During the campaigning in Los Jngeles, ADAMSON spent his entire time with the KZNNZDY organization During KZNNEDY 8 victory speech ADAMSON :as in the Embassy Room listening t? the speech. ADAMSON kew KZNNEDY intended to have 3 prese C onference in the temporary prese room after the speech but did not Irnow hov KENNEDY intended t3 to the prees r3on _ KENNEDY left the Embassy Room and ADAMSON attempt ed to follow him_ ADAMSON was about 15 yards belind KENNEDY when KENNEDY ent ered the kitchen area and the shooting occurred _ ADAMSON did not hear the shots and never got to the kitchen_ ADAMSON did not 8ee SIRHAN or KZNNEDY after the shooting. ADAMSON does not remember seeing SIRHAN at any time during the campaign in either California or Oregon ADAMSON eaid he could give no additional information regarding the aeeaseination On 71/68 at Waghington D C . File # WFO 173-135 37 by SA JOHN L PATTERSON/bmb Date dictated 7/1/68 This document contains neither recommendations nor conclusions of the FBI. It is the property of the FBI &nd is loaned to your agency; it and its contents are not to be distributed outside your agency. get ================================================== Page 49 ================================================== FD-302 (Rev_ 4-15-64) FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION Date_ 6/25/68 Mr_ 0 CHARRLES m CHUCK " BAILEY Mineapolis Tribune 9 Washington Bureau National Press Builaing 2 Washington, D.Co 9 (IDc) 9 furnished Ebe following infornation: Be accompanied the late Senator ROBERT F KENNEDY on both the_Oregon_ and Californla Primariesand was at the Ambassador Hotel, Los Angeles , California, on the morning 0f June 5 9 1968 9 when Senator KEWNEDY was assassinated At the exact time of the shooting; 0f fir 0 KENNEDY he was in the Colonial Room of the Hotel Ambassador_along with the other newspaper people waiting for Mr KENNEDY to come into the Colonial Room for an inforual press conference Separating the Colonial Room from the kitchen of the hotel were double swinging doors and then another set 0f double swinging doors arrarged in such 2 manner that in the Colonial Roow could not see into the kitchen t Reoplee 3 waiter cane Olt 02 the serving kitchen It Fas his understanding that immediacely after Mr KENNEDY gave a victory_ talk on tele- visi he intended to come intto the Colonial Room and talk to the reporters there awaiting him, Be believes that it was one the press secretaries 0f Mr KENNEDY the exact one he could nor recall_ 9 who made.these arrangements, but that in any event it was his understanding at the time that Mr . IENNDY would come directly from his TV talk to the Colonial Room and that reporters there would be able to a8k him questions concerning his primary victory and future 0 He saiY 0n a TV set that Mr _ KENNEDY had finished Blanspeeck and So then be immediately moved closef to the door SO he woula have a better position in proxinity to Br . KENNEDY t0 ask questions. He then heard a loud" bang which at first sounded to him like someone was banging a serving tray on One 0f the stainless steel warming counters, This was immediately followed by four other 'bang-like" moises and then 1t dawned on hin that these were actually shots Erom a gun He distinctly recalled hearing five bangs although subsequent events revealed that actualiy eight shots were_fired from a gun. He immediat went through the double set Of swinging doors into the serving kitchen, and the place Fas "1 complete_bedlam. I He noticed someone struggling with an individual but actually saw On_6/20L68 0 Nashington DC; Flle FFFO 123-135 38 by SA HARVEY E. TILKINSON: bmb Dato dictated 6/21/68 This documenl conlalns noilhor rocommondolions nor conclusions of Iho FBI: # Is the Property ol Iho FBl and Is loonod Io Your agency; It and Ils contenls are no}to b0 disIribuled outsid0 Your agency. on , ogathered only ely only ================================================== Page 50 ================================================== IFo 173-135 this individual' s forearm raised in the air and someone grabbing at it He cannot recall. actually seeing a gun in the hand 0f the alleged assassin_ He then left the serving kitchen 1 mmediately and went to the nearest phone to call his paper_ When he finished the call he went back to the serving kirchen, it being only a matter of perhaps ten or fifteen minutes_ and a1 this time the Police were taking out 0f the horel the aileged assassin f Mr KENNEDY SIRHAN SIRHAN_ On this occasion he a reasonabiy_good_Viewv of SIRHAN He does not Febezot ever seeing SIRHAN SIRHAN before that time either in the hotel or at anv of the campaign stops_ 0 He did not see any girl at any time wearing a polka dot dress and could furnish no information whatsoever concerning this alleged individual 0n the previous Sunday before the assassination Mr KENNEDY he ias in the group of who "covered" Mr KENNEDY ( S trip to Disneyl nedspagemennc diu not recall seeing SIRHAN SIRHAN in any 0f" the crowds gathered around Mr KENNEDY at Disneyland Mr _ BAILEY was unable to furnish any additional pertinent information 39 0f

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