</s>56-LA-156-1A VOL. I SER: 1A1-1AB0 FBI - CENTRAL RECORDS CENTER LA-LOS ANGELES Class / Case # Sub Vol. Serial # 0059 156 1A 1A1 1A3O 8/11/1202830 RRP/PROJECT3 2005 REBEL

Summary  
The document contains fragmented accounts from multiple witnesses detailing events surrounding Robert F. Kennedy’s assassination on June 5, 1968, at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles. Key details include Kennedy’s victory speech following California election returns, his movement through the hotel to the Colonial Room (press area), and the shooting incident. Witnesses describe a gunman firing shots near Kennedy, leading to his collapse. Ambulance transport to Good Samaritan Hospital is noted, with accounts of medical personnel and law enforcement involvement. The text includes conflicting narratives about the sequence of events, including disputes over witness statements, hospital procedures, and police response. References to declassified documents (e.g., "2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176") indicate these records were made public for historical research.  

Key People  
- **Robert F. Kennedy**: Victim of the assassination; died on June 6, 1968.  
- **David Mark Esquith**: Witness who provided a statement about his presence at the Ambassador Hotel and interactions with Kennedy.  
- **Juan Antonio Romero**: Witness who described witnessing the shooting and assisting Kennedy after the attack.  
- **Max Alma Behrmann**: Ambulance attendant who transported Kennedy to Central Receiving Hospital.  
- **Mrs. Kennedy (Ethel Kennedy)**: Spouse of Robert F. Kennedy, present during the incident and involved in interactions with medical personnel.  
- **Karl Wecker**: Hotel employee witness describing Kennedy’s movement and security measures.  
- **Vincent DiPierro**: Hotel employee witness detailing interactions and security protocols.  
- **Edward Marasian**: Hotel employee witness providing accounts of the shooting sequence.  
- **Raffer Johnson**: Individual involved in apprehending the gunman.  
- **Steven Smith**: Kennedy’s brother-in-law, mentioned in witness statements.  
- **Colonel John Clem**: Individual present at the hospital.  
- **Los Angeles Police Department personnel**: Implied as responders and hospital access coordinators.  
- **Seaton Kennedey (likely Robert F. Kennedy)**: Referenced in a fragmented account with unclear details.  
- **Karl Veecker, Roscoe Grier, RAPER JOHNSON**: Law enforcement officers involved in subduing the shooter.  
- **William C. Beiller**: FBI agent mentioned in an investigation file.  
- **Handel Burber**: Contributor to an FBI investigation.  
- **J. Howard L. Bueta**: Individual referenced in an unrelated event in Terranea, California.  

Key Locations  
- **Ambassador Hotel, Los Angeles**: Site of Kennedy’s speech and shooting.  
- **Good Samaritan Medical Center, Los Angeles**: Location where Kennedy was pronounced dead.  
- **Central Receiving Hospital**: Where Kennedy was initially transported after being shot.  
- **Colonial Room (Ambassador Hotel)**: Press area where Kennedy was shot.  
- **Kitchen pantry area (Ambassador Hotel)**: Described as a location during transport.  
- **Terranea, California**: Mentioned in an unrelated reference on June 7, 1948.  

Key Events  
1. **June 5, 1968**: Robert F. Kennedy was shot at the Ambassador Hotel during a campaign event.  
2. **June 6, 1968**: Kennedy’s death was officially recorded via a death certificate.  
3. **Victory speech**: Kennedy delivered a speech following California election returns on June 4, 1968, before moving to the Colonial Room for press coverage.  
4. **Shooting incident**: Witnesses describe a gunman firing shots near Kennedy as he exited the stage area, leading to his collapse. Conflicting accounts exist regarding the shooter’s appearance and actions.  
5. **Ambulance transport**: Efforts to move Kennedy from the hotel to medical facilities are detailed, including interactions with ambulance personnel and security. Disputes over medical procedures (e.g., oxygen equipment) and police escorts are noted.  
6. **Hospital treatment**: Details include Dr. Bass’s attempts to move Kennedy onto a table and subsequent complications.  
7. **Witness statements**: Multiple accounts were submitted to the FBI and LAPD, with some redacted or unclear sections.  
8. **FBI investigation**: References to an FBI file (5/16-156-149) and contributor Handel Burber are noted.  
9. **Unrelated event**: A reference to an event in Terranea, California, on June 7, 1948, involving J. Howard L. Bueta is included.  

Key Organizations  
- **Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)**: Involved in documenting witness accounts and investigations; referenced in administrative notes and investigation files.  
- **Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD)**: Described as responding to the shooting and addressing hospital access issues.  
- **Good Samaritan Hospital**: Site of Kennedy’s medical treatment.  
- **Ambassador Hotel**: Venue for Kennedy’s speech and shooting incident.  
- **Los Angeles County Health Department**: Provided information on Kennedy’s death certificate.

RFK Declassified Files

56-la-156-1a_sec_001_ser_1a1-1a30-part_1_of_3.pdf

Document Summary

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