</s>LA 56-156 RJL/vaa On September 26, 1968, Sergeant MIKE NIELSEN, Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), S.U.S. Unit, made available a copy of an interview conducted by the LAPD with Dr. HAUSTIN BAZILIAUSKAS. The interview is as follows: a copy off an interview conducted by the LAPD with dr. HaUSTIN BAZIIAUSKAAS. The interview isas follows: Seo-N-N.E.A.O.P. SEARCHED INEDEXED MY SERIALIZED A-TILP. CPD 1968 FBI-LOS ANGELES 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O ., 14176

Summary  
The documents detail investigative records from June–August 1968 related to the assassination of Senator Robert F. Kennedy at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles on June 5, 1968. Key accounts include witness descriptions of the shooting, suspect identification, and post-incident investigations. Delores Beilenson reported witnessing a man with a gun shoot Kennedy in the kitchen area, while Ronald Bennett, a press photographer, described seeing the suspect near Kennedy and later found him shot on the floor. Hans Bidstrup, an electrician at the hotel, identified Sirhan Sirhan from a mugshot and recounted interactions with a man who inquired about hotel security and Kennedy’s bodyguards. Inspector Michael Werton provided descriptions of individuals present during the event. The documents also reference FBI and LAPD efforts to track suspects, including Sirhan’s alleged flight to Detroit and interviews with witnesses like Anne Berkowitz and MRS. Bice, who denied connections to the suspect.  

Additional records include reports of "Kill Kennedy" bumper stickers and pamphlets circulating in the Ambassador Hotel prior to the assassination, referencing John F. Kennedy’s assassination investigation rather than RFK’s shooting. Elmer Boomhower (ACE guard) noted individuals distributing items with messages like "re-open the Warren Commission," while Theodore Charach observed a hippie couple passing similar stickers. Mort Goodman, the hotel’s press relations officer, confirmed the items were unrelated to RFK’s death. William F. Gardner, the hotel’s security chief, stated the stickers were red with black lettering and had no connection to RFK’s assassination. Later interviews with witnesses, including Hans Peter Bidstrup and Danny Bobbitt, described encounters with individuals potentially linked to threats against Sirhan, though none directly related to RFK’s shooting.  

James Breslin, a *New York Post* reporter, witnessed the shooting from the hotel kitchen area, noting four out of five shots fired and observing Sirhan waving a gun near the doors. Warren Rogers (1-021) was mentioned as possibly involved in the struggle for the weapon. Everett C. Buckner, a range officer at the San Gabriel Valley Gun Club, described Sirhan purchasing 22-caliber ammunition and practicing shooting on target ranges. Sign-in rosters from June 1968 list names, addresses, and some suspects, including Sirhan, though many entries appear unrelated to the assassination.  

Marilynn Brunton, a schoolteacher in Stockton, California, described her brother’s relationship with Sirhan, noting they attended Pasadena City College but were not close friends. Harold Leon Burba, a firefighter in Torrance, reported seeing flashes of gunfire during the assassination but did not identify the suspect. Burba later testified at a grand jury, initially identifying Sirhan but later retracted his statement, suggesting Michael Wayne (from LIFE magazine photos) might be the suspect.  

Key People  
- **Sirhan Sirhan**: Identified as the shooter by multiple witnesses; described as a young man with a Middle Eastern accent, wearing dark clothing, and carrying a gun. Purchased ammunition from Everett C. Buckner at the San Gabriel Valley Gun Club.  
- **Delores Beilenson**: Wife of State Senator Tony Beilenson; witnessed the shooting in the kitchen area.  
- **Ronald Bennett**: Press photographer for UPI; reported seeing the suspect near Kennedy and later found him shot on the floor.  
- **Hans Bidstrup**: Electrician at the Ambassador Hotel; identified Sirhan from a mugshot and described interactions with the suspect.  
- **Inspector Michael Werton**: LAPD officer who interacted with suspects in the hotel’s sound booth and provided descriptions of individuals present during the event.  
- **Elmer Boomhower (I-256)**: ACE guard at the Ambassador Hotel; reported observing individuals distributing "Kill Kennedy" items referencing JFK’s assassination investigation.  
- **Theodore Charach (I-238)**: Hotel employee who observed a hippie couple passing bumper stickers with similar themes.  
- **Mort Goodman (H06-5221)**: Press relations officer for the Ambassador Hotel; received and relayed information about the stickers to security.  
- **William F. Gardner (I-2444)**: Security chief at the Ambassador Hotel; confirmed the stickers were unrelated to RFK’s assassination.  
- **James Breslin**: *New York Post* reporter who witnessed the shooting and provided details about Sirhan and post-shooting events.  
- **Warren Rogers (1-021)**: Mentioned as possibly involved in the struggle for the gun during the shooting.  
- **Everett C. Buckner**: Range officer at San Gabriel Valley Gun Club; sold Sirhan ammunition and described the shooting incident.  
- **Marilynn Brunton**: Schoolteacher in Stockton, California; described her brother’s relationship with Sirhan.  
- **Harold Leon Burba**: Firefighter in Torrance, California; reported seeing flashes of gunfire but did not identify the suspect.  
- **Michael Wayne**: Individual identified in LIFE magazine photos by Burba as a potential suspect.  

Key Locations  
- **Ambassador Hotel (Los Angeles)**: Site of RFK’s assassination; key locations include the Embassy Room, kitchen area, Venetian Room, and press interview rooms.  
- **Good Samaritan Hospital**: Where Mrs. Beilenson was taken after witnessing the shooting.  
- **San Gabriel Valley Gun Club**: Location where Sirhan purchased ammunition and practiced shooting; referenced in multiple records.  
- **Casino level of the hotel**: Where some observations occurred, including the distribution of stickers.  
- **Colonial Room**: Where Breslin reported Kennedy typically spoke with the press.  
- **Stockton, California**: Brunton’s residence; location of her interview.  
- **Torrance, California**: Burba’s residence and workplace; vantage point during the assassination.  

Key Events  
- **June 5, 1968**: Senator Robert F. Kennedy was shot in the Ambassador Hotel’s kitchen area during a speech.  
- **Distribution of "Kill Kennedy" items**: Bumper stickers and pamphlets referencing John F. Kennedy’s assassination investigation circulated at the hotel prior to RFK’s death.  
- **Witness accounts**: Delores Beilenson, Ronald Bennett, Hans Bidstrup, and James Breslin provided descriptions of the suspect and events during the shooting.  
- **Suspect identification**: Sirhan Sirhan was identified by multiple witnesses, including Bidstrup, Beilenson, and Breslin.  
- **Gun club practice session (June 5, 1968)**: Sirhan purchased ammunition from Everett C. Buckner at the San Gabriel Valley Gun Club and practiced shooting.  
- **Investigative follow-up**: LAPD and FBI tracked suspects, including Sirhan’s alleged flight to Detroit and efforts to verify witness statements.  
- **Grand jury testimony**: Harold Leon Burba initially identified Sirhan but later retracted his statement, suggesting Michael Wayne might be the suspect.  

Key Organizations  
- **Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD)**: Conducted interviews and investigations into the assassination; included the Rampart Detective Division.  
- **Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)**: Collaborated with LAPD on suspect identification and case tracking; referenced Breslin’s interview and gun club records.  
- **Ambassador Hotel security team**: Handled the distribution of stickers and reported incidents to authorities.  
- **San Gabriel Valley Gun Club**: Site of Sirhan’s ammunition purchase and shooting practice; referenced in multiple records.  
- **Los Angeles City Fire Department (Fire Prevention Bureau)**: Employed Harold Leon Burba, who testified at a grand jury.

RFK Declassified Files

56-la-156-a-b_sec_001_ser_1--part_2_of_3.pdf

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