</s>was involved with one Arab group, but that there was no implication that his participation in Arab student activities affected his intent or attitude toward the assassination. Kanan Abdul Latif Hamzeh stated that Sirhan was an active mem- ber of an organization called the "Organization of Arab Students in the United States of America and Canada." Hamzah was the president of the Pasadena City College Chapter in 1965. The college chapter was not recognized by the parent organization. in New York because Pasadena City college did not give the group formal status on campus. Hamzach remarked that Sikhan appeared very interested in his school work and did not seem interested in politics. Hamzaeh did feel that Sirham could easily have been influenced by any Arab Nationalist cause because of his intense feelings against the Israelis. The chairman of the Pasadena Chapter in 1968 had no recollection of Sikhn as a member. They described the group as a social organization. However, Sirhan did not belong to a group called "The International Club" on the PasadenaCity College campus as was alleged, nor did he participate in any known Arab group. activities at other schools in the Pasadena area. An ex-postman alleged that Sihan received pro-Nasser literature from an organization named the "Arab Student League." Investi- gators were unable to locate any record of such an organization. It was determined that the ex-POSTman was probably being hysterical about his recollections which were heightened by the revelation of Sirhan's involvement in the shooting. He had not. -74- 2025 RELEASE UNDER E.O. 14176

Sirhan Sirhan was convicted of assassinating Senator Robert F. Kennedy on June 5, 1968, in Los Angeles, California. The assassination occurred at the Ambassador Hotel, where Kennedy had just won the California Democratic primary. Sirhan fired multiple shots from a .22 caliber revolver, killing Kennedy and wounding five others.

The investigation revealed that Sirhan had planned and prepared for the assassination over several days, including purchasing ammunition and practicing shooting at a range. He also made statements indicating his intent to kill Kennedy, such as "R.F.K. must die" and "Robert P. Kennedy must be assassinated before 5 June 68."

Sirhan's family was involved in the investigation, with his brother Salman being arrested as an Israeli spy by the Iraqi government several months prior to the assassination. The family also received threatening letters and phone calls, including a letter signed Sharif B. Sirhan that threatened Richard Nixon.

Independent writers, such as Rex Westerfield of the John Birch Society, made allegations about the assassination, including claims of a Marxist conspiracy. However, these claims were not supported by evidence and were ultimately discredited.

The investigation concluded that there was no evidence of a conspiracy in the crime, and Sirhan's intent to kill Kennedy was premeditated. He was found to be legally sane at the time of the incident and was convicted of murder.

Key individuals involved in the investigation included Theodore R. Charach, Fernando Faurra, John Christian, and Jerry Owen, who all provided information relevant to the case. The Los Angeles Police Department and other agencies were also involved in the investigation.

The assassination of Senator Robert F. Kennedy was a significant event in American history, and the subsequent investigation and trial of Sirhan Sirhan provided insight into the motivations and actions of those involved.

RFK Declassified Files

56-la-156_sec_001_ser_06-1968-02-1969-part_3_of_9.pdf

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