Political Myths and Conspiracy Theories That Will Make You Question Everything

COINTELPRO Was Spying on Martin Luther King

cointelpro.jpg

Central Press/Getty Images

COINTELPRO is an acronym for Counter Intelligence Program, which was allegedly put to use by the FBI during the second Red Scare. Its goal was to target various groups deemed dangerous such as the Communist Party, the KKK, leaders of civil rights movements, and more.

It is also believed that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a primary focus of COUNTELPRPO. Apparently, after he delivered his famous “I Have A Dream Speech” at the March on Washington, he was considered to be an “unofficial enemy of the state”. He was then endlessly followed, had his phones tapped, and was even blackmailed by the FBI when they learned about his infidelity. However, COUNTELPRO was shut down in 1971, although the FBI supposedly still keeps secretive tabs on particular groups.