Thousands of people have taken to social media to celebrate the life and achievements of Martin Luther King on the 49th anniversary of his death – but not all the tributes were welcomed.
The FBI shared its appreciation of the civil rights leader, tweeting: “Today, on the anniversary of his assassination, the FBI honors the life, work, & commitment of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to justice.”
The tweet also included a famous King quote on morality and justice.
Today, on the anniversary of his assassination, the FBI honors the life, work, & commitment of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to justice. pic.twitter.com/WZInYKQx2g
— FBI (@FBI) April 4, 2017
While the message was surely shared in good faith, many people weren’t too impressed given the FBI’s controversial relationship with King throughout his life.
why are you doing this, we all know how to access wikipedia https://t.co/FQwZF0Mtka
— sick transit, gloria (@samknight1) April 4, 2017
Is the current FBI aware of its predecessors relentless hounding of #MLK during his lifetime? https://t.co/PfFWpRwTPx
— Nils Ekström (@nilsaekstrom) April 5, 2017
It was known to surveil and harass King as part of an “intensive campaign to neutralise and discredit him as an effective civil rights leader”.The bureau even wrote a notorious letter to King which appeared to urge him to take his own life, while the FBI’s first director, J Edgar Hoover, once described him as the “most notorious liar in the country”.That being said, people were perplexed as to why the FBI wanted to honour King now.
I would like to know more about the FBI’s relationship to Dr. King’s life, work, and commitment to justice https://t.co/Bgdrjn64nQ
— Eric Rauchway (@rauchway) April 4, 2017
@FBI didn't you guys try to discredit his hard work through lies, spying, and intimidation? You honor him after you tormented him #MLK
— Max The Bear (@MaxDAWerePanda) April 5, 2017
@FBI I think every MLK celebration tweet should end with "And we're really sorry."
— Erick Fernandez (@ErickFernandez) April 4, 2017
It’s not the first time the FBI has ruffled feathers in an attempt to honour King.Earlier this year, it drew criticism when it tweeted on King’s birthday to commend his “incredible career fighting for civil rights”.
Today, the FBI honors the Rev. Martin L. King Jr. and his incredible career fighting for civil rights. #MLKDAY pic.twitter.com/9UEulHmL8a
— FBI (@FBI) January 16, 2017
King, known for promoting non-violent civil disobedience to help advance the civil rights movement, was assassinated in 1968.
