Today in History is a daily newsletter from Britannica. (more) Today in History—April 4: A Nation Mourns Martin Luther King, Jr. Written by Katie Angell Katie Angell is Associate Editor at Encyclopedia Britannica, covering topics related to Latin America. She holds an MA from Vanderbilt University and is pursuing a PhD in Political Science. Katie Angell Fact-checked by Britannica Editors Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... Britannica Editors Last updated Apr. 1, 2026 •History On this day in 1968, Martin Luther King, Jr., was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee, as he was preparing to leave for dinner. King, the most prominent leader of the American civil rights movement, was standing on the balcony outside his room at the Lorraine Motel when he was struck by a rifle shot. He was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Today in History is a daily newsletter from Britannica.Encyclopædia Britannica,...

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