MEMPHIS, April 4, 1968 (UPI) - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was shot outside a Memphis hotel Thursday afternoon. His condition was called "critical" at the hospital where he was rushed. Police said King was taken by ambulance to a Memphis hospital.
Police put out a bulletin for "a young white male, well dressed" who was seen running from a brick building across the street from the Lorraine Hotel, where King's car was parked at the time of the shooting.
Police said King was sitting in his car when the shot was fired.
Officers raced to the scene and surrounded the car and other units roared into the area and surrounded the hotel.
Early reports indicated the police had possession of the weapon.
King was in Memphis leading garbage strike marches. His march last Wednesday burst into violence that left one dead, 62 injured and 200 arrested. He had planned another march for next Monday.
Police said the assailant dropped the weapon while running down Main street about a block from the shooting.
Police said the assailant apparently jumped into a late model white car after the shooting and sped away.
