COINTELPRO
The FBI's secret counterintelligence program from 1956 to 1971 that targeted domestic political groups through surveillance, infiltration, and disruption.
Documented record
Known Facts
COINTELPRO (Counter Intelligence Program) ran from 1956 to 1971 under FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover.
The program targeted civil rights leaders, anti-war activists, Black Power groups, and other political organizations.
tactics included surveillance, infiltration, psychological warfare, and harassment.
The FBI sent anonymous letters to disrupt marriages and sow distrust within groups.
The program was exposed in 1971 when activists stole files from an FBI office.
The Church Committee investigated and condemned COINTELPRO in 1976.
Supporting claims & documentation
Evidence For
COINTELPRO Files (1971)
PRIMARY SOURCEThousands of stolen FBI documents revealing the program's scope and tactics.
SOURCE:Citizens' Commission to Investigate the FBI
Church Committee Report (1976)
PRIMARY SOURCESenate investigation documenting FBI abuses under COINTELPRO.
SOURCE:U.S. Senate
Counterpoints & criticisms
Evidence Against
National Security Justification
ANALYSISThe FBI argued the program was necessary to combat subversion and violence.
SOURCE:FBI historical defense
Unresolved inquiries
Open Questions
How many groups and individuals were targeted?
Were any COINTELPRO actions directly responsible for deaths?
Did the program continue in some form after 1971?
What was the full extent of CIA involvement?
Chronological record
Timeline
COINTELPRO begins targeting communist groups.
Program expands to civil rights and Black Power groups.
COINTELPRO files stolen from Media, PA FBI office.
Church Committee exposes and condemns COINTELPRO.
Connected dossiers
Related Investigations
References & further reading
Sources
Automatically discovered links
Related Connections
2 organizations appear in both.
2 organizations appear in both.
2 organizations appear in both.