United States Department of Justice
Federal Bureau of Investigation
Memorandum
Date: 11/28/78
To: Mr. Moore
From: J. O. Ingram
Subject: RYMUR
PURPOSE: To advise of the alleged Peoples Temple threat against Senator John Stennis, (Mississippi), and identities of Peoples Temple hit squad still in Guyana.
RECOMMENDATION: None. For information.
DETAILS: At 10:50 a.m., San Juan Office advised that Vernon Gosney, a critically wounded member of the Peoples Temple was being debriefed at the Roosevelt Roads Naval Hospital in Puerto Rico. The debriefing of Gosney can only be done in a few minutes a time due to his physical condition. Gosney stated that a prime assassination target for the Peoples Temple would be Senator John Stennis. Gosney identified the following survivors in Guyana as members of the “angels” which is a pseudonym for their hit squad:
Steve Jones, son of Reverend Jim Jones; Michael Proke [Prokes]; Mike Carter; Tim Carter; Claire Jinnaro [Janaro]; Debbie Touchette; Cleve Swinney.
Current information indicates that Proke and the two other Carters are in custody of Guyanese authorities and are being held for investigation. The remaining individuals are awaiting repatriation to the United States. San Juan is sending a comprehensive teletype covering the debriefing of Gosney.
CONTINUED – OVER
Ingram to Mr. Moore memorandum
RE: RYMUR
Following San Juan’s call, notification of the alleged threat to Senator Stennis was made by Supervisor [deleted name] to SA [deleted name], US Secret Service Headquarters, Washington. Notification was also made by [deleted name], Congressional Liaison to [deleted name], Administrative Aide to Senator Stennis. The information contained in this memorandum was furnished to Washington Field Office Supervisor [deleted name], who was instructed to advise Washington Metropolitan Police and United States Capitol Police. In addition, SAC John Kelly, Jackson Division, was advised and instructed to advise local authorities in Senator Stennis’ hometown, DeKalb, Mississippi. According to Senator Stennis’ Office, the Senator is currently in DeKalb, Mississippi. This matter is being followed closely and a more detailed dissemination will be made following receipt of the San Juan teletype.
SAC Kelly, Jackson Division advised that he personally notified Senator Stennis of the above on this date.