Malcolm X’s Family Files $100 Million Lawsuit Against FBI, CIA, and NYPD Over His Assassination

The family of Malcolm X, the iconic civil rights activist, has filed a $100 million lawsuit against the FBI, the CIA, and the New York Police Department (NYPD), accusing them of involvement in his assassination and negligence in preventing his death. Renowned civil rights attorney Ben Crump, representing the family, announced the lawsuit during a recent news conference, stating, “We believe that they all conspired to assassinate Malcolm X, one of the greatest thought leaders of the 20th Century.”

Malcolm X was killed on February 21, 1965, at the age of 39, when three assailants armed with firearms shot him 21 times as he prepared to speak at the Audubon Ballroom in New York City. The lawsuit alleges that a “corrupt, unlawful and unconstitutional” connection between law enforcement and Malcolm X’s killers facilitated the murder and that this relationship was “actively concealed, condoned, protected and facilitated by government agents.”

According to the lawsuit, the NYPD, in collaboration with federal agencies, detained members of Malcolm X’s security detail days before the assassination and strategically removed its officers from inside the ballroom on the day of the event. The family contends that federal agents, including undercover operatives, were present at the scene but did not intervene to prevent the assassination.

Malcolm X rose to prominence as a powerful advocate for Black empowerment and as a lead spokesman for the Nation of Islam before a contentious split from the organization. His life was cut short amidst tensions that erupted following his departure.

One Nation of Islam member confessed to the murder; however, two others who were convicted had their convictions vacated in 2021 after a New York judge determined that crucial evidence had been withheld, leading to a miscarriage of justice. New York’s attorney general supported the findings, stating that the evidence that could have exonerated the men had not been disclosed during their trial.

These two exonerated individuals subsequently filed lawsuits against the city and state, winning settlements of $26 million from New York City and $10 million from New York state.

While the NYPD stated it would not comment on ongoing litigation, the FBI and CIA have yet to respond to inquiries regarding the lawsuit. The outcome of this new legal action is awaited as the nation reflects on the historical significance of Malcolm X’s legacy and the persistent questions surrounding his death.