On November 15, 2024, the family of civil rights leader Malcolm X initiated a monumental legal battle, launching a $100 million lawsuit against U.S. government agencies, including the CIA, FBI, and the New York Police Department (NYPD). This lawsuit alleges their complicit roles in orchestrate his assassination on February 21, 1965. The suit marks the latest chapter in the decades-long struggle for accountability over the circumstances surrounding Malcolm X's death, which many believe was shrouded in conspiracy.
At the heart of this legal action is the assertion made by Malcolm X’s daughters and the Malcolm X estate. They claim these agencies were not only aware of the assassination plot but also deliberately failed to intervene, allowing the civil rights icon to be killed during his speech at the Audubon Ballroom—a venue now recognized as the Malcolm X & Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial and Educational Center.
"We believe they all conspired to assassinate Malcolm X, one of the greatest thought leaders of the 20th Century," stated Ben Crump, the civil rights attorney representing the family, at the lawsuit's announcement. Crump's remarks were underscored by heavy emotion, as he stood alongside Malcolm X's family members, all of whom are grappling with the pain of unresolved questions about his assassination.
Malcolm X, born Malcolm Little, was shot 21 times as he addressed supporters, tragically witnessing his own demise alongside his wife and children. Three men were initially convicted for the assassination, yet many maintain the idea of innocence surrounding two of them, Muhammad Abdul Aziz and Khalil Islam. Their convictions were overturned as recently as 2021 after investigators determined the evidence was shaky and information had been withheld.
This recent legal development builds on this historical precedent, aiming to hold accountable what the lawsuit describes as a "corrupt, unlawful and unconstitutional" relationship between law enforcement and the so-called "ruthless killers". The filing argues this relationship allowed grave misconduct to go unchecked for years, including the alleged concerted effort by the NYPD and federal law enforcement agencies to remove security for Malcolm X before his assassination.
Regarding the situation leading up to the shooting, the lawsuit alleges officials conspired to desert their protective duties. Specifically, it contends law enforcement deliberately arrested members of Malcolm X's security team just before his fatal speech, strategically reducing the protection he had at the Audubon Ballroom. The lawsuit claims federal undercover agents were present during the assassination but took no action to prevent the shooting.
For decades now, speculation abounds surrounding Malcolm X's killing. His wife, Betty Shabazz, and their daughters reportedly have been haunted by the hollow pain of not knowing exactly who was responsible for his death. The lawsuit states, "They did not know who murdered Malcolm X, why he was murdered, the level of NYPD, FBI, and CIA orchestration, the identity of the governmental agents who conspired to insure his demise, or who fraudulently covered-up their role," emphasizing the damage inflicted on the Shabazz family is immense and irreversible.
With clearly stated intentions to right historical wrongs, the lawsuit reflects wider public outcry and dissatisfaction over the longstanding unresolved issues associated with Malcolm X's death. Civil rights activists have demanded accountability since the day he was gunned down, viewing his assassination as part of broader systemic efforts to silence leaders advocating for equality and justice.
Years of investigation and advocacy have shifted the narrative surrounding this case. For example, the family won significant settlements from the city of New York, highlighting the failings of the justice system involved at the time of Malcolm X’s killing. Supporters, including many who attended the recent press conference, claim the lawsuit could act as both, seeking justice for Malcolm X and prompting necessary examinations of governmental conduct toward civil rights figures.
This legal action arrives amid heightened scrutiny over historical injustices and the role of government institutions in consorting with criminal elements and enabling violence against marginalized communities. While it revitalizes interest in Malcolm X’s legacy, it also poignantly reminds society of the cost of truth and justice for the leaders fighting for the civil rights of Black individuals throughout American history.
The NYPD, CIA, and FBI have yet to provide substantial comments on this lawsuit, with past statements emphasizing standard practices around litigation. Yet, the gravity of these claims looms large, placing pressure on these agencies to confront and possibly reckon with haunting memories associated with Malcolm X's legacy.
Malcolm X’s family continues to stand resolute, carrying the banner for their father, as they strive to find answers and demand accountability. The outcome of this lawsuit might hold future significance not only for the Shabazz family but for how society remembers and holds accountable those involved with civil rights leadership and justice failures of the past.
