Nearly 60 years after the assassination of Malcolm X, his family is seeking justice through a $100 million federal lawsuit accusing the FBI, CIA, and New York Police Department (NYPD) of knowing about the plot to kill the civil rights leader but failing to act.
The lawsuit was filed by Ilyasah Shabazz, one of Malcolm X’s daughters, and other family members. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who represents the family, stated during a press conference that the agencies conspired to silence Malcolm X, calling him “one of the greatest thought leaders of the 20th century.”
Allegations of a Decades-Long Cover-Up
The lawsuit alleges that the law enforcement agencies intentionally concealed evidence of the assassination plot. It also claims that their inaction deprived Malcolm X of his constitutional rights and caused irreparable harm to his family.
“This cover-up spanned decades, blocking the Shabazz family’s access to the truth and their right to pursue justice,”
Civil rights attorney Ben Crump
The wrongful death lawsuit, announced at a memorial center located at the site of Malcolm X’s assassination in New York City, aims to uncover the full truth of what transpired on February 21, 1965. Malcolm X was preparing to address an audience at the Audubon Ballroom in Manhattan when he was fatally shot in front of his wife, Betty Shabazz, and their children.
Persistent Questions and Calls for Accountability
Malcolm X rose to prominence as the national spokesperson for the Nation of Islam, advocating for Black empowerment and separatism. However, his decision to leave the organization in 1964 and moderate his views on racial separation made him a target of hostility and death threats, including from members of the Nation of Islam.
One of the assassins, Talmadge Hayer, a member of the Nation of Islam, confessed to the killing. However, speculation has persisted for decades that government agencies may have been aware of the assassination plot and chose not to intervene.
The lawsuit seeks accountability and reparations for the Shabazz family, addressing what Crump described as intentional, reckless actions that led to Malcolm X’s death.
“We are making history by standing here to confront those wrongs and seeking accountability in the courts,” Crump said.
Seeking Justice for a Lasting Legacy
Malcolm X’s legacy as a civil rights icon and advocate for Black empowerment continues to resonate. This lawsuit not only seeks to address the harm done to his family but also aims to preserve the integrity of his legacy by shedding light on the truth behind his death.
As of now, the FBI, CIA, and NYPD have not issued statements regarding the lawsuit. However, the Shabazz family remains resolute in their fight for justice, determined to uncover the full story behind the loss of one of history’s most influential leaders.