Three daughters of Malcolm X, along with the Malcolm X estate, have filed a $100 million lawsuit against the CIA, FBI, the New York Police Department, and others, accusing them of playing roles in the civil rights leader’s 1965 assassination. The lawsuit, filed in Manhattan federal court, claims that these agencies were aware of and involved in the assassination plot but failed to prevent it. The daughters and their attorney, Ben Crump, hope that federal and city officials will read the lawsuit and address the historic wrongs committed.
The law enforcement agencies named in the lawsuit have not responded to requests for comment, and the Department of Justice, also a defendant, declined to comment. This legal action comes after more than five decades of uncertainty surrounding Malcolm X’s assassination. While three men were initially convicted in connection with his death, two of them were exonerated in 2021 due to shaky evidence and withheld information.
The lawsuit alleges that the prosecution team suppressed the government’s role in the assassination, causing Malcolm X’s wife, Betty Shabazz, the plaintiffs, and their family to endure years of pain and uncertainty. The family had been left in the dark about the true circumstances of Malcolm X’s murder, the level of involvement of the NYPD, FBI, and CIA, and the identities of the government agents behind the plot.
The Shabazz family’s suffering has been described as unimaginable, immense, and irreparable in the lawsuit. The family had publicly announced their intention to sue the law enforcement agencies early last year, seeking justice and accountability for the assassination of Malcolm X.
This lawsuit sheds light on a dark chapter in American history, raising important questions about the role of government agencies in the assassination of prominent civil rights leaders. It serves as a reminder that justice delayed is not justice denied, and that the pursuit of truth and accountability is essential for healing and reconciliation.
As we reflect on the legacy of Malcolm X and the ongoing fight for justice, it is crucial to support the efforts of his family to uncover the truth and hold those responsible accountable. The lawsuit represents a significant step towards addressing the historic wrongs committed against Malcolm X and his loved ones, and it is a reminder that the pursuit of justice is a collective responsibility that requires our unwavering support and solidarity.
