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Malcolm X’s family has taken a bold step in their long-standing pursuit of justice, filing a new lawsuit against the federal government for its alleged role in the civil rights leader’s assassination. The suit, filed by three of Malcolm’s daughters, claims that the CIA, FBI, Department of Justice, and New York Police Department conspired to orchestrate the events leading to Malcolm X’s death on February 21, 1965, at the Audubon Ballroom in Manhattan.
The lawsuit alleges that these agencies were aware of credible threats against Malcolm X’s life but deliberately failed to intervene. This inaction, according to the family, was part of a broader, coordinated effort to weaken his security and leave him vulnerable to assassination. J. Edgar Hoover, the former FBI director known for his contentious surveillance of civil rights leaders, is cited in the lawsuit as a key figure who allegedly directed federal agencies to reduce Malcolm X’s security, paving the way for the attack.
The family’s claims build on a history of allegations concerning the government’s involvement in undermining civil rights activists during the 1960s. They assert that there was an extensive cover-up that persisted for decades, with evidence being concealed and witnesses manipulated. In one instance, a letter attributed to Raymond Wood, a former undercover NYPD officer, reportedly implicates both the FBI and NYPD in an elaborate scheme to ensure that Malcolm’s trusted security team was removed just days before his assassination. The letter, described as a deathbed confession, adds a chilling layer to accusations of government complicity.
The alleged deathbed confession from former NYPD officer Ray Wood, now made public by Malcolm X’s family.
This lawsuit comes amid heightened public scrutiny surrounding Malcolm X’s murder, following the 2021 exoneration of Muhammad Aziz and Khalil Islam, who were wrongfully convicted for his assassination. That landmark reversal, along with new revelations, has intensified calls from the family and civil rights advocates for a comprehensive reopening of the case. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, representing the family, has highlighted the pressing need for “restorative justice” and urged authorities to fully confront the depth of historical injustices.
For the surviving family members, the case represents another chapter in their quest to uncover the truth. At the center of this pursuit is not only the legacy of their father but a broader call for accountability regarding one of the most significant assassinations of the 20th century.
