Malcolm X’s family is suing the NYPD, FBI and CIA for murder in a $100 million lawsuit

NEW YORK — Malcolm X’s family is suing the NYPD and federal government agencies over the New York City civil rights leader’s murder.

The $100 million lawsuit claims the New York City Police Department, the FBI, the CIA, the Justice Department and the U.S. government played a role in the assassination of Malcolm X at the Audubon Ballroom in Washington Heights in 1965.

The government ‘conspired to assassinate Malcolm X,’ lawyer says

Attorney Ben Crump, who represents the family, said they believe government authorities “all conspired to kill Malcolm X.”

The allegations include:

1. Failure to provide protection in the face of looming threats
2. Removing security the night of the murder
3. Actively encouraging and facilitating the murder
4. Officers on duty failed to intervene
5. An attempt at concealment, or cover-up, afterwards

“We seek justice for the murder of our father and for the truth to be recorded in history,” said Ilyasah Shabazz, Malcolm X’s daughter.

No new evidence was presented Friday, but in July 2023 Crump introduced what he mentioned a new witness to the murder. Crump said the witness recalled in a signed statement seeing the shooter being protected by law enforcement in the moments after it happened.

The NYPD and FBI declined to comment on the lawsuit. The New York City Law Department said it is “reviewing” the matter.