The Assassination of Malcolm X

The Role of the FBI and NYPD Remains Unclear

“The FBI’s New York field office is aware of recent reporting regarding the circumstances surrounding Malcom X’s death. Over the past several months, we have worked cooperatively with the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office to assist in its review of the matter and provide relevant documents from FBI holdings. Today’s FBI stands for the noble pursuit of justice, and we will continue to support the review in any way we can.” FBI Spokesperson

“Several months ago, the Manhattan District Attorney initiated a review of the investigation and prosecution that resulted in two convictions for the murder of Malcom X. The NYPD has provided all available records relevant to that case to the District Attorney. The Department remains committed to assist with that review in any way.” NYPD Spokesperson

Malcolm X was assassinated in the Audubon Ballroom on February 21, 1965. There were multiple shooters, one of whom was wounded by security forces and captured on the scene. Those are the only unequivocally true facts in the standard narrative about his murder. FBI reports at the time of the incident indicated there were five shooters. Within two weeks of the shooting, two other men were arrested and charged with the murder. Most historians agree that those two men, Muhammad A. Aziz…