In the decades-long investigation into the killing of civil rights leader Malcolm X, his family says they have new evidence.
Two former members of Malcolm X’s security team have come forward, alleging they were falsely arrested by the NYPD days before the assassination.
What You Need To Know
- Malcolm X was killed 59 years ago in Manhattan's Audubon Ballroom
- Two men who were part of his security detail said they were falsely arrested days before Malcolm X was assassinated
- Civil rights attorney Ben Crump said, "We're going to get to the truth, one way or another"
One of the men, Khaleel Sultarn Sayyed, spoke publicly Wednesday, saying, “I believe I was detained in this conspiracy by the NYPD and FBI in order to ensure Malcolm X’s planned assassination would be successful.”
“Had I not been arrested, I would have attended his speech and would have served as part of his security detail," he said.
Civil rights attorney Ben Crump said he’s been trying to get information from the Department of Justice for months, including the names of the undercover FBI agents and NYPD officers inside the room when Malcolm X was fatally shot.
“Why is it 59 years later and they still won’t give up the documents on their surveillance of Malcolm X?” Crump said. “We will leave no stone unturned.”
On Feb. 21, 1965, Malcolm X was ambushed and fatally shot while delivering a speech. His wife and daughters were in the audience.
Three men were convicted of his murder. However, in 2021, two of those men were exonerated.
The conviction against the third man in the case, Mujahid Abdul Halim, stands to this day. Malcolm X’s family believes if he played a role in the assassination, he did not act alone.