The family of Malcolm X is suing the NYPD, the state of New York, and federal agencies for $100 million. They allege that the government concealed evidence in the murder of the activist. The news comes 58 years after the killing of Malcolm X. His daughters Qubilah Shabazz, 62, and Ilyasah Shabazz, 60, provided formal notice of the lawsuit alongside attorney Ben Crump on Tuesday. They made the announcement at the Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial and Education Center located in NYC. Previously named the Audubon Ballroom, it is the location where Malcolm X was murdered.
The lawsuit comes after a $36 million settlement was reached in 2021. The decision was made following the wrongful conviction of Muhammad Aziz and Khalil Islam. Judge Ellen Biben said at the time: ”I regret that this court cannot undo the serious miscarriage of justice. There can be no question that this is a case that cries out for fundamental justice.”
Malcolm X At A Rally
At Tuesday's announcement, Ben Crump cited the settlement when explaining the decision for the family's lawsuit. “The rhetorical question is this: if the government compensated the two gentlemen that were wrongfully convicted for the assassination of Malcolm X with tens of millions of dollars, then what is to be the compensation for the daughters who suffered the most from the assassination of Malcolm X?” He added: “We intend to have vigorous litigation of this matter, to have discovery to be able to take depositions of the individuals who are still alive, 58 years later, to make sure that some measure of justice can be given to Malcolm X’s daughters. The truth of what happened and who was involved has always been critical.”
Malcolm X was shot 21 times while preparing to speak at the Audubon Ballroom on February 21, 1965. He was set to address a large audience for a gathering of the Organization of Afro-American Unity. He founded the group one year earlier.
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