Malcolm X, born Malcolm Little and later known as El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz, was a prominent figure in the fight for racial justice and human rights. He was assassinated on February 21, 1965, at the Audubon Ballroom in Manhattan, where he was preparing to deliver a speech. The 39-year-old leader was shot 21 times by multiple gunmen.

Ilyasah Shabazz announces lawsuit against US government agencies and NYPD for the alleged assassination and concealment of evidence surrounding murder of her father, Malcolm X, in New York City, on 15 November 2024 (Reuters/Shannon Stapleton)

The lawsuit accuses federal and local agencies of being complicit in the civil rights icon’s assassination — and covering it up for nearly 60 years.

Three daughters of Malcolm X have accused the CIA, FBI, the New York Police Department and others in a $100 million lawsuit Friday of playing roles in the 1965 assassination of the civil rights leader.

Three daughters of Malcolm X are accusing multiple law enforcement agencies in a $100 million lawsuit of playing roles in the 1965 assassination of the civil rights leader

Daughter of the late slain civil rights leader Malcolm X Ilyasah Shabazz, speaks alongside her sister Qubilah and attorney Ben Crump and his legal team during a news conference to announce a lawsuit against government agencies and the New York City Police Department (NYPD) for the alleged assassination and concealment of evidence surrounding Malcolm X’s murder,

The family of the murdered black civil rights activist accuse the agencies of having a role in his death.