FROM
:
Mr. J. F. Bland
SUBJECT
:
MALCOLM K. LITTLE, also
known as Malcolm X
INTERNAL SECURITY—
MMI
[BUREAU DELETION] who witnessed the killing of Malcolm X on 2/21/65, advised the New York Office on the night of 2/21/65 that he had been given an [BUREAU DELETION] eyewitness account of the incident.
Upon discussing this assignment with [BUREAU DELETION] on the night of [BUREAU DELETION] also told him he expected something to happen to Nation of Islam (NOl) Temple No. 7, 102 W. 116th Street, New York City, and the nearby NOI Shabazz Restaurant before 3 A.M., 2/22/65, and requested [BUREAU DELETION] to cover the situation. [BUREAU DELETION] did not disclose the basis for his belief and possibly it was only conjecture on his part, based on his knowledge of the violent feud existing between the NOI and Malcolm’s group, the Muslim Mosque, Incorporated (MMI).
[BUREAU DELETION] also advised that [BUREAU DELETION] called one [BUREAU DELETION] in Chicago, Illinois, at about 11:30 P.M., 2/21/65, and told him that two of Malcolm’s men flew out of New York for Chicago and should then be in Chicago. He said they will “hit” either Elijah Muhammad (NOI leader) or the University of Islam (NOI school in Chicago). Again [BUREAU DELETION] did not indicate the source of his information.
This is one of numerous reports received that Malcolm’s followers may attempt to kill Elijah Muhammad to avenge the death of Malcolm X. The Chicago office reported on 2/21/65 that [BUREAU DELETION] had advised that the [BUREAU DELETION] a Chicago NOI member, had received a long-distance telephone call from one [BUREAU DELETION] informing her that six of Malcolm’s followers were proceeding to Chicago to take the life of the Messenger (Elijah Muhammad). [BUREAU DELETION] also advised that one [BUREAU DELETION] (not further identified) had informed one [BUREAU DELETION] that cars were loading up with unknown individuals who were going to the “Temple” (presumably the Chicago NOI Temple) to blow it up. [BUREAU DELETION] was appropriately advised of these reports.
The New York Office advised that [BUREAU DELETION] City Desk, Associated Press, stated one of their sources, whose reliability is unknown, had stated two Negroes, [BUREAU DELETION] were going to Chicago to “get” Elijah Muhammad. The Chicago Office has furnished this information to the [BUREAU DELETION] said someone was to kill James 67 X Warden, Executive Secretary of the MMI, and Martin Luther King. The threatened action against King was not further explained. Shanahan had furnished the same information to the [BUREAU DELETION] Department.
Threat against King has been furnished to the Atlanta Office with instructions to furnish to [BUREAU DELETION]. Bureau files are being checked on [BUREAU DELETION].
ACTION:
You will be kept advised of pertinent developments.
UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT
MEMORANDUM
TO
:
Mr. W. C. Sullivan
DATE: February 22, 1965
FROM
:
Mr. J. F. Bland
SUBJECT
:
MALCOLM K. LITTLE,
AKA, MALCOLM X
IS-MMI
At 12:10 A.M. the Chicago Office advised that the information received by the [BUREAU DELETION] that two Negroes, [BUREAU DELETION] are on their way to Chicago to do harm to Elijah Muhammad, leader of the Nation of Islam (NOI), a black nationalist group, has been furnished to the [BUREAU DELETION]. The NOI has been at violent odds with Malcolm Little’s group, The Muslim Mosque, Inc. (MMI).
The [BUREAU DELETION] is on the lookout for the arrival of these two individuals and any other suspicious persons who may seek to avenge the murder of Malcolm K. Little by injuring or killing Elijah Muhammad. The Chicago residence of Elijah, the Chicago NOI temple and the University of Islam, the NOI school in Chicago, are being covered by the [BUREAU DELETION].
Information has been received by the Chicago Office from [BUREAU DELETION] that Elijah is aware of the danger to his life and he so indicated this during a call he received from [BUREAU DELETION] Phoenix, Arizona. [BUREAU DELETION] told Elijah that he had been contacted by the Phoenix Police Department and informed that it had been requested by the New York City Police Department to afford Elijah protection in the event he returns to Phoenix where he also maintains a residence. Elijah’s only comment was to tell [BUREAU DELETION] to express his appreciation to the Phoenix Police Department. He did not indicate when he plans to go to Phoenix. Elijah also stated that the press has been after him for a statement on Malcolm Little’s death but he intends to make no comment until he learns the truth of what went on.
The Chicago Office is closely following this matter and has instructed [BUREAU DELETION] to immediately furnish any information they receive concerning the killing of Little and possible reprisals by his followers against Elijah or other NOI members.
ACTION:
You will be kept advised of pertinent developments.
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION U. S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
COMMUNICATIONS SECTION
FEBRUARY 24, 1965
TELETYPE
SENT BY CODED TELETYPE
FBI NEW YORK
006//// 1006 AM URGENT 2-24-65 IRR
TO DIRECTOR /4/
FROM NEW YORK /105-8999/
MALCOLM K. LITTLE, AKA, MALCOLM X, IS DASH
MMI.
NEWS MEDIA THIS MORNING CARRYING COMMENTS REPORTEDLY MADE YESTERDAY BY JAMES FARMER, NATIONAL DIRECTOR OF THE CONGRESS OF RACIAL EQUALITY /CORE/, THAT FARMER BELIEVES “KILLING OF MALCOLM X WAS A POLITICAL ACT, WITH INTERNATIONAL IMPLICATIONS.” FOR INFORMATION OF BUREAU, NEW YORK OFFICE NOT IN POSSESSION OF ANY INFORMATION WHICH WOULD CORROBORATE OR SUBSTANTIATE THIS THEORY OF JAMES FARMER. [BUREAU DELETION] BEING PARTICULARLY ALERTED TO IMMEDIATELY REPORT TO THIS OFFICE ANY INFORMATION WHICH WOULD TEND TO SUPPORT THIS THEORY. RECOMMEND BUREAU CONSIDER INTERVIEWING FARMER, THROUGH ESTABLISHED BUREAU LIAISON WITH HIM, TO DETERMINE WHETHER HE HAS ANY SPECIFICS IN SUPPORT OF HIS BELIEF.
END
HOLD FOR SECOND MSG
SAC, New York (105-8999)
Director, FBI (100-399321)
MALCOLM K. LITTLE
INTERNAL SECURITY—MMI
2/25/65
In view of the subject’s death, his name is being removed from the Security Index at the Bureau and you should handle accordingly in your office.
Submit an appropriate memorandum noting his death, for dissemination at the Bureau.
ATTENTION [BUREAU DELETION]
Cancel SI cards.
SECTION 16
February 25, 1965–March 12, 1965
REPORTS:
1. February 25, 1965, 9:30 P.M. Philadelphia to Director, Chicago, Newark, New York Office. Teletype
2. February 25, 1965. New York Office to
Director. Coded Teletype
3. February 26, 1965. New York Office to
Director. Coded Teletype
4. February 27, 1965. New York Office to
Director. Coded Teletype
5. February 25, 1965. Memo. DeLoach to Mohr
6. February 27, 1965. Chicago
7. February 28, 1965. New York
8. March 8, 1965. Boston
9. March 12, 1965. New York
The reports from Section 16 both repeat information and elaborate on certain elements of the assassination. On February 26, Norman 3X Butler was arrested for the shooting after three witnesses placed him at the scene. One witness could not identify the third suspect, Thomas 15X Johnson, but identified Butler as the man who said “Get your hands out of my pocket.” It should be noted that Hayer was earlier reported to have made this comment. On March 8, a witness placed all three suspects at the scene and stated that Johnson had run out of the side exit after the shooting.
More reports implicate the MMI in the shooting. The FBI noted that all the witnesses to the shooting “seem to have the same ‘clear cut’ story that they were in the
ballroom when Maicolm X was shot and when the shots rang out they fell to the floor and never got a look at the assassins.” Also, an informant indicated that one of Malcolm’s bodyguards had been seen in Harlem with expensive clothing and $100 bills soon after the shooting, although the man had “no visible means of support at this time.”
Also included in the section is a report of Elijah Muhammad’s denial of taking any part in the assassination, and reports of Malcolm’s funeral, attended by several black celebrities and political figures, including Ossie Davis, Ruby Dee, James Farmer, and Bayard Rustin.
DECODED COPY
9:30 PM URGENT 2-25-65 NWL
TO DIRECTOR CHICAGO NEWARK AND NEW YORK
NEW YORK VIA WASHINGTON—ENCODED
FROM PHILADELPHIA 252025
MALCOLM K. LITTLE, AKA, IS-MMI.
RE PHILADELPHIA CALL TO NEW YORK TODAY.
[BUREAU DELETION] HE RECOGNIZED NEWSPAPER PHOTO OF TALMADGE HAYER, AKA THOMAS HAGAN, AS PERSON HE KNEW AS NOI AND FOI MEMBER IN 1963 AND 1964. CANNOT RECALL X NUMBER, BUT BELIEVES FIRST NAME WAS TALMADGE OR THOMAS. ATTENDED NOI MEETINGS WITH HAYER [BUREAU DELETION] ALWAYS ASSUMED HAYER MEMBER OF MM NUMBER 25, NEWARK; HOWEVER, NOW FEELS MAY HAVE BEEN MEMBER OF TEMPLE IN PATERSON. AT MEETINGS, BOTH NEWARK AND PATERSON, HAYER WAS SECURITY GUARD AND SEARCHED [BUREAU DELETION] MOST THOROUGHLY ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. [BUREAU DELETION] ALSO OBSERVED HAYER AT MEETING AT ARENA, 4537 MARKET STREET, PHILADELPHIA, ON SEPTEMBER 29, 1963 AT WHICH ELIJAH MUHAMMAD WAS PRINCIPAL SPEAKER. HAYER WAS ON SEARCH DETAIL INSIDE ARENA ON NORTH CORRIDOR.
LAST SAW HAYER IN CHICAGO FEBRUARY 1964 AT SAVIOR’S DAY CONVENTION. HAYER SAT ON EITHER FIRST OR SECOND ROW WHEN ELIJAH MUHAMMAD SPOKE AS A GUARD FOR MUHAMMAD IN EVENT OF TROUBLE.
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
U. S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
COMMUNICATIONS SECTION
FEBRUARY 25, 1965
TELETYPE
SENT BY CODED TELETYPE
FBI NEW YORK
8-37 AM URGENT 2-25-65 DAE
TO DIRECTOR -2-
FROM NEW YORK 105-8999
MALCOLM K. LITTLE, AKA IS-MMI.
[BUREAU DELETION] ADVISED FEB. TWENTY FOUR, SIXTY FIVE, THAT THE POLICE DEPARTMENT HAS ONE SUSPECT OTHER THAN TALMADGE HAYER, WHICH HE DECLINED TO IDENTIFY AT THIS TIME IN THE KILLING OF MALCOLM X. [BUREAU DELETION] INDICATED THAT BECAUSE OF THE NUMBER OF CRANK CALLS BEING MADE AT THE PRESENT TIME, THEY ARE WAITING UNTIL AFTER THE FUNERAL OF MALCOLM X BEFORE QUESTIONING THIS SUSPECT. [BUREAU DELETION] ALSO STATED THAT A NUMBER OF WITNESSES TO THE SHOOTING OF MALCOLM X CANNOT BE LOCATED AND ARE BELIEVED TO BE STAYING WITH FRIENDS UNTIL THE SITUATION “COOLS OFF.”
IN RESPECT TO THE HEADLINES IN THE “NEW YORK POST,” A DAILY NEWSPAPER, DATED FEB. TWENTY FOUR, CAPTIONED “POLICE HINT MALCOLM-S KILLERS KNOWN” [BUREAU DELETION] SAID [BUREAU DELETION] WISHED IT WAS TRUE AND REMARKED THAT IT IS JUST ANOTHER WAY FOR THE “NEW YORK POST” TO SELL NEWSPAPERS. CLOSE LIAISON WITH [BUREAU DELETION] CONTINUING.
END
WA
JH
FBI WASH DC
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
U. S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
COMMUNICATIONS SECTION
FEBRUARY 26, 1965
TELETYPE
SENT BY CODED TELETYPE
6-03 PM URGENT 2-26-65 NHH
TO NEW YORK /18/
FROM DIRECTOR /25-330971/ IP
NATION OF ISLAM INTERNAL SECURITY DASH NOI.
REURTEL FIVE TWENTY A.M. INSTANT DATE, CAPTIONED QUOTE MALCOLM K. LITTLE, ALSO KNOWN AS, END QUOTE, AND YOUR AIRTEL JANUARY THIRTEEN LAST, CAPTIONED QUOTE NATION OF ISLAM, INTERNAL SECURITY DASH NOI, END QUOTE, WITH ENCLOSED LETTERHEAD MEMORANDUM.
RETEL ADVISED OF ARREST OF TWO INDIVIDUALS FOR MURDER OF MALCOLM X. ONE IDENTIFIED AS NORMAN THREE X BUTLER. IMMEDIATELY SUTEL IDENTITY OF SECOND INDIVIDUAL ARRESTED. REAIRTEL ADVISED OF ARRESTS OF NORMAN THREE X BUTLER, THOMAS FIFTEEN X JOHNSON, AND [BUREAU DELETION] IN CONNECTION WITH SHOOTING OF BENJAMIN BROWN ON JANUARY SIX LAST. [BUREAU DELETION] POSSIBLE INVOLVEMENT IN THE MURDER OF MALCOLM X LITTLE AND ANY FUTURE
REPRISALS.
END
DAE
FBI NEW YORK
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
U. S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
COMMUNICATIONS SECTION
FEBRUARY 27, 1965
TELETYPE
SENT BY CODED TELETYPE
FBI NEW YORK
5-15 PM URGENT 2-27-65 RGF
TO DIRECTOR -7- /100-399321/
FROM NEW YORK /105-8999/ 2P
MALCOLM K. LITTLE, AKA IS-MMI
RE NEW YORK TELETYPE TO BUREAU FEBRUARY TWENTY SIX LAST CAPTIONED AS ABOVE, WHICH REPORTED THAT [BUREAU DELETION] HAD ADVISED THAT WITNESS [BUREAU DELETION] HAS NOW IDENTIFIED BOTH TALMADGE HAYER AND NORMAN BUTLER AS ASSAILANTS OF MALCOLM X AT THE TIME OF HIS KILLING. AS BUREAU HAS BEEN PREVIOUSLY ADVISED, [BUREAU DELETION] WAS FIRST CONTACTED BY NEW YORK OFFICE AGENTS, [BUREAU DELETION] WHEN HE TURNED OVER FORTY FIVE AUTOMATIC [BUREAU DELETION] RECOVERED AT SCENE OF KILLING. [BUREAU DELETION] WAS AT FIRST RELUCTANT TO SERVE AS WITNESS BUT IS NOW COOPERATING FULLY WITH POLICE.
ON FEBRUARY TWENTY SIX [BUREAU DELETION] ALL EXPRESSED THEIR DEEP APPRECIATION TO NEW YORK OFFICE AGENTS FOR THE EXCELLENT COOPERATION IN TURNING OVER WITNESS [BUREAU DELETION] AND THE GUN. [BUREAU DELETION] ONE POLICE OFFICER SAID THAT AS OF FEBRUARY TWENTY SIX [BUREAU DELETION] WAS THE MOST IMPORTANT WITNESS THEY HAD.
FOR BUREAU/S INFORMATION
END
UU
SXC
FBI WASH DC
UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT
MEMORANDUM
Date: February
25, 1965
TO
:
Mr. Mohr
FROM
:
C. D. DeLoach
SUBJECT
:
MALCOLM X
INFORMATION CONCERNING
The New York Journal American issue of 2/24/65 carries a story concerning the murder of Malcolm X under the headline, “G-Men in Harlem—The Plot Deepens.” The story states that, “Negro FBI Agents were working under cover in Harlem today in an investigation reportedly aimed at ferreting out possible international political motives behind the assassination of Malcolm X.” Further on in the story it is stated, “The Federal Bureau of Investigation confirmed that there are Negro FBI agents in Harlem, but dodged saying anything specific about their assignments.” The Director inquired, “What about this?”
Assistant Director Malone of the New York Office advises that neither he nor any of his men in the New York Office confirmed the FBI has Special Agents working in Harlem. Mr. Malone said all inquiries from whatever source had been answered with a “no comment” in connection with this matter.
No one in my office, in answer to inquiries, confirmed to anyone that Negro Agents are working in Harlem.
OBSERVATION:
It is a well-known fact among news media people that the FBI has Negro Agents working in large Negro communities. In fact, we publicize this repeatedly. An example of such highlighting the work of our Negro Agents is the attached reprint from the September, 1962, issue of Ebony, wherein on page 3 this point is specifically made. Reporters Flynn and Pearl, who work under Guy Richards at the Journal-American are known for their flamboyancy and speculative stories.
Enclosure
REW: bsp
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
Chicago, Illinois
February 27, 1965
NATION OF ISLAM
On February 22 and 23, 1965, Wesley South, moderator of the question-answer program “Hot Line” over Chicago radio station WVON, interviewed Elijah Muhammad. This program, which is on the air 11:00 P.M. to midnight, was monitored by a Special Agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
In response to questions regarding the assassination of Malcolm K. Little and the NOI, Muhammad stated as follows:
&nbs
p; The murder of Malcolm X was a shock and surprise to us. We are investigating the charge all over the country to see if the NOI is responsible and to see if we can come up with the man’s name in our records, but as of now we have no record. I have preached for thirty-four years we are against this type of thing. Malcolm left and began teaching hate and the arming of his members. We in the NOI are against this position as it would be suicide to take up arms against this country. Allah teaches us not to carry guns and we do not carry any. We have no guns, bombs or artillery pieces to field. The Koran teaches that if one opposes the Messenger and repents he is forgiving, but if he does not repent he is subject to divine chastisement such as death or hell fire.
Muhammad stated he did not know the reason why Malcolm was killed nor who killed him. Muhammed has not asked police protection but appreciates it, adding he was a taxpayer.
Muhammad stated he has heard assassins are coming for him but that he was not frightened, as he was on Allah’s mission and was not running.
Muhammad stated he had two hundred thousand to three hundred thousand members all over the world. He said some people in order to keep their racial pride teach hate. Muhammad doesn’t teach violence except to fight back if attacked. The NOI is never the aggressor. Muhammad does not teach hate, only the truth and the white men are a wicked, devil race. A Muslim is one who has submitted himself to Islam.
Muhammad stated he would not back any man who used violence and in the event it subsequently might be discovered a member of the NOI killed Malcolm, added he would not back any man who used violence as the Koran only teaches us to kill on the order of Allah. This would be handled in the same way that God advised Moses to lead and help his people as set forth in the Bible.
On February 23, 1965, Elijah Muhammad in response to questions submitted by individuals who called in to radio station WVON advised as follows:
Malcolm X Page 33