Malcolm X (53 page)

[BUREAU DELETION]

On 3/23/65 SAs [BUREAU DELETION] and [BUREAU DELETION] interviewed [BUREAU DELETION] concerning
information he could furnish [BUREAU DELETION] in the event he was called on to testify. [BUREAU DELETION] furnished the same information as previously set forth in this communication. [BUREAU DELETION] was also advised to contact [BUREAU DELETION] in NYC prior to contacting the Philadelphia [BUREAU DELETION] told [BUREAU DELETION] to cooperate with the police as he wanted whoever killed LITTLE brought to justice.

In regard to MMI security, [BUREAU DELETION] tried to start an FOI in the MMI but that MALCOLM LITTLE would not allow it. [BUREAU DELETION] told [BUREAU DELETION] felt the MMI security was inadequate but that MALCOLM LITTLE gave the final orders on security. [BUREAU DELETION] told [BUREAU DELETION] knew nothing about the shooting as he was in the back room when the shooting occurred.

[BUREAU DELETION] stated he felt the police were indirectly responsible for the murder of MALCOLM LITTLE as they did not furnish LITTLE sufficient protection when he appeared in public.

With regard to [BUREAU DELETION] statement that he was in the back room when the shooting occurred, it is to be noted that the [BUREAU DELETION] after the shooting on 2/21/65 stated she observed [BUREAU DELETION] on top of the Muslim who came to the United States from Africa with MALCOLM LITTLE. She stated that [BUREAU DELETION] was attempting to protect this individual.

[BUREAU DELETION]

They asked him who was speaking when he entered and he stated BENJAMIN.

BENJAMIN then introduced MALCOLM LITTLE and MALCOLM LITTLE began his speech. LITTLE gave the MUHAMMAD greeting and then stated “Brothers and Sisters.”

After LITTLE stated “Brothers and Sisters” a commotion started a few rows in front of him. LITTLE stopped speaking, came from behind the rostrum and a few people started to stand. LITTLE then told the people to take it easy and sit down. While this was going on the individual [BUREAU DELETION] TALMADGE
HAYER, stood up and told a person to his left “Get your hand out of my pocket.” The person beside HAYER stated, “I wasn't in your damn pockets.” This was occurring at the same time as LITTLE was speaking. After standing up HAYER pushed his coat back and pulled an object from his left side, either from a pocket or from his belt. The object looked metallic [BUREAU DELETION]. HAYER then pointed the object he took from his clothing toward LITTLE. [BUREAU DELETION] then heard what sounded like a gunshot and fell to the floor. He told [BUREAU DELETION] to get down but she was still sitting. He later pulled her down.

[BUREAU DELETION]

[BUREAU DELETION] again stated that the first shots he heard were from directly in front of him, While lying on the floor he felt other shots came directly in front of him and from the right of the ballroom.

[BUREAU DELETION] was then asked if the individual on HAYER's left could be identified. [BUREAU DELETION] he was not sure.

[BUREAU DELETION]

[BUREAU DELETION] observed JOHNSON sitting to his right.

[BUREAU DELETION]

Date: 4/1/65

ReNKteletype, 3/5/65, captioned “NORMAN HOWARD MORTIMORE, aka; SM-NOI.”

[BUREAU DELETION] viewed numerous photographs, including the photographs of TALMADGE HAYER, THOMAS
JOHNSON,[BUREAU DELETION]. HAYER and JOHNSON have been indicted for the homicide of Malcolm X on 2/21/65, at New York City. [BUREAU DELETION] is a suspect of the [BUREAU DELETION] in the homicide of MALCOLM X. [BUREAU DELETION] is considered one of the Nation of Islam (NOI) “strong armed men” from Newark.

[BUREAU DELETION] upon reviewing a photograph of HAYER, stated that he observed an individual resembling HAYER in the front section of the Audubon Ballroom on 2/21/65, when MALCOLM X was shot and killed. He said this individual was one of two men who were standing to the right of the rostrum, one of whom was observed shooting a pistol in the direction of MALCOLM X. [BUREAU DELETION] however, that he could not make a positive identification of the photograph.

Upon reviewing photographs of [BUREAU DELETION] JOHNSON, [BUREAU DELETION] that these photographs resembled two individuals who sat in about the middle of the audience at the Audubon Ballroom on 2/21/65 and who jumped up at about the time MALCOLM X appeared at the rostrum. One of the two individuals [BUREAU DELETION] shouted that someone “got into his pocket.” This caused a disturbance and drew the attention of the audience and MALCOLM X's bodyguards to themselves. The guards approached them and left MALCOLM X unguarded, at which time some shooting occurred down in front near the rostrum. [BUREAU DELETION] could not make a positive identification of the photographs.

[BUREAU DELETION] upon reviewing a photograph of [BUREAU DELETION] remarked that he saw a person resembling [BUREAU DELETION] at the Audubon Ballroom when MALCOLM X was shot, but did not believe that this person took an active part in the killing of MALCOLM X. [BUREAU DELETION] he could not make a positive identification of the photograph.

[BUREAU DELETION] advised on 3/31/65, that at the present time HAYER, JOHNSON and NORMAN 3X BUTLER are the only persons known to them to have had anything to do with the death of MALCOLM X.

Bureau authority is requested to furnish information made available [BUREAU DELETION] to the NYCPD on a confidential basis. If Bureau approves, this information will be furnished to NYCPD through [BUREAU DELETION] NYCPD.

Date: 4/6/65

Extreme caution should be exercised in utilizing information furnished below in order that the identity of [BUREAU DELETION] is not disclosed
.

On 3/12/65, [BUREAU DELETION] made available a photograph of a letter dated 3/2/65, written by [BUREAU DELETION].

This letter sets forth that the SWP was making a concerted effort to speed the publication of a book under the tentative title “Malcolm X Speaks.” [BUREAU DELETION] sets forth that it appeared that the movement led by MALCOLM X was very interested in getting out such a book in view of the problems facing them following the assassination of MALCOLM X. [BUREAU DELETION] further wrote that the SWP expected to get full collaboration from MALCOLM X's group in gathering possible material for this project.

[BUREAU DELETION] letter was directed to [BUREAU DELETION] and asked if [BUREAU DELETION] could obtain material available from the visit of MALCOLM X to France and England. This could possibly include dates or interviews, excerpts from the press and so forth.

[BUREAU DELETION]

In view of the sensitivity of this information, no letterhead memorandum is being submitted.

MALCOLM K. LITTLE, aka

IS-MMI

(00: NEW

YORK)

[BUREAU DELETION] NYC, advised on 4/27/65, that the [BUREAU DELETION] at this time has no important suspects at large arising out of their investigation of the murder of MALCOLM X. [BUREAU DELETION] stated that he is trying to determine from police officials and the NY District Attorney's Office if the NYCPD is to continue with the investigation of the shooting of MALCOLM X or to prepare for trial against TAL-MADGE HAYER, THOMAS JOHNSON and NORMAN BUTLER for the murder of MALCOLM X.

[BUREAU DELETION] stated the PD is still trying to locate and interview [BUREAU DELETION] both of whom, according to [BUREAU DELETION], were in front of the stage acting as bodyguards for MALCOLM X when he was shot and killed on 2/21/65 at NYC.

SAC, NEW YORK [BUREAU DELETION] (C)

EUGENE 2X

SM-NOI

(00: NEW YORK)

ReNYtel 3/29/65, to Director, FBI, captioned “MALCOLM K. LITTLE aka IS-MMI.”

Retel contained information to the effect that [BUREAU DELETION] advised on 3/29/65 that the [BUREAU DELETION] has learned from interviewing NOI members concerning the killing of MALCOLM X, that one [BUREAU DELETION] had been connected with a few homicides in the NY area.

On 4/22/65, [BUREAU DELETION] advised SA [BUREAU DELETION] that the identity of [BUREAU DELETION] has never been obtained by the [BUREAU DELETION] through its investigations. He commented that [BUREAU DELETION] is not a suspect in the killing of MALCOLM X at this time. According to [BUREAU DELETION] has been running into the problem of obtaining information on persons with the identical X numbers, and without the persons' true last name, they are unable to make a true identification of possible suspects.