Summary of "The Assassination of Malcolm X Pt. 2" – Conspiracy Theories Podcast by Spotify Studios

Release Date: April 30, 2025

Introduction

In the second part of the series on the assassination of Malcolm X, the Conspiracy Theories podcast delves deeper into the complexities surrounding the murder, the ensuing investigation, the trials of the accused, and the lingering questions about the true perpetrators. Hosted by Carter Roy and Hannah McIntosh, the episode meticulously examines the events leading up to Malcolm X's death, the flawed justice system that followed, and the ongoing quest for truth and accountability.

The Night of the Assassination

On February 21, 1965, Officer Gene Roberts, an undercover agent within the Organization of African American Unity (OAAU) led by Malcolm X, witnesses Malcolm's assassination. Roberts later questioned about why he attempted to save Malcolm's life, revealing internal conflicts within the police force.

• Carter Roy [00:02]: "This episode includes discussions of violence and murder."
• Hannah McIntosh [00:17]: "Roberts is an undercover officer embedded inside the Organization of African American Unity, a political group headed by Malcolm X."

Arrests and Initial Evidence

Following the assassination, three suspects are arrested: Mujahid Abdul Haleem, Muhammad Aziz, and Khalil Islam. While Haleem was apprehended at the scene with tangible evidence against him—such as bullets in his pocket and eyewitness accounts placing him with a gun—Aziz and Islam were primarily charged based on questionable eyewitness identification and their prior assault records.

• Hannah McIntosh [03:05]: "After Malcolm X is assassinated in February 1965, police arrest three suspects."

Despite the lack of concrete evidence linking Aziz and Islam to the murder, prosecutors indicted all three men on first-degree murder charges.

The 1966 Trial and Flawed Proceedings

The trial centered on Eyewitness Testimony, with the prosecution alleging that Haleem and Aziz created a diversion, allowing Islam to deliver the fatal shotgun blast. However, inconsistencies plagued the prosecution's case:

• Defense Witness [04:58]: Described a different assailant, "a thick set man with a dark complexion and heavy beard," which did not match Islam's appearance.
• Hannah McIntosh [05:28]: "Islam, a lighter-skinned, slender and clean-shaven man, does not fit the description."

Furthermore, alibis and medical testimonies provided by the defense undermined the claims against Aziz and Islam, suggesting they were not present at the scene during the assassination.

Haleem's Affidavit and Aftermath

In a surprising turn during the trial, Haleem recanted his earlier claims of innocence, admitting involvement but excluding Aziz and Islam from the assassination plot. However, without naming the actual accomplices, his testimony failed to exonerate Aziz and Islam. The jury found all three men guilty, sentencing Aziz and Islam to 20 years to life.

• Haleem [06:23]: "He recants his earlier testimony where he claimed he was innocent... but Aziz or Islam are not among them."

Re-examination and Exoneration

Decades later, independent scholar Abdur Rahman Rahmon spearheaded efforts to uncover the truth, heavily influenced by the 2020 Netflix docu-series "Who Killed Malcolm X?". His investigation pointed to William Bradley, a man with a history aligning more closely with eyewitness descriptions of the shooter.

Rahmon's persistent efforts led to a petition to the New York Conviction Integrity Unit, ultimately resulting in the exoneration of Aziz and Islam in November 2021. The investigation revealed that the FBI and NYPD had withheld crucial evidence that could have exonerated Aziz and Islam earlier.

• Abdur Rahman Rahmon [21:11]: "He even thinks he spots Bradley."

Aziz and Islam, now older men, spoke about the irreversible impact of their wrongful convictions on their lives and families.

Government Accountability and Further Lawsuits

Despite the exoneration, many questions remained unanswered regarding other potential conspirators and the role of government agencies in facilitating Malcolm X's assassination. In November 2024, Malcolm's daughters filed a $100 million lawsuit against the CIA, FBI, NYPD, and other entities, alleging direct involvement and a decades-long cover-up of their father's murder.

• Ben Crump [31:12]: "The government fingerprints are all over the assassination of Malcolm X, and finally we believe we have the evidence to prove it."

The lawsuit seeks to hold government agencies accountable, citing withheld information and active participation in orchestrating Malcolm X's death. While the Department of Justice and involved agencies have yet to comment, the case underscores the enduring quest for truth and justice.

Conclusion

The episode concludes by highlighting the persistent struggle for justice endured by Malcolm X's family and wrongfully convicted men Aziz and Islam. It emphasizes the systemic failures within law enforcement and the government's role in perpetuating injustices. As the conversation closes, hosts Carter Roy and Hannah McIntosh reflect on the enduring impact of these unresolved conspiracies on the lives of those directly affected.

• Hannah McIntosh [32:35]: "Malcolm's daughters are trying to obtain government accountability, too."

Notable Quotes

• Carter Roy [00:02]: "This episode includes discussions of violence and murder."
• Hannah McIntosh [04:43]: "The entire case is based only on eyewitness testimony, but not all the statements are consistent."
• Carter Roy [06:23]: "He recants his earlier testimony where he claimed he was innocent... but Aziz or Islam are not among them."
• Abdur Rahman Rahmon [21:11]: "He even thinks he spots Bradley."
• Ben Crump [31:12]: "The government fingerprints are all over the assassination of Malcolm X, and finally we believe we have the evidence to prove it."

Final Thoughts

"The Assassination of Malcolm X Pt. 2" offers a comprehensive exploration of one of the most controversial and unresolved events in American history. By meticulously dissecting the flawed investigation, questionable convictions, and lingering conspiracies, the podcast sheds light on the intricate web of deceit and injustice that continues to shroud Malcolm X's legacy. For listeners seeking an in-depth understanding of the assassination and its broader implications, this episode serves as an essential resource.

Note: This summary excludes advertisements, intros, outros, and non-content sections to focus solely on the substantive discussions and revelations presented in the episode.