[BUREAU DELETION] who was sitting in the front row in the Audubon Ballroom, was shot in the foot during the shooting spree in which MALCOLM X was shot. He also stated that [BUREAU DELETION] was also hit during the shooting spree in the ballroom and both [BUREAU DELETION] were treated at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital, New York City.
[BUREAU DELETION] 12 gauge sawed-off double-barrel shotgun manufactured by J. C. Higgins, Model 1017, also bearing the number 5100. [BUREAU DELETION] upon examination, that the shotgun had been fired and left at the scene.
At approximately 7:45 P.M., on February 21, 1965, [BUREAU DELETION] advised SA [BUREAU DELETION] that HAGAN was being detained in the prison ward at Bellevue Hospital, under guard. He stated that Hagan had one bullet in him which entered his left thigh and shattered the thigh bone. He stated the hospital plans to put HAGAN’s left leg in traction and that the bullet would stay in the leg for about two weeks until such time as the bone would be healed enough to permit an operation.
On February 21, 1965, [BUREAU DELETION] contacted the New York Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and stated that he had one of the pistols used to kill MALCOLM X. He stated he was, at that time, [BUREAU DELETION] and asked that Bureau Agents meet him at the [BUREAU DELETION] address as soon as possible. [BUREAU DELETION] when contacted the same date by SAs [BUREAU DELETION] was in the back of the Audubon Ballroom, the same date, to hear MALCOLM X speak. He stated he is a member of the OAAU. He said MALCOLM X was just introduced and began to speak when some people began to scream somewhere about eight rows from the front of the auditorium. He said people in that area began to move away and MALCOLM X put up his hands as though to quiet the people down and was heard to say “Keep your seats.” Just then, according to [BUREAU DELETION] shots rang out, [BUREAU DELETION] could not see who was doing the shooting. After the shots were fired, [BUREAU DELETION] the persons shooting headed for the exit. Some of the people in the audience tried to Stop them by throwing chairs at them or in their way. At this time, two of MALCOLM X’s men were shooting at the assailants as they were trying to leave the ballroom. [BUREAU DELETION] said the two men involved in the shooting passed him, but as the other two men involved were running toward the exit, one turned to fire back at MALCOLM X’s men. As this man turned to run through the exit, [BUREAU DELETION] threw a “body block” into him, knocking him down the stairs, at which time, this person dropped a .45 caliber pistol. [BUREAU DELETION] picked up the gun and attempted to shoot the man he knocked down as he was running down the stairs, but the gun jammed and he ran out of the building. [BUREAU DELETION] checked the gun and noticed that three rounds were still in the clip. [BUREAU DELETION] then turned over to Special Agents of the FBI a .45 caliber automatic pistol, serial number 335055, containing a clip with three rounds of ammunition.
At 10:15 P.M., February 21, 1965, [BUREAU DELETION] came to the Office of the FBI, at which time they were furnished a .45 caliber automatic pistol which was obtained by Agents of the FBI [BUREAU DELETION]
[BUREAU DELETION] HAGAN, who was arrested immediately after the shooting of MALCOLM X, has been charged with homicide and that REUBEN X FRANCIS, a member of MALCOLM X’s group, was charged with felonious assault and possession of a deadly weapon.
[BUREAU DELETION] has a witness who identified FRANCIS as the person firing back at assailants of MALCOLM X. He said FRANCIS was believed to have fired a shot which struck HAGAN in the leg. He said FRANCIS is suspected of being the person who fired a .32 caliber pistol, which has never been recovered [BUREAU DELETION] it is estimated that up to four persons may be involved in the killing of MALCOLM X.
[BUREAU DELETION] an autopsy performed on MALCOLM X reflected that he had ten bullet wounds in his chest, thigh and ankle plus four bullet creases in the chest and thigh. The autopsy located one nine millimeter slug and one .45 caliber slug and several shotgun pellets in the body of MALCOLM X.
[BUREAU DELETION] examined the Audubon Ballroom after the shooting, they found a sawed-off double-barrel shotgun wrapped in a green suit coat. In the suit coat pocket was found a key for a Yale lock, a package of Camel cigarettes and an empty eyeglass case bearing the name of an optometrist, “M. M. FINE, Main Street, Flushing.” The shotgun contained two discharged Remington express single 0 buckshot shells and there were indications that the gun was recently fired.
[BUREAU DELETION] in the ballroom was found three .45 caliber shells and slugs, six nine millimeter shells and two slugs, and three .32 caliber slugs and ten pieces of lead, presumably fired from the shotgun.
The FBI Identification Division, on February 22, 1965, identified prints of the person arrested in the shooting of MALCOLM X as TALMADGE HAYER who, up until then, was known to the [BUREAU DELETION] only as THOMAS HAGAN. [BUREAU DELETION]
On March 10, 1965, [BUREAU DELETION] advised that persons interviewed by the [BUREAU DELETION], particularly OAAU and MMI members, who were present in the Audubon Ballroom when MALCOLM X was shot, seem to have the same “clear cut” story that they were in the ballroom when MALCOLM X was shot and when the shots rang out, they fell to the floor and never got a look at the assassins. [BUREAU DELETION] stated that the [BUREAU DELETION] learned that [BUREAU DELETION] also known as [BUREAU DELETION] the [BUREAU DELETION] has instructed members of the MMI and the OAAU to cooperate with the Police Department but only say that they fell on the floor when the shooting started and cannot identify the person who shot MALCOLM X.
[BUREAU DELETION] is now shifting their investigation toward officials of the MMI, particularly toward [BUREAU DELETION]. He said witnesses have stated that, at the time of MALCOLM X’s death, [BUREAU DELETION], supposedly MALCOLM X’s trusted friend and associate, showed very little concern for MALCOLM X and did not even come over to look or assist MALCOLM X who was lying on the stage of the Audubon Ballroom dying. In reference to [BUREAU DELETION] that information has been received that [BUREAU DELETION] the day he was shot and has been seen in the Harlem area [BUREAU DELETION].
[BUREAU DELETION] also stated that on March 10, 1965, the New York County Grand Jury handed down first degree murder indictments in the killing of MALCOLM X on February 21, 1965, against TALMADGE HAYER, NORMAN 3X BUTLER and THOMAS 15X JOHNSON.
The New York Times, a local daily newspaper, dated March 11, 1965, contained an article on these indictments.
AFFILIATION WITH THE REVOLUTIONARY ACTION
MOVEMENT (RAM)
[BUREAU DELETION] a copy of a four-page memorandum [BUREAU DELETION] from a RAM official in New York City. This memorandum was entitled “Malcolm Lives,” and bore the subtitle “Analysis of the Assassination,” The last page of this memorandum indicates that it is published by “RAM-Revolutionary Action Movement.”
This memorandum states that MALCOLM X had become a threat to “Charlie” (the white man) when he broke with the NOI and made his African trips. This threat was based on his growing influence in Africa and Asia, all of which was reason for the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) to want MALCOLM X to be assassinated.
The memorandum describes the burning of MALCOLM X’s house as the “set up” which would make it look like MALCOLM X and the NOI were fighting each other, thus creating a motive for the assassination.
The memorandum discussed the assassination of MALCOLM X and described it as “well planned” and indicated that “Negro CIA Agents-hired killers” were in the audience.
This memorandum stated that the meaning of the assassination of MALCOLM X is that whenever a black man attacks the “white” power structure, he will be assassinated, jailed, or forced into exile. The memorandum further stated that the assassination of MALCOLM X shows that either black people or the white American government will be destroyed.
The memorandum ended with the following phrase: “Black Soul Brothers and Soul Sisters: Unite or Perish! Keep on Pushin’!”
UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT
MEMORANDUM
TO
:
Mr. Sullivan
DATE: 2/8/66
FROM
:
F. J. Baumgardner
SUBJECT
:
MALCOLM K. LITTLE
SECURITY MATTER—
MUSLIM MOSQUE
The trial of Thomas Hagan, Norman 3X Butler and Thomas 15X Johnson, accused of the murder of Malcolm K. Little, better known as Malcolm X, head of the Muslim Mosque, Inc. (MMI), a politically oriented black nationalist movement for Negroes, began in New York State Supreme Court on 1/12/66. Malcolm X had formerly been a leading spokesman for the Nation of Islam, an all-Negro, semi-religious, anti-white organization.
By letter dated 12/23/65, the Bureau authorized SA [BUREAU DELETION] of the New York Office to appear as a witness in this trial in order to identify one of the murder weapons used in the killing of Malcolm X, and to show the chain of evidence up until the time it was turned over to the New York City Police Department.
By way of background, [BUREAU DELETION], who was present at the scene of the murder, on 2/21/65 telephonically contacted the New York Office advising he had one of the weapons used to kill Malcolm X, which he desired to turn over to the FBI. On that same date, SAs [BUREAU DELETION] and obtained the weapon and also a statement from [BUREAU DELETION] as to how the weapon came into his possession. Later that same date, SA [BUREAU DELETION] turned the weapon over to the New York City Police Department.
On 2/8/66, SAC Donald E. Roney, New York Office, advised that SA [BUREAU DELETION] would testify in the Malcolm X murder trial on Wednesday, 2/9/66. Roney advised that the New York County District Attorney had stated that it would probably be necessary for SA [BUREAU DELETION] to produce the interview report form (FD 302) indicating receipt of the gun. Roney further stated that the New York Office had discussed production of the above-mentioned FD 302 with the United States Attorney’s Office and had been advised by the United States Attorney that under the “Jencks Decision” and in conformity with New York State Supreme Court procedures, it will be necessary for SA [BUREAU DELETION] to produce the FD 302 if so requested by the Defense Counsel, Therefore, SAC Roney stated that SA [BUREAU DELETION] will have the FD 302 ready for production in court in the event the Defense Counsel requests it.
UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT
MEMORANDUM
TO
:
DIRECTOR, FBI (100-399321)
DATE: 2/9/66
FROM
:
SAC, NEW YORK (105-8999)
SUBJECT
:
MALCOLM K. LITTLE, aka
SM-MMI
ReBulet dated 12/23/65, granting authority for SA [BUREAU DELETION] to appear as a witness in the New York State trial concerning the death of captioned subject.
SA [BUREAU DELETION] testified on 2/9/66. During the cross examination, SA [BUREAU DELETION] was asked by the Defense Attorney to produce any notes taken in reference to his contact [BUREAU DELETION]. SA [BUREAU DELETION] produced an FD 302 which the Defense Attorney returned after his questioning. Defense Attorney’s line of questioning centered upon whether or not SA [BUREAU DELETION] checked FBI reports to see if FBI Agents were in the audience at the Audubon Ballroom when MALCOLM X was killed. SA [BUREAU DELETION] was also questioned as to whether the FBI Lab examined the .45 caliber pistol used in the murder of MALCOLM X before it was turned over to the NYCPD. SA [BUREAU DELETION] advised the court that the FBI Lab did not examine the .45 caliber revolver before it was turned over to the NYCPD and that he did not check FBI files to determine if FBI Agents were present in the ballroom when MALCOLM X was killed.
The courtroom was cleared of the news media and spectators when SA [BUREAU DELETION] testified in view of the fact that his testimony, in effect, centered around [BUREAU DELETION] who gave SA [BUREAU DELETION] the above mentioned .45 caliber automatic pistol.
[BUREAU DELETION] testified in court on 2/3 and 4/66, after the courtroom was cleared of reporters and spectators, claiming his life was in danger if his identity was known.
New York County Assistant District Attorney VINCENT DERMODY advised on 2/9/66 that he did not believe it would be necessary to recall SA [BUREAU DELETION] as a witness at a later date.
Mr. DERMODY expressed his appreciation to SA [BUREAU DELETION] for testifying and the NYO for its assistance during the State’s investigation of the case.
Addendum
(SAC D. E. RONEY):
On the late afternoon of 2/9/66, Mr. VINCENT DERMODY, Assistant District Attorney, New York County, telephoned me to convey his great appreciation to the Bureau for making available SA [BUREAU DELETION] to testify in the MALCOLM K. LITTLE trial. Mr. DERMODY said SA [BUREAU DELETION] was a wonderful witness, and used the word “terrific” to describe his testimony and demeanor on the witness stand. He said SA [BUREAU DELETION] certainly reflected great credit on the FBI. Mr. DERMODY also said he wanted to express his appreciation for the wonderful cooperation on the part of the NYO with the New York City Police Department and the District Attorney’s office in this case. Mr. DERMODY said that the cooperation from the beginning of this case had been “terrific,” and said this was a perfect example of real effective cooperation.
FBI
Date: 2/25/66
TO
:
DIRECTOR, FBI (100-399321)
FROM
:
SAC, NEW YORK (105-8999)
SUBJECT
:
MALCOLM K. LITTLE aka
SM-MMI
Re Bulet dated 2/21/66, requesting the NYO to closely follow the trial in progress concerning the assassination of captioned subject and to keep the Bureau advised of all pertinent developments.
On 2/21/66, Detective JOSEPH REISCH, a ballistics expert, testified at the MALCOLM X murder trial at NY County Supreme Court, NYC, that cartridges taken from TALMADGE HAYER, one of 3 men charged with MALCOLM X’s assassination, were linked with a .45 caliber weapon used to kill MALCOLM X. Detective REISCH said extraction marks found on .45 caliber cartridges taken from TALMADGE HAYER matched markings made by the weapon used to shoot MALCOLM X.
Detective REISCH continued by stating that a microscopic examination of the shell casings of the cartridges taken from HAYER matched three shells found in the Audubon Ballroom when MALCOLM X was slain. REISCH said the extraction marks on a gun are significant and peculiar to that particular weapon. He said the markings are similar to an individual’s fingerprints.
It is noted that the .45 caliber pistol mentioned above was made available to the NYPD by SA [BUREAU DELETION] on 2/21/65, the day MALCOLM X was slain.
On 2/16/66, SA [BUREAU DELETION] made available to NY County Assistant District Attorney VINCENT J. DERMODY three photographs. Two of the photographs consisted of a group of male Negroes including HAYER in karate uniforms, the third photograph consisted of three persons, one being TALMADGE HAYER with the photographer who took the group photographs.
These photographs were made available to SA [BUREAU DELETION] by SA [BUREAU DELETION] of the NK Office. SA [BUREAU DELETION]
Assistant District Attorney DERMODY stated that the photographs would be “excellent evidence” that HAYER is or was associated with the Black Muslims since HAYER has denied being a Muslim or even being “associated with them.” Mr. DERMODY said he could only use the photographs if HAYER is even called to the stand by his attorney.
Mr. DERMODY and SA [BUREAU DELETION] then arranged that if HAYER was ever called to the stand during the trial, Mr. DERMODY would call SA [BUREAU DELETION] who would then contact SA [BUREAU DELETION] in NK to have him present copies of photographs mentioned above to [BUREAU DELETION] to determine if he took the pictures, where and when and if he could identify HAYER. It was pointed out by Assistant District Attorney DERMODY [BUREAU DELETION] would have to be contacted only when HAYER is testifying [BUREAU DELETION].
On 2/23/66, Assistant District Attorney DERMODY contacted SA [BUREAU DELETION] and advised that HAYER was called by his attorney to testify on his own behalf and that he planned to show the above mentioned
photographs to HAYER when he cross examined him [BUREAU DELETION].
While on the stand, HAYER denied charges that he had killed MALCOLM X a year ago, that he was ever a member of the Black Muslims, that he had ever learned or practiced karate or that he had a gun in his hand at the Audubon Ballroom the day MALCOLM X was killed.
While HAYER was being cross examined by Assistant District Attorney DERMODY, he was shown photographs of himself with a karate group and was “quite surprised,” remained silent for a moment and said it looks like him but it wasn’t him.
In the meantime while HAYER was testifying, SA [BUREAU DELETION] of the NK Office contacted [BUREAU DELETION] and exhibited copies of the above mentioned photographs. [BUREAU DELETION] stated that he took the pictures at Muhammad’s Mosque No. 25 at a Black Muslim bazaar in March, 1963. He identified the group photographs as that of a karate group which put on an exhibition and identified HAYER as TALMADGE only.
The results of the contact with [BUREAU DELETION] was made available to Mr. DERMODY on 2/23/66, who was very pleased.
Arrangements were made between Mr. DERMODY, SA [BUREAU DELETION] of the NYO and SA [BUREAU DELETION] NK, to have three members of the District Attorney’s Office meet with SA [BUREAU DELETION] at 8:30 A.M., 2/24/66, who in turn would show the officials of the District Attorney’s Office [BUREAU DELETION] in order that they could interview [BUREAU DELETION] to return to NYC to testify.
Malcolm X Page 37
