Why was Malcolm X assassinated?

On this day in History, Malcolm X assassinated on Feb 21, 1965. Learn more about what happened today on History. read more

In New York City, Malcolm X, an African American nationalist and religious leader, is assassinated by rival Black Muslims while addressing his Organization of Afro-American Unity at the Audubon Ballroom in Washington Heights. read more

These threats escalated into the NOI evicting Malcolm X from a Queens residence that they owned; the structure was later destroyed in a fire of a suspicious nature. One week later, at the Audobon Ballroom, February 21, 1965, Malcolm X was assassinated by three men, all of whom were members of the Nation of Islam. read more

In 1963, Muhammad suspended Malcolm X from the organization as punishment for his comment that the assassination of President John F. Kennedy was an example of “the chickens coming home to roost.” In 1964, Malcolm X broke with the Nation of Islam and converted to traditional Islam. read more