Thomas Hagan facts for kids
Thomas Hagan (born March 16, 1941) is a man who was once part of the Nation of Islam. He was involved in the death of Malcolm X in 1965. For some time, he was also known as Talmadge X Hayer. His chosen Islamic name is Mujahid Abdul Halim.
Quick facts for kids
Thomas Hagan
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| Born | March 16, 1941 |
| Other names | Talmadge X Hayer, Mujahid Abdul Halim |
| Known for | Assassinating Malcolm X |
| Criminal status | Paroled by the New York State Division of Parole on March 19, 2010 |
| Conviction(s) | Second degree murder |
| Criminal penalty | 20 years to life in prison |
| Details | |
| Victims | Malcolm X |
| Date | February 21, 1965 |
| Location(s) | Manhattan, New York City, U.S. |
| Weapons | Sawed-off shotgun 2 semi-automatic pistols |
The Death of Malcolm X
On February 21, 1965, Malcolm X was shot at the Audubon Ballroom in Washington Heights, Manhattan, New York City. Thomas Hagan was shot in the leg by one of Malcolm X's bodyguards while trying to run away.
Because of his leg wound, people in the crowd caught Hagan. They held him until police arrived and arrested him. Hagan later admitted he was involved in the crime. However, he said that two other men, Thomas Johnson (Khalil Islam) and Norman 3X Butler (Muhammad Abdul Aziz), were not involved.
How the Event Happened
In a statement from 1977, Hagan explained that he had planned the shooting with four other people. He said Johnson and Butler were not among them. The reason for the plan was to get back at Malcolm X. Malcolm X had publicly criticized Elijah Muhammad and the Nation of Islam.
Hagan explained that one of his helpers caused a distraction. This person started an argument about being pickpocketed. This made Malcolm X's bodyguards move away from him. Then, a man with a shotgun shot Malcolm X. After that, Hagan and another helper also shot Malcolm X with handguns.
Life After the Event
In 1966, Hagan, Butler, and Johnson were all found guilty. They were sentenced to prison for a long time. While in prison, Hagan studied and earned two college degrees. He asked to be released from prison 16 times, but his requests were turned down each time.
Butler was released from prison in 1985. Johnson was released in 1987. Starting in 1988, Hagan was part of a special program. This program allowed him to work outside the prison. He only had to spend two days a week at the Lincoln Correctional Facility. This was a prison with lower security in Manhattan. For the rest of the week, he could stay with his wife and children. He worked at different places, including a youth center and a homeless shelter. Hagan was finally released from prison in March 2010.
In 2021, Hagan said he was glad that the convictions of Thomas Johnson and Norman 3X Butler were overturned. This meant their guilt was removed. This matched what Hagan had said from the beginning: that they were not involved in Malcolm X's death.
Hagan is still a practicing Muslim. However, he is no longer part of the Nation of Islam because he does not agree with their beliefs anymore. He has said he feels "regrets and sorrow" for his part in the shooting of Malcolm X.
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