Black Muslims Say Malcolm X Bombed His Own Home

Feb. 15, 1965 - Black nationalist leader Malcolm X said tonight that the Black Muslims, the sect he quit a year ago to form his own group, were responsible for the firebombs tossed into his six-room Queens home early Sunday causing extensive damage.

The Black Muslims had a different view of who the culprit was. Joseph X, a Black Muslim spokesman, said Malcolm X himself staged the bombing. 

But a Civil Court justice today had what amounted to the last word on the subject, at least temporarily. He ordered Malcolm X, his wife, and four daughters evicted immediately from the house at 23-11 97th St. in Elmhurst, Queens.

Elijah Muhammad, head of the Black Muslim movement, had claimed the house belonged to the sect and that his once ardent disciple could live in it only while he was a member. Malcolm X had contended that the house was given to him by his followers. His lawyers are asking for a halt of the eviction order from the Appellate Division of the New York State Supreme Court.Addressing a rally of his followers at the Audubon Ballroom in Washington Heights tonight, Malcolm X declared: “My house was bombed by the Muslims. I can’t quite bring my heart to the point where I can be merciful to anyone who’s that low. I have no compassion or mercy or forgiveness for anyone who attacks sleeping babies. The only thing I regret is that two black groups have to fight and kill each other off.”

Commenting on the accusation by Joseph X, Malcolm ridiculed the idea that his he might have caused the bomb damage himself. “If anyone can find where I bombed my own house, they can put a bullet through my head,” he said.

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