Malcolm X Assassin is Now Free on Parole

The man who shot and killed Malcolm X in 1965 was released Tuesday from prison. Thomas Hagan, 69, walked out of the Lincoln Correctional Facility around 11am.

Hagan petitioned for parole and full release and was rejected for 16 times before being approved on March 3. Now on release, Hagan is under the supervision of the New York State Division of Parole.

Hagan, who was known as Talmadge Hayer at the time of the slaying, was arrested within minutes of shooting Malcolm, who was addressing a crowd of about 400 followers in the ballroom at 166th St. and Broadway. Outraged members of the audience then beat and shot Hagan as he tried to flee the ballroom. He has been in custody ever since.

A former militant member of the National Islam, Hagan admited to his role in the killing during his 1966 trial. Ten years later, Hagan said Malcolm X was killed because he was a "hypocrite" who turned against the Nation of Islam leader Elijah Muhammad. He was sentenced to 20 years to life in prison.

Along with Hagan, two other men were convicted in the killing. They were both paroled more than twenty years ago.