Word of the looming power struggle within the NOI hierarchy did not quickly reach the membership beyond Chicago or the media. The FBI, however, had sources inside the headquarters, and listened in via telephone tapping as well. Increasingly, the Bureau covertly moved to stir dissension in an attempt to weaken the group from within.16 Hoover’s goals were to divide the Muslim leadership, limit Malcolm’s influence, and ensure that the Muslims remained at war with King and the civil rights movement.
