NEW YORK - Some new claims by a former police officer who has now died are implicating the NYPD in the 1965 murder of civil rights leader Malcolm X.

A letter that undercover officer Raymond Wood didn't want made public until after his death was read out loud Saturday.

In the letter, Wood alleges the FBI and NYPD conspired to cover up details of the assassination and undermine the civil rights movement.

Wood confessed in the letter that he played a part in the arrest of two members of Malcolm's security team just before the shooting and that Thomas Johnson, who died in 2009, was wrongfully convicted for the murder.

Wood says in the letter he was afraid he would face major consequences if he came forward.

"I participated in actions that in hindsight were deplorable and detrimental to the advancement of my own Black people. My actions on behalf of the New York City Police Department were done under duress and fear,” Reggie Wood, a relative read aloud at a press conference on Raymond’s behalf.

"Any evidence that provides greater insight into the truth behind that terrible tragedy should be thoroughly investigated,” said Ilyasah Shabazz, the daughter of Malcolm X.

"Several months ago, the Manhattan District Attorney initiated a review of the investigation and prosecution that resulted in two convictions for the murder of Malcolm X. The NYPD has provided all available records relevant to that case to the District Attorney. The Department remains committed to assist with that review in any way,” the NYPD said in a statement.

Malcolm X was gunned down at the Audubon Ballroom in Washington Heights on February 21, 1965.

The FBI says it has no comment.