Unavailable for many years, this incendiary 1971 documentary details how the Chicago Police Department killed 21-year-old Black Panther organizer Fred Hampton in a raid on Panther headquarters on December 4, 1969 and then used blatant lies and the wanton destruction of evidence to cover up the murder. The official police report claimed the Panthers provoked the attack, although ballistic evidence showed all of the gunfire originated with the police. When questions began to circulate about what happened, the police (in full view of TV cameras) literally tore down the walls of the Panthers' property. Despite the testimony of eyewitnesses and medical examiners, as well as filmic evidence captured by filmmakers Mike Gray and Howard Alk that contradicted the official report of the shooting, Illinois State Attorney Edward V. Hanrahan aggressively supported the bogus police claims. Interwoven throughout this investigation is footage of Hampton, who is presented as a passionate young man, even though his political messages on behalf of the Black Panther Party often seem shrill and simplistic today. DVD extras include Gray's short film “Cicero March,” which follows a public protest against racism in early 1970s Chicago. Highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (P. Hall)
The Murder of Fred Hampton
(1971) 88 min. DVD: $24.95. Facets Video. ISBN: 1-5658-0522-4. Volume 22, Issue 4
The Murder of Fred Hampton
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