Judas and the Black Messiah

The film portrays Fred Hampton’s tragic killing as a result of intense police violence and betrayal. After a raid on Hampton’s apartment, police claimed they were attacked by the Panthers, but in reality, the scene was heavily skewed in their favor. Hampton was shot in his bed while supposedly incapacitated—an event that was manipulated by William O’Neal, who drugged him with a sedative beforehand, rendering him unconscious during the attack. This act of betrayal—similar to Judas’ in the biblical story—shapes the film’s title and themes of treachery and sacrifice. O’Neal, who was acting as an FBI informant, continued to serve the Bureau even after Hampton’s death, haunted by guilt that many believe contributed to his own suicide.

The film suggests that Hampton’s death was not just a tragic incident, but a targeted assassination disguised as a police raid. Official reports initially praised the police’s “restraint,” despite overwhelming firepower and the fact that the Panthers fired far fewer shots. Hampton’s family and critics argue that the police unlawfully murdered him during an illegal search, and his legacy endures through his surviving family and the ongoing fight for racial justice. Symbolically, the ending echoes biblical themes—O’Neal’s guilt mirrors Judas’ remorse, and Hampton’s role as a “messianic” figure continues beyond his death. The story underscores the ongoing relevance of his fight, drawing parallels between the injustice of the 1960s and present-day struggles for Black Lives Matter and police accountability. The ending leaves viewers with a powerful reflection on betrayal, sacrifice, and the enduring hope of legacy against systemic oppression.

Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 08:58