The death of Fred Hampton, a leader of the Black Panther Party (BPP), during a 1969 Chicago police raid was the result of a coordinated effort by the FBI and local law enforcement under the FBI's counterintelligence program (COINTELPRO). Here's a breakdown of the key factors:

⁠COINTELPRO's Mission: The FBI, under J. Edgar Hoover, sought to dismantle groups deemed "subversive," including the BPP. Hampton was targeted due to his effectiveness in organizing community programs (e.g., free breakfast initiatives) and his ability to build coalitions across racial lines, which the FBI viewed as a threat.

Informant Involvement: FBI infiltrator William O'Neal provided detailed floor plans of Hampton's apartment, his schedule, and likely drugged Hampton the night of the raid to incapacitate him.

The Raid: On December 4, 1969, Chicago police raided Hampton's apartment, firing approximately 90 rounds, while occupants returned minimal gunfire. Hampton and fellow Panther Mark Clark were killed, with evidence showing Hampton was shot execution-style while unconscious in bed.

Aftermath and Cover-Up: Initial police claims of a "violent shootout" were debunked by investigations, revealing deliberate suppression of evidence. Survivors won a civil settlement in 1982, acknowledging constitutional rights violations.

Motivation: The FBI aimed to neutralize Hampton as part of Hoover's broader strategy to prevent the rise of what he called a "Black Messiah" who could unify marginalized communities against systemic oppression.