The plot was only intelligent cause it was successful. Nothing about running up in a crowded venue and murdering someone in broad daylight says intelligent. Had the FBI/NYPD actually wanted to prevent Malcolm's murder then that shit wouldn't have got off the ground. Worse case scenario all 5 of them dudes would have been caught.

Like dude said, Elijah could have made the call without really making it. Them dudes were so fanatical over him. And they weren't too far removed from street shit anyway.

It's unfortunate because neither Elijah or Malcolm could see the past their beef to see the good that both of them have done for their communities.