Part 5/9:
In a dramatic shift from the norm, Columbo fervently declared war on the FBI, alleging that the agency was discriminating against Italian Americans. Seizing upon the civil rights movement of the time, he initiated protests against the FBI, which was largely unprecedented for someone in his position. Columbo formed the Italian-American Civil Rights League, claiming to champion the Italian American community and promoting a narrative of victimhood against systemic persecution.
The civil rights league flourished, attracting significant attention and membership, while Columbo basked in newfound fame. From the streets of Brooklyn to the airwaves of media outlets, he became a face of Italian-American pride, while often blurring the lines between legitimate activism and Mafia affiliations.