While riding a New York City Subway train, Bernhard Goetz shot four African-American youths who had attempted to rob him, sparking a nationwide debate on vigilantism, racism, and the legal limits of self-defense.

New York City Subway

Rapid transit system in New York City

The New York City Subway is a rapid transit system in New York City serving the boroughs of Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx. It is owned by the government of New York City and leased to the New York City Transit Authority, an affiliate agency of the state-run…

1984 New York City Subway shooting

Shooting of four Black teenagers by Bernhard Goetz

On December 22, 1984, Bernhard Goetz shot four black young adults on a New York City Subway train in Manhattan after they allegedly tried to rob him. All four victims survived, though one, Darrell Cabey, was paralyzed and suffered brain damage as a result of his injuries. Goetz…

Vigilantism

Civilian who undertakes law enforcement without legal authority

Vigilantism is the act of preventing, investigating, and punishing perceived offenses and crimes without legal authority.

Racism in the United States

Racism has been reflected in discriminatory laws, practices, and actions against racial or ethnic groups throughout the history of the United States. Since the early colonial era, White Americans have generally enjoyed legally or socially-sanctioned privileges and rights that…

Self-defense

Countermeasure that involves defending oneself from harm

Self-defense is a countermeasure that involves defending the health and well-being of oneself from harm. The use of the right of self-defense as a legal justification for the use of force in times of danger is available in many jurisdictions.