A podcast episode about the Pinkertons and Anonymous, including discussions on President-elect Abraham Lincoln, Jesse James, revenge porn website, and cyberbullying. They also explore the origins of isanyoneup.com, the Texas heartbeat bill, and the dangers of vigilantism. The podcast covers various topics like lactose intolerance, high school memories, and the evolution of the research process.
The Pinkerton Detective Agency prevented an assassination attempt on President-elect Abraham Lincoln, changing public opinion of the James brothers.
The Pinkertons faced criticism for mishandling subsequent cases, including their pursuit of the James gang.
Hunter Moore founded isanyoneup.com, a revenge porn website that caused emotional distress among victims.
The internet group Anonymous hacked and shut down isanyoneup.com, protecting the victims of revenge porn.
Anonymous is a decentralized activist group known for their cyber-activism against entities like the Church of Scientology.
Deep dives
Pinkerton's thwart assassination plot against Abraham Lincoln
In 1861, the Pinkerton Detective Agency, founded by Allan Pinkerton, foiled an assassination plot against President-elect Abraham Lincoln. They received information about a secret group planning to sabotage the rail lines in Baltimore, where Lincoln was scheduled to pass through. The Pinkertons arranged for Lincoln to secretly board an overnight train before his published schedule. The attempt to assassinate Lincoln was unsuccessful, and this event drastically changed public opinion of the James brothers, who were later pursued by the Pinkertons. The agency's involvement in the attack on the James family home resulted in death and severe injury, and evidence confirmed their responsibility. Despite their initial success in preventing Lincoln's assassination, the Pinkertons faced criticism for their mishandling of subsequent cases, such as their failed pursuit of the James gang.
The Pinkerton Detective Agency and the Homestead Strike
Following the death of Allan Pinkerton, his son took over the Pinkerton Detective Agency and shifted its focus to labor disputes. One notable case was the Homestead Strike, which occurred in 1892. The dispute was between Carnegie Steel and its workers in Homestead, Pennsylvania. Carnegie's manager, Henry Clay Frick, hired Pinkerton agents to protect replacement workers during the strike. The Pinkertons became involved in a violent conflict with the striking steelworkers, and it resulted in casualties on both sides. This episode further highlighted the agency's controversial involvement in labor disputes and raised questions about their tactics and loyalties.
Hunter Moore and isanyoneup.com
Hunter Moore founds isanyoneup.com, a website where people submit X-rated photos of themselves and others without consent. Revenge porn becomes a major focus of the website, leading to cyberbullying and emotional distress for the victims. Hunter Moore's actions spark outrage, especially when it is revealed that some of the photos were stolen and submitted without the subjects' knowledge or consent. His website is eventually shut down and bought by someone seeking to put an end to the exploitation.
Anonymous Takes Action
The internet group Anonymous, known for their digital activism, launches an operation against Hunter Moore and isanyoneup.com. They hack and wipe the website's servers, effectively removing all the photos and preventing their reposting. Anonymous also infiltrates Hunter Moore's bank account and donates his money to a women's abuse shelter. The group's actions help protect the victims and serve as a reminder that online exploitation will not be tolerated.
The Downfall of Hunter Moore
Hunter Moore is arrested by the FBI after his involvement in cybercrime is uncovered. His email hacker is also implicated and arrested. Moore eventually faces legal consequences for his actions, including harassment, revenge porn, and hacking. The group Anonymous plays a significant role in exposing Moore and serving justice to the victims.
Anonymous and Their Role
Anonymous, a decentralized and activist group, originated on 4chan and gained attention for their hacking and cyber-activism against various entities. They are known for fighting against government oppression and defending freedom of speech. Anonymous has no hierarchy, and their actions are proposed and carried out online if there is enough support. The group has been involved in several high-profile campaigns, such as operations against the Church of Scientology.
Hunter Moore and the Karma Scratch
Hunter Moore's website was shut down and his servers wiped clean, leading to the demise of his revenge porn empire. This incident served as a form of karma for the harm he caused to countless individuals by sharing their explicit photos without consent.
The Anonymous Hacktivist Group
The Anonymous hacktivist group gained notoriety for their various operations, which ranged from exposing the Church of Scientology as a dangerous cult to targeting multiple organizations and governments worldwide. They engaged in activities such as hacking, leaking sensitive data, and conducting in-person protests to advocate for political causes and fight against perceived injustices.
The Texas Republican Party Website Defacement
In response to the passing of the Texas heartbeat act, Anonymous launched Operation Jane, a sub-operation of Operation Epic Fail, to protest against the extreme anti-choice legislation. As part of their operation, they defaced the Texas Republican Party website, providing humorous and critical commentary on the party's support for the heartbeat act.
A podcast episode about the Pinkertons and the internet group Anonymous. Grant and Maia play a game of "good cop, bad cop" as we dive into the history of both groups. We travel to the inauguration of Abraham Lincoln and the death of a famous revenge porn website. Part history podcast, part storytelling experience. Join us as we discuss Jesse James and his gang and the vile Hunter Moore!
When does law enforcement become lawless? In this explosive first part of Law and Disorder, Maia and Grant pull back the curtain on the myth of the “good guys with badges.” From Jesse James’ Southern vendetta to the Pinkertons’ rise as the world's first private army, this episode dissects how corporate interests shaped American justice—and how the lines between law, order, and outright chaos were never as clear as we were told. If you thought the Wild West was wild, wait until you hear how Carnegie and Rockefeller turned labor strikes into war zones. With dark humor and deep historical insight, Maia and Grant tell the real story behind the Homestead Strike, the assassination of a U.S. governor, and why “bad cop” might’ve just been the original job description. Buckle up. You’re not in history class anymore.
