A Brief History of Vehicular Violence

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Jun 26, 2025

Explore the dark history of vehicular violence against protesters and its normalization in labor disputes. Discover a tragic 1929 incident that showcases the bravery of workers. The podcast highlights the socio-political motivations behind these attacks while addressing the desensitization to violence in society. Delve into how media narratives shape perceptions and the urgent need for nuanced discussions about politically motivated vehicular assaults. The conversation challenges listeners to reflect on the moral implications of using vehicles as weapons.

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ANECDOTE

William Pierce's Radicalization Anecdote

On May 16, 1966, William Luther Pierce attempted to drive his car through a union picket line, marking a key moment in his radicalization.
This event led him to leave his job and join the American Nazi Party, shaping his extremist future.

INSIGHT

Emergence of Vehicle Ramming Tactics

Vehicular ramming attacks primarily emerged as a recognized terrorist tactic only in the early 1990s.
Data sets categorizing such attacks often vary due to differing definitions and data collection methods.

INSIGHT

Union Picket Line Attacks Overlooked

Historical vehicular assaults against union picket lines have often been overlooked in terrorism research.
These attacks are politically motivated and have occurred consistently throughout the last century.

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Who is the Lone Terrorist? A Study of Vehicle-Borne Attackers in Israel and the West Bank

Badi Hasisi

Gali Perry

Simon Perry

Who is the Lone Terrorist? A Study of Vehicle-Borne Attackers in Israel and the West Bank explores the characteristics and motivations of individuals who carry out vehicle-borne attacks. Authored by Simon Perry, Badi Hasisi, and Gali Perry, the study analyzes data from 62 attacks between 2000 and 2016. The authors examine factors such as the attackers’ backgrounds, affiliations, and prior criminal records. The research challenges common assumptions about lone terrorists, revealing that many attackers have no prior group affiliation. The study also investigates the role of social media and online radicalization in inspiring these attacks. The findings contribute to a better understanding of the phenomenon of lone-actor terrorism and inform strategies for prevention and intervention.

‘I DID MY BIT’: TERRORISM, TARDE AND THE VEHICLE RAMMING ATTACK AS AN IMITATIVE EVENT

Keith J. Hayward

Vincent Miller

‘I DID MY BIT’: TERRORISM, TARDE AND THE VEHICLE RAMMING ATTACK AS AN IMITATIVE EVENT is a study that examines vehicle ramming attacks from a sociological perspective. Written by Vincent Miller and Keith J. Hayward, the paper explores the phenomenon of vehicle ramming as an imitative event. The authors analyze 125 incidents between 1999 and 2017, highlighting the virus-like quality of these attacks. The research emphasizes the wide ideological diversity among perpetrators, challenging the notion that vehicle ramming is solely a jihadist tactic. The paper also delves into the social contagion aspect of these attacks, noting their tendency to cluster together in time. The authors provide insights into the factors that contribute to the spread of vehicle ramming as a form of terror attack.

Sins of My Father, Growing Up with America's Most Dangerous White Supremacist

Growing Up with America's Most Dangerous White Supremacist

Kelvin Pierce

Sins of My Father is a memoir that delves into the disturbing life of William Luther Pierce, a prominent figure in the American Nazi Party. Written by his son, Kelvin Pierce, the book explores the complexities of growing up in a household deeply entrenched in white supremacist ideology. The memoir unveils the impact of Pierce's extremist beliefs on his family, particularly Kelvin's upbringing and personal struggles. It delves into the psychological toll of being associated with such a controversial and hateful figure, examining the challenges of reconciling familial love with moral repugnance. Ultimately, Sins of My Father offers a chilling perspective on the insidious nature of extremism and its profound effects on individuals and families.