This Day The Subway Vigilante Shooting (1984) w/ Leon Neyfakh [Archive Favorite]
Aug 28, 2025
Leon Neyfakh, creator of acclaimed podcasts like Slow Burn and Fiasco, dives deep into the infamous Bernie Goetz case, where the so-called 'Subway Vigilante' shot four young men in 1984. He discusses the profound impact of this incident on New York City, focusing on the media frenzy and public fear at the time. The conversation highlights the legal repercussions that haunted Goetz for years and raises probing questions about vigilantism, self-defense, and society’s complex perceptions of justice. It's a gripping exploration of crime and morality.
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Subway As Symbol Of Urban Disorder
- New York's 1980s subway felt lawless due to high felony rates and visible disorder like graffiti.
- That environment made the subway a potent symbol of citywide fear and decay.
What Happened On The Train
- Four teenagers boarded a Manhattan train and one approached Bernie Goetz asking for money.
- Goetz pulled a gun and shot all four at close range, then fled and resurfaced a week later when he surrendered in New Hampshire.
Reporting Shaped Public Perception
- Early tabloid reporting exaggerated the teenagers' threat by claiming sharpened screwdrivers were brandished.
- Witnesses later clarified the tools were in pockets, undercutting the narrative that Goetz faced armed attackers.