Part 1 of the Patty Hearst story explores the sensationalist SLA and their violent acts. The hosts discuss the intense political climate in the 70s, the assassination of Marcus Foster, and the disturbing discovery of a potential kidnapping target list. They also delve into the rebellious relationship between Patty and her teacher, rumors surrounding her involvement in revolutionary activities, and the FBI's involvement in the case. The chapter concludes with a discussion on relationships, Thanksgiving introductions, and the Hearst family's responsibility.
The Symbionese Liberation Army (SLA) was formed by radicals with the intention of bringing about radical change through acts of violence.
Patty Hearst, daughter of media moguls, is kidnapped by the SLA and becomes indoctrinated into their radical beliefs.
The SLA demands a substantial ransom and Patty Hearst chooses to stay with them, causing further alienation from her family.
The SLA robs a bank to obtain funds, partially successful but raising skepticism about Patty's involvement.
A deadly shootout between the SLA and authorities occurs, resulting in the death of several members.
Patty Hearst, Emily, and Bill witness the shootout and the search for Patty intensifies as the surviving SLA members regroup.
Deep dives
The Symbionese Liberation Army (SLA) is formed
A group of radicals and revolutionaries, including Donald DeFriese, Willie Wolfe, Joe Romero, Russ Little, Nancy Ling Perry, and Patricia 'Ms. Moon' Sol Tezick, come together to form the Symbionese Liberation Army (SLA). Their aim is to bring about radical change and create a more just society through small-scale but intense acts of violence. They start by assassinating Marcus Foster, the Oakland superintendent of schools, in a failed attempt to gain the attention and support of other revolutionaries. The SLA's methods and actions are met with mixed reactions and cause them to go underground.
The SLA recruits new members
The SLA recruits Bill, Emily, and Angela, who are from the Indiana area and consider themselves radicals. They propose moving away from violent acts and focus on a harmless kidnapping as a means of gaining attention and support for their cause. They meet with the core SLA group to discuss their ideas and become more closely associated with the organization.
The SLA goes underground
After the failed assassination attempt and the arrest of Joe Romero and Russ Little, the SLA realizes they need to go underground. Bill, Emily, Angela, and Camilla Hall join the group in becoming fully committed to the SLA and its goals. The SLA starts planning their next moves and preparing for what comes next in their revolutionary journey.
Patty Hearst Kidnapped by SLA
Patty Hearst, daughter of media moguls, is kidnapped by the Symbionese Liberation Army (SLA). The kidnappers demand a good faith gesture from the Hearst family as part of negotiations for her release.
Patty's Captivity and Indoctrination
Patty Hearst is held captive by the SLA, kept in a closet and blindfolded. She is indoctrinated into their radical beliefs and forced to study their texts. Over time, she begins to interact with her captors and gain a level of trust.
Challenging Ransom Demands and Patty's Safety
The SLA demands a substantial ransom, requesting a food distribution to the poor and needy valued at over $400 billion in today's terms. Patty's family counters with an offer of $2 million for a charitable organization. Patty emphasizes the importance of the good faith gesture for her safety and release.
Patty Hearst joins the SLA and tensions rise within her family
Patty Hearst announces that she has chosen to stay with the revolutionary group known as the SLA. This decision causes further alienation between her and her family, who are shocked by her involvement. The SLA views her as a valuable member and gives her the codename Tanya. Meanwhile, her mother's acceptance of a regent position at the University of California exacerbates the rift between them. The SLA is both thrilled with Patty's commitment and faces the challenge of needing money to continue their efforts.
The SLA plans and carries out a bank robbery
Facing financial strain, the SLA decides to rob a bank to obtain funds. They target Hibernia Bank, which has video security, allowing them to show Patty's involvement to the public. Patty eagerly joins the assault team, wanting to prove her loyalty. The bank robbery is partially successful, netting them approximately $10,000. However, the public remains skeptical of Patty's voluntary participation.
Patty's performance in the bank robbery and the aftermath
Despite skepticism from the public, the SLA is impressed with Patty's performance during the bank robbery. They view her as a revolutionary asset. However, her family and ex-fiancé believe she is being manipulated and coerced. The bank robbery further deepens the divide between Patty and her family, leading to public discourse about her involvement with the SLA.
The Shootout at the Safe House
In this podcast episode, the intense and deadly shootout at the safe house is recounted. The LAPD and SWAT teams surround the house, evacuate the surrounding area, and make multiple announcements for the occupants to surrender. However, the SLA members inside refuse to surrender and a fierce gun battle ensues. The house catches fire, and amidst the chaos, several SLA members are killed. Patty Hearst, along with Emily and Bill, watch the events unfold on live television from a motel near Disneyland, unaware that the rest of the SLA has been killed in the shootout.
Patty Hearst's Escape and the Aftermath
Following the shootout, Patty Hearst, Emily, and Bill stay in a motel near Disneyland. They witness the death of their comrades on live television. The authorities and media are uncertain of Patty's whereabouts, and the search intensifies. Meanwhile, the SLA members who survived the shootout and were not present at the safe house regroup and attempt to continue their radical activities. The podcast ends on a cliffhanger, leaving listeners to wonder what will happen next.
Forget what you think you know about Patty Hearst. This week Maia launches us into Part 1 of the Patty Hearst story. From the headline grabbing antics to the violence the SLA (Symbionese Liberation Army) was willing to (and did) commit. We meet a host of characters who are complex and controversial as we begin to dig into what happens when a young person has Money and a Gun.
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