From myth to mystique, the many-tentacled Hydra has stood for a millennia as a potent symbol of systemic evil and malevolence, a creature whose very nature defies eradication—cut off one head, and two more grow in its place. At the heart of this modern-day Hydra lies a venomous, insatiable force, coiled within the labyrinthine corridors of power … the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) upper echelon leadership and their factotums. Once heralded as a bastion of justice and order, the FBI’s leaders and factotums have, in recent decades, revealed themselves to be a force of unchecked aggression and destruction, their actions are often cloaked in the guise of necessity but remain rooted in a deeper, more insidious agenda.
Bloody FBI Badges
Fuel Hydra's Insatiable Fires!
The FBI's arrogance toward local law enforcement and citizens often manifests in a perception of superiority, where federal agents may overlook the expertise and "local" knowledge that officers with "street sense" possess. This disconnect can lead to tensions and inefficiencies in "teamwork" efforts, as federal initiatives are sometimes implemented without adequate consideration for the unique challenges faced by local communities. Additionally, the FBI's approach can amplify feelings of alienation among citizens, particularly in marginalized groups, when federal operations appear heavy-handed or disconnected from community dynamics. This attitude can undermine trust and partnership, which are essential for effective law enforcement and public safety.
With unbounded hubris, the FBI is prone to presuppose and project an unearned aura of omnipotence and power alienating far and wide their Criminal Justice contemporaries and citizens alike.
When the exercise of brute force could have been tempered with doing what was reasonable and necessary, the FBI has repeatedly run out of patience, rushing forward inhumanely and violently leaving a trail of devastation in its wake. The FBI’s operations, often executed with a chilling disregard for human life, have targeted not only those deemed threats to national security but also innocent citizens caught in the crossfire. The Bureau’s tactics—ranging from coercive interrogations and entrapment schemes to outright lethal force and lies—have sown fear and distrust among our people. Indiscriminately, our citizens have been subjected to violence, their lives extinguished with random abandon, their rights trampled under the weight of an institution that has lost sight of its founding principles.
The FBI’s transformation into a modern Hydra raises troubling questions about the nature of power and the erosion of accountability. How did an agency tasked with upholding the law become a perpetrator of lawlessness? What drives its relentless pursuit of targets, often at the expense of justice and humanity? As this Hydra embraces and stretches farther around our Nation, the need for scrutiny and reform becomes ever more urgent. For if the Hydra is allowed to thrive unchecked, its venom will continue to poison the very ideals the FBI was commissioned to protect.
The video trailer linked below clarifies all of the events that follow. “Police State” exposes the FBI practice of punishing targets with terrifying, degrading, dehumanizing, violent actions, and propaganda. Click HERE (video) to go to the official website.
I am Wayne L. Wickizer, MSAJ, an 87-year-old, former FBI Agent (1970-76), a retired U.S. Army Special Forces Major, a Green Beret (ABN), an Intelligence Officer, and the compiler and writer of the following. I have “lived” in or been “up close and personal” to many of the following events. I have a seasoned “sense” of the exercise of that force which is considered “reasonable and necessary.”
The mandate for law enforcement to exercise only that force which is "reasonable and necessary" is a cornerstone of democratic policing and the rule of law. This principle ensures that the power granted to law enforcement is balanced with the protection of individual rights and public safety.
The book is freely given and intended for the public domain. If by chance, subsequent to the dissemination of it, any author or individual finds information in this book insufficiently credited to themselves or others, please call or text me immediately at 385 239 8326.
This eBook is written for families … the men, women, and children of our Nation who have been, are, or may be victims of Government “unnecessary force” and overreach. Some events may have been missed and not included in our book. However, the stories reported here are representative of all similar events and sufficient for the arguments we make.
On August 16, 2023, Theodore Deschler, a 100%-disabled military veteran who had served his country with honor, was fatally shot by FBI agents during a predawn raid at his home in Henderson, Tennessee. Deschler, who struggled with PTSD—a condition all too common among those who have borne the scars of military “harm's way” and combat—was reportedly asleep when the raid began. The circumstances surrounding the raid remain shrouded in secrecy, as the FBI has refused to provide specific details, citing an ongoing investigation. This lack of transparency has only deepened the anguish of Deschler’s family, who insist he was unarmed and pose urgent questions about the necessity of the violent raid on their modest home seen below and the excessive use of lethal force.
Deschler’s family has been left to grapple with the devastating loss of a man who had already given much to his country. They are demanding answers from the FBI, but their pleas have been met with a wall of silence. The Bureau’s refusal to disclose critical information—such as the justification for the raid, the intelligence that prompted it, or the protocols followed during the operation—has fueled public outrage and skepticism. In the absence of accountability, the family’s grief has been compounded by a sense of betrayal, as they struggle to understand how an agency tasked with protecting citizens could instead deliver such a tragic outcome.
It is telling that comprehensive coverage of this incident has come not from American media outlets, but from a British news source, The Daily Mail.(news) The article provided a detailed account of the raid, highlighting the family’s perspective and raising critical questions about the FBI’s conduct. The fact that a foreign publication has taken the lead in shedding light on this case underscores the troubling lack of scrutiny and accountability within the U.S. media and law enforcement apparatus.
This incident is not an isolated one but rather part of a broader pattern of aggressive and often disproportionate actions by the FBI. Critics argue that the Bureau’s reliance on militarized tactics, particularly in pre-dawn raids, has led to unnecessary violence and loss of life. The Deschler case has reignited debates about the FBI’s use of force, its accountability mechanisms, and the broader implications of its expanding powers. For a nation founded on principles of justice and due process, the death of Theodore Deschler serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by unchecked authority and the urgent need for transparency and reform.
As the Deschler family continues to seek justice, their story has become a rallying cry for those who believe that no institution, no matter how powerful, should be above the law. The silence of the FBI speaks volumes, but the voices of the people—demanding answers, accountability, and change—are growing louder. The Hydra’s venom may spread, and the fight to cut off its heads is far from over.
On August 9, 2023, 75-year-old Craig Robertson, a disabled senior citizen from Provo, Utah, became the latest victim of the FBI’s increasingly aggressive and militarized tactics. Robertson, who lived a quiet life despite his physical limitations, was gunned down in a hail of FBI bullets during a raid on his home. The FBI’s justification for the raid stemmed from Robertson’s Facebook posts, in which he had made inflammatory comments about threatening President Joe Biden, who was visiting Utah at the time. While the Bureau claims it was acting to neutralize a potential threat, the execution of a frail, elderly man—armed with social media bravado—has raised serious questions about the proportionality and necessity of the FBI’s actions.
The timing of the raid, coinciding with Biden’s visit to Utah, has led many to speculate that the Salt Lake City Division of the FBI was more interested in posturing for the President than in addressing any genuine threat. Critics argue that the raid was a farcical, calculated display of force, designed not only to eliminate Robertson but also to send a chilling message to anyone who might dare to criticize the Biden administration. In this context, Robertson’s death serves as a grim object lesson in the dangers of dissent in an era where federal agencies appear increasingly willing to wield their power to silence opposition.
This tragedy has sparked outrage among those who see Robertson’s death as emblematic of a broader pattern of federal overreach. For many, the FBI’s actions are a stark reminder of the agency’s transformation from a law enforcement body into a political weapon, wielded to instill fear and suppress dissent. The fact that Robertson was a self-described “MAGA Trumper” has only added fuel to the fire, with critics accusing the FBI of targeting individuals based on their political beliefs rather than any tangible threat to public safety.
Robertson’s social media activity, while provocative, was hardly unique in the cacophony of online rhetoric that characterizes modern political discourse. His posts, which included references to shooting Biden, were interpreted by the FBI as credible threats, though no evidence has been presented to suggest that Robertson had the intent to carry out such actions. The decision was to confront him with overwhelming force, rather than through less lethal means.
However, we suspect that a simple visit by his Mormon Bishop could have, in a heartbeat, successfully encouraged and negotiated Robertson’s surrender. Where were the FBI's profilers? The FBI's Rambo style cowboys ruled the roost that day. The Bureau’s growing tendency to prioritize spectacle over substance is dangerous. Craig Robertson was left on the street for hours after being shot and killed by the FBI during a raid on his home in Provo, Utah. According to eyewitnesses, after the shooting, his body remained on the sidewalk for about two hours where all of the neighborhood children could see.
Multiple threads of the Robertson tragedy, available through various online sources, paint a disturbing picture of an agency that has lost its way. The FBI’s heavy-handed approach, coupled with its refusal to provide a full accounting of the events leading to Robertson’s death, has eroded public trust and raised troubling questions about the state of civil liberties in America. In a nation founded on the principles of free speech and due process, the execution of a 75-year-old disabled man for his online comments represents a dangerous escalation in the federal government’s war on dissent.
As the details of the case continue to emerge, one thing is clear that the FBI’s actions on that fateful day were not just about neutralizing a perceived threat. They were about sending a message—a message that criticism of the Biden administration, no matter how hyperbolic or inconsequential, will be met with the full force of the state. For Craig Robertson, the FBI’s clock started and then stopped ticking on August 9, 2023. For the rest of us, the question remains about how many more lives will be sacrificed on the altar of political expediency before the Hydra’s heads are finally cut off? Multiple threads of the Robertson tragedy can be found by clicking HERE.(thread)
The question of who authorized and led this operation looms large over the case. While rogue elements within the FBI have been implicated, the involvement of higher-ups, including then-FBI Director James B. Comey, cannot be ruled out. Comey’s tenure at the FBI was marked by a pattern of lawlessness and political manipulation, from his handling of the Hillary Clinton email investigation to his role in the Russia collusion hoax. The premeditated murder of LaVoy Finicum fits neatly into this pattern, raising the possibility that Comey either covertly approved the operation or turned a blind eye to the actions of his subordinates.
The footage, analyzed frame by frame, shows Finicum exiting his vehicle with his hands raised in a clear gesture of surrender. Despite this, he was met with a barrage of gunfire, cutting him down in what can only be described as an execution. The analysis highlights the calculated nature of the shooting, with agents positioned to ensure Finicum had no chance of survival. This was not a spontaneous reaction to a perceived threat; it was a coordinated act of violence, carried out with military precision and cold-blooded intent.
The hard evidence submitted thus far by authorities and independent investigators leaves little room for doubt. The killing of LaVoy Finicum was not a tragic accident or a justified use of force, but rather the result of an institutional conspiracy to murder a man who dared to stand against federal overreach. Finicum, a rancher and prominent figure in the 2016 Malheur National Wildlife Refuge standoff, was gunned down under highly suspicious circumstances during a traffic stop by FBI and Oregon State Police officers. The expert video analysis, meticulously detailed in the linked breakdown, reveals a chilling sequence of events that point to premeditation and a deliberate disregard for Finicum’s life.
Finicum’s death was not just a personal tragedy; it was a message to anyone who dares to challenge the federal government’s authority. His killing sent shockwaves through the patriot community, serving as a grim reminder of the lengths to which the FBI is willing to go to silence dissent. The fact that Finicum was attempting to surrender at the time of his death only underscores the brutality and cowardice of those who orchestrated his murder.
The detailed analysis, available in the linked video, provides a damning indictment of the FBI and Law Enforcement actions. It exposes the lies and cover-ups that have surrounded Finicum’s death, revealing a conspiracy that reaches to the highest levels. The video’s shot-by-shot breakdown leaves no doubt that Finicum was the victim of a premeditated assassination, carried out by agencies that have long since abandoned the mission to uphold the law.
As the evidence continues to mount, the American people are left to grapple with a disturbing reality. The FBI, once revered as the nation’s premier law enforcement agency, has become a rogue institution, operating outside the bounds of the Constitution and accountable to no one. The murder of LaVoy Finicum is not just a stain on the FBI’s reputation, it is a testament to the agency’s descent into lawlessness and tyranny. The only question that remains is whether those responsible will ever be held to account—or whether the Hydra’s heads will continue to grow, unchecked and unpunished.
Click on HERE (pdf) for a damning report.
The 2015 attack in Garland, Texas, where two men opened fire at a "Draw Muhammad" cartoon contest, killing themselves but injuring a security guard, is a complex event with significant implications for discussions about terrorism, free speech, and law enforcement tactics.
Here's a more detailed account
The Attack
Wider Context
Links and Further Information
News Articles
The FBI's Involvement
Important Considerations
This incident remains a subject of ongoing debate and analysis, particularly regarding the FBI's role and the broader implications for counterterrorism strategies. In a powerful interview on Fox Business, counterterrorism expert Aaron Cohen exposes how the FBI’s focus on DEI initiatives has weakened its ability to prevent terror attacks. Cohen breaks down the recent tragedies in New Orleans and Las Vegas and calls for the creation of a dedicated domestic counterterrorism agency to stop these threats before they strike again. Click on HERE for the video below.
The funeral of Filiberto Ojeda Ríos was attended by numerous dignitaries, including religious leaders, former governors, and political figures, reflecting his status as a symbol of the Puerto Rican independence movement. His death continues to be a rallying point for those advocating for Puerto Rico's self-determination and decolonization.
Rios was a prominent Puerto Rican nationalist leader. His murder on September 23, 2005, remains a highly controversial and polarizing event. Ojeda Ríos was the leader of the Boricua Popular Army, also known as Los Macheteros, a group advocating for Puerto Rican independence from the United States. He had been a fugitive since escaping house arrest in 1990, following charges related to a 1983 armored truck robbery in Connecticut.
Puerto Rico Governor Aníbal Acevedo Vilá strongly criticized the FBI's handling of the operation, calling it "improper" and "highly irregular." He expressed outrage that the Puerto Rican government was not informed of the operation in advance, despite it occurring on Puerto Rican soil. The Puerto Rico Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against the FBI and the U.S. Attorney General, seeking information about the incident, but the case was ultimately dismissed by the U.S. Supreme Court.
Ojeda Ríos' death sparked widespread condemnation and protests in Puerto Rico, with many viewing the incident as an example of U.S. colonial overreach and human rights violations. The United Nations Special Committee on Decolonization later approved a resolution calling for an investigation into the killing and alleged human rights abuses.
For information that is mostly Pro FBI but with some narrative to the contrary, read “A Review of the September 2005 Shooting Incident Involving the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Filiberto Ojeda Ríos” August 2006 Office of the Inspector General by clicking on HERE. (document)
The incident that led to his death occurred when FBI agents surrounded his home in Hormigueros, Puerto Rico, to arrest him. A gun battle ensued, resulting in Ojeda Ríos being fatally wounded. The FBI claimed that agents acted in self-defense, but critics, including Puerto Rican officials and independence supporters, accused the FBI of using excessive force and carrying out an assassination. Notably, Ojeda Ríos bled to death over several hours, as the FBI maintained a perimeter around the property and delayed medical intervention, citing concerns about potential booby traps and armed resistance.
Federal Regime Murders Dozens in Waco Massacre. A Dark Moment in US History. Was it Reasonable and Necessary to Incinerate Children?
On February 28, 1993, a convoy of vehicles arrived outside Mount Carmel, the compound of the Branch Davidian cult led by David Koresh. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) was there to serve a warrant, having been tipped off by an inside agent that illegal guns were allegedly on the premises. The ATF sought to locate the guns and arrest Koresh on weapons charges.
A reporter inadvertently tipped off Koresh’s brother-in-law about the raid, and the cult was prepared. When the ATF showed up, a firefight broke out, resulting in the deaths of four law enforcement officers and six cult members. The Branch Davidians allowed the ATF agents to retrieve their dead and wounded and retreat.
The ATF, FBI, and other agencies regrouped and plotted their next move, kicking off a series of events that gripped the nation and ended in unprecedented tragedy. The FBI took charge and laid siege to the compound for 51 days.
The events of the siege and attack, particularly the origin of the fire, are disputed by various sources. The FBI's "Rules of Engagement" during the siege have been heavily criticized, with some alleging that the rules were to "Shoot and Incinerate.”(pdf)
Lon Horiuchi: Lon Horiuchi is a former FBI sniper who was involved in two highly controversial incidents during the Ruby Ridge standoff in 1992 and the Waco siege in 1993.
The fire and the reaction to the final attack within the group resulted in the deaths of 76 Branch Davidians, including 20-28 children and two pregnant women.
On April 19, 1993, the FBI launched a tear gas attack in an attempt to force the Branch Davidians out of the compound's buildings. Shortly thereafter, the Mount Carmel Center became engulfed in flames.
Potts faced significant backlash and was eventually demoted due to his involvement in these high-profile controversies.
During the Waco siege: The FBI's handling of the standoff with the Branch Davidians, led by David Koresh, resulted in a tragic fire that killed 76 people, including women and children. The FBI's tactics and decision-making during the siege were heavily criticized.
At Ruby Ridge the FBI's actions, including the use of deadly force, led to the deaths of Randy Weaver's wife and son. The incident raised questions about the FBI's rules of engagement and led to internal investigations and public scrutiny.
Larry A. Potts: Larry A. Potts is a former FBI agent who played significant roles in two of the most controversial operations in FBI history during the Ruby Ridge standoff in 1992 and the Waco siege in 1993. Potts was the Deputy Director of the FBI during these events and was responsible for overseeing the operations.
Lon Horiuchi: FBI agent Horiuchi was involved in both the Ruby Ridge and Waco sieges. At Ruby Ridge, he was one of the snipers who shot and killed Vicki Weaver. During the Waco siege, Horiuchi was part of the FBI Hostage Rescue Team
During the Ruby Ridge standoff, Horiuchi was positioned as a sniper and fired two shots. The first shot wounded Randy Weaver, and the second shot killed Vicki Weaver, who was unarmed and holding her 10-month-old child. This incident led to significant public outcry and legal proceedings. Horiuchi was charged with manslaughter for the death of Vicki Weaver, but the charges were later dropped due to federal immunity.
51 Days in Waco | The Siege on the Branch Davidians
The FBI laid siege to the Branch Davidian compound led by David Koresh. The siege ended tragically with a fire that killed 76 people, including women and children. Horiuchi's actions during these events have been the subject of intense scrutiny and debate, and he remains a controversial figure in the history of the FBI.
The Waco Siege remains one of the most controversial operations in FBI history, drawing scrutiny and debate to this day.
This video provides an excellent examination of the events. Once again the crime goes all the way to the top, with the real criminals never exposed to the light of day. The policies employed by our government are not legal and continue to mock the Constitution, which is the Law of the Land. It is our Law, the peoples law to keep the government in check. Instead we have lost control of our country, which looks more like a criminal empire than a Republic. For a country founded on Dissent and Revolution, we have evolved into slaves to a corporate Empire. History is not teaching us anything if we don't remind ourselves of it once in a while.
For an “offbeat” point of view, click on HERE (video) but be forewarned the language is a little salty. This video provides one of the best and most clearly understandable explanations and analysis of Waco history. Thank you “Qxir”!
YouTube’s “Tales from the Bottle” Waco “thread” is perhaps the most comprehensive video compilation in existence. Click HERE to access it.
On August 21, 1992, the quiet, remote mountains of Ruby Ridge, Idaho, became the site of one of the most controversial and tragic confrontations in U.S. history. What began as a standoff between federal agents and Randy Weaver, a former Green Beret and self-proclaimed white separatist, ended in devastating loss. Vicki Weaver, Randy’s wife, was fatally shot by FBI sniper Lon Horiuchi while holding her infant daughter in her arms. The FBI’s clock stopped ticking for Vicki and her son Sammy, who was also killed during the 11-day siege. The incident, marked by violence and missteps, left an indelible scar on the Weaver family and the nation.
The standoff began on August 21, 1992, when U.S. Marshals arrived at Ruby Ridge to arrest Weaver. During a surveillance operation, a Marshal shot and killed Weaver’s dog, sparking a firefight. In the chaos, Weaver’s 14-year-old son, Sammy, and Deputy Marshal William Degan were killed. The situation quickly spiraled out of control, prompting the FBI’s Hostage Rescue Team (HRT) to take over.
The Ruby Ridge incident sparked intense scrutiny of the FBI’s actions. Lon Horiuchi, the sniper who fired the fatal shot, became a symbol of the government’s heavy-handed tactics. His manslaughter charges, though dropped, fueled debates about federal immunity and accountability. Larry Potts, the supervisor of the operation, faced a significant backlash and was eventually demoted, though many argued that his punishment was insufficient. The incident led to widespread criticism of the FBI’s tactics and prompted calls for reform.
YouTube’s “Tales from the Bottle Ruby Ridge" is perhaps the most comprehensive video compilation in existence. Click HERE (thread) to access it.
The events at Ruby Ridge were the culmination of years of tension between Randy Weaver and federal authorities. Weaver, who had moved his family to a secluded cabin in the 1980s, became a person of interest due to his association with the Aryan Nations, a white supremacist group. Though not a formal member, Weaver shared the group’s anti-government views, which drew the attention of local authorities, the FBI, the ATF, and the Secret Service.
In 1989, Weaver’s troubles escalated when he sold two illegal sawed-off shotguns to an undercover ATF informant. When Weaver refused to become an informant himself, federal agents pursued weapons charges against him. A bench warrant was issued after Weaver failed to appear in court, setting the stage for the deadly confrontation.
Larry Potts, the FBI’s Assistant Director, played a pivotal role in overseeing the Ruby Ridge operation. Potts authorized the aggressive rules of engagement that ultimately led to the tragic shootings. Despite the controversy and public outcry, Potts was initially promoted within the FBI after the incident. However, as scrutiny intensified, he was later demoted and faced internal investigations. Critics argued that Potts’ decisions exemplified the FBI’s excessive use of force and lack of accountability.
The following day, FBI sniper Lon Horiuchi fired two shots. The first wounded Randy Weaver, and the second struck and killed Vicki Weaver as she stood in the doorway of their cabin, cradling her infant daughter. Horiuchi, a highly trained marksman, later claimed he did not see Vicki holding the baby and was acting under the FBI’s controversial “rules of engagement,” which allowed agents to shoot any armed adult male on sight. This decision would haunt Horiuchi for years, as he faced manslaughter charges in 1997, though they were eventually dropped due to federal immunity protections.
“Why the FBI Killed this Innocent Woman.” For an “offbeat” point of view, click on HERE (video) but be forewarned the language is a little salty. This video provides one of the best and most clearly understandable explanations and analysis of Ruby Ridge history. Thank you “Qxir.” Click on HERE (video) for another compelling visit at “Ruby Ridge an American Standoff.”
In the aftermath of the siege, Randy Weaver and Kevin Harris were represented by famed defense attorney Gerry Spence, known for his work in high-profile cases. Spence’s passionate defense argued that the federal government had overstepped its bounds, leading to the unnecessary deaths of Vicki and Sammy Weaver. Spence’s courtroom tactics and emotional appeals resonated with the jury, resulting in Weaver and Harris being acquitted of all major charges related to the siege. Weaver was only convicted of failing to appear in court and violating his bail terms.
The siege continued for several more days after Vicki’s death, with civilian negotiators, including veteran activist Bo Gritz, eventually persuading Weaver and Harris to surrender. The aftermath of Ruby Ridge was marked by extensive litigation and public outcry. The surviving members of the Weaver family received ~$1.3 million in a settlement, while Harris was awarded ~$380,000. Despite these settlements, the emotional and psychological scars remained.
Spence’s involvement brought national attention to the case, highlighting the government’s mishandling of the situation. His efforts also paved the way for the Weaver family and Harris to secure significant financial settlements in their civil suits against the federal government.
The Ruby Ridge incident remains a dark chapter in FBI history, raising questions about the use of force, accountability, and the relationship between citizens and the federal government. The tragedy has been the subject of numerous books, documentaries, and articles, each examining the events and their broader implications. For the Weaver family, Ruby Ridge is a painful reminder of the day they lost a wife, mother, and son. For the nation, it serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked authority and the human cost of conflict.
The Ruby Ridge incident remains one of the most controversial operations in FBI history, drawing scrutiny and debate to this day. The events at Ruby Ridge have been the subject of numerous books, documentaries, and articles, highlighting the tragic consequences of the standoff and the actions of federal agents.
On May 17, 1974, a wild gang of robbing, killing, Symbionese Liberation Army (SLA) domestic terrorists died in the scorching, searing, heat of a conflagration started on the heels of the premeditated insertion of a highly flammable tear gas and a hail of FBI and Los Angeles Police Department bullets. The SLA was holed up in a house and firing frantically at everyone outside. The FBI’s clock stopped ticking for these "crazed" felons, who should have been afforded "due process" and punished in a court of law. The 1974 Symbionese Liberation Army’s Shootout with FBI & Police. Was it “Reasonable and Necessary” to Incinerate them? (video)
An hours-long shootout with 400 cops ends badly. There was a Waco common thread of fire and incineration associated with the use of CS Gas as an incendiary. Law Enforcement deployed incendiary tear gas into the house. This was a tactic used later at Waco (thread) as well, we allege, to end the conflict quickly.
The LAPD was able to track the van back to 1466 East 54th street by looking up past parking tickets. Early in the morning of May 17th, 400 members of the LAPD, FBI, LA Sheriffs and California Highway Patrol surrounded the house. They demanded that the occupants surrender, but only an old man and young girl came forth. The girl stated that the house was full of heavily-armed people.
By May of 1974 the SLA had moved their base of operations from the San Francisco area to Los Angeles. On May 16, 1974 SLA members Bill and Emily Harris were shoplifting at a sporting goods store in LA when they were caught by a security guard. They engaged in a fight with the staff, who managed to disarm them. Patty Hearst was waiting outside and saw the commotion. She started shooting into the store to help the Harris’ escape. The trio made off in a stolen van. (I later interviewed the owner of the van that had been stolen at gun point by the SLA.)
After repeated verbal warnings, the LAPD (FBI) fired tear gas into the house. The volley of gas was met with a fusillade of automatic gunfire from the SLA members inside. A gun battle raged for almost two hours before fire broke out inside the building, probably from a tear gas canister.
Two terrified women ran from the house to surrender. They were not SLA members and had merely been partying at the residence. They were arrested without incident.
The rest of the outlaws continued shooting at law enforcers. As the fire consumed the house, two SLA members, Nancy Ling Perry and Camilla Hall came out shooting. They were almost immediately killed by the police. The four other SLA members inside either killed themselves or died of smoke inhalation. In all it is estimated that there were almost 9,000 rounds fired during the standoff.
The Symbionese Liberation Army (SLA) was one of the most famous, or more accurately infamous radical groups to come out of the social chaos of late 60s and early 70s in America. The Marxist, race-conscious group of terrorists were known to commit robberies and homicides and were a target of federal and local law enforcement.
The Bill and Emily Harris and Patty Hearst were not among the dead. They were in a safe house in Anaheim watching the drama unfold on TV. The backbone of the terrorist organization was broken, but members continued to carry on the ill-conceived fight through 1975 when most members were either dead or captured.
This story’s compiler, Wayne L. Wickizer SAFBI 1970-76, was standing near enough to another FBI agent in the foregoing FBI/SLA FUBAR shootout to have seen him deploy CS Gas into the home and hear (paraphrased) comments about how that should burn them out. The specifics of the foregoing and names are dimmed or destroyed by nearly 50 years of overriding and obstructing events. The FBI’s “Rules of Engagement” are to “Shoot and Incinerate.” (pdf)
A number of SLA Shootout stories can be found HERE.(thread)
Kenneth Michael Trentadue's story is a tragic and controversial one, marked by allegations of government misconduct and cover-up.
Background
Kenneth Michael Trentadue was born on December 19, 1950, to a coal mining family in West Virginia. He moved to California with his family in 1961. Despite being a talented track and field athlete, he dropped out of high school and later developed a heroin addiction. He turned to robbing banks with a fake gun and served six years of a 20-year sentence before being released on parole in 1988. He married and found legitimate work in construction, and in June 1995, his first child, a son named Vito, was born.
Controversy and Allegations
The Trentadue family filed a lawsuit against the Federal Bureau of Prisons, resulting in a $1.1 million settlement for the family's emotional distress caused by the insensitive actions of federal prison officials. The family and others continue to believe that Kenneth was murdered and that there was a cover-up by prison officials.
Kenneth Trentadue's death has been the subject of numerous articles, documentaries, and legal battles, highlighting the tragic consequences of his death and the actions of federal agents. The case remains one of the most controversial incidents involving the FBI and has drawn significant attention to issues of government accountability and transparency.
Arrest and Death
On June 10, 1995, Kenneth was apprehended while crossing the border from Mexico into California ... apprehended for violating his parole. He was transferred to the Federal Transfer Center in Oklahoma City on August 18, 1995. On August 21, 1995, Kenneth was found dead in his cell, hanging from a noose made out of his bed sheets. His death was officially ruled a suicide.
Kenneth's family, particularly his brother Jesse Trentadue, has long alleged that Kenneth was murdered by members of the FBI who mistakenly believed he was involved in the Oklahoma City bombing. The family claims that Kenneth's body had numerous injuries inconsistent with a self-inflicted hanging, suggesting he was beaten. Oklahoma City's chief medical examiner also stated that it was "very likely he was murdered".
Legal Battles and Settlements
For more detailed information, you can read about Kenneth Michael Trentadue on .(article)Wikipedia
The story of Muhammad Aziz and Khalil Islam, two men wrongfully convicted of assassinating Malcolm X in 1965, and their eventual exoneration in 2021, is deeply intertwined with the FBI’s covert operations under Director J. Edgar Hoover. Their ongoing lawsuit against the U.S. government alleges the FBI deliberately concealed evidence proving their innocence, reflecting a broader pattern of institutional misconduct during the civil rights era.
Legacy of Secrecy: The FBI’s refusal to release all files on the case—even after exoneration—highlights enduring institutional opacity.
Implications and Ongoing Battle
The lawsuit underscores systemic racism and the weaponization of law enforcement against Black activists. For Aziz and Islam’s families, it’s a fight for accountability after decades of lost freedom (Aziz served 20 years; Islam 22, dying in 2009). The case also challenges the FBI to confront its historical role in injustices under Hoover, whose legacy remains shadowed by abuses of power.
Conclusion
The exoneration of Aziz and Islam, and their lawsuit against the government, reveal how Hoover’s FBI manipulated the legal system to serve political agendas. By burying evidence and enabling wrongful convictions, the agency betrayed its mandate for justice—a dark chapter that continues to demand reckoning. This case is not just about two men but about exposing institutional rot and seeking redress for generations of marginalized voices silenced by state power.
In 2021, a Manhattan District Attorney’s review, prompted by investigative work from the Innocence Project and journalist Abdur-Rahman Muhammad, uncovered suppressed evidence. Key documents revealed the FBI and NYPD withheld FBI Files indicating agents knew of threats to Malcolm X from NOI factions but failed to warn him. Witness Descriptions that did not match Aziz or Islam. Alibis for both men that were never presented at trial.
This suppression pointed to a systemic effort to secure convictions despite weak evidence, implicating the FBI’s role in obscuring the truth.
Lawsuit Against the U.S. Government
In 2022, Aziz (then 84) and Islam’s estate filed a $40 million federal lawsuit against the U.S. government, NYPD, and other agencies. The suit accuses the FBI of malicious prosecution, civil rights violations, and withholding exculpatory evidence, alleging the agency prioritized protecting informants and undermining civil rights leaders over justice.
Background … The Assassination and Wrongful Convictions
Malcolm X was killed on February 21, 1965, at New York’s Audubon Ballroom. Three members of the Nation of Islam (NOI)—Mujahid Abdul Halim (formerly Talmadge Hayer), Muhammad Aziz, and Khalil Islam—were arrested. Halim confessed but insisted Aziz and Islam were innocent. Despite this, all three were convicted in 1966 and sentenced to life in prison. Aziz and Islam maintained their innocence for decades, while Halim reiterated in affidavits (1977, 1978) that they were uninvolved.
Exoneration and FBI Involvement
1960s Context: Fear of Black liberation movements drove unethical tactics. Malcolm X’s split from NOI made him a target of both the NOI and FBI.
Ties to the Case: The FBI had informants close to the assassination plot but did not intervene. Files suggest agents knew the murder was likely orchestrated by Newark NOI members, not Aziz or Islam.
Mafia Connection: Theories that organized crime figures, angered by JFK's crackdown on the Mafia, ordered the hit.
CIA Involvement: Allegations that the CIA orchestrated the assassination due to JFK's handling of the Bay of Pigs and Cold War policies.
Theories
Date: November 22, 1963
Location: Dealey Plaza, Dallas, Texas
Assassin: Lee Harvey Oswald (officially)
Key Details: JFK was shot while riding in an open-top limousine during a motorcade. Oswald, a former Marine and self-proclaimed Marxist, was arrested hours later but denied involvement. Two days after the assassination, Oswald was shot and killed by nightclub owner Jack Ruby, fueling a variety of theories.
The assassinations of President John F. Kennedy, Senator Robert F. Kennedy, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. are three of the most pivotal and controversial events in American history. Each of these tragedies occurred during the tumultuous 1960s, a decade marked by social upheaval, political unrest, and Cold War tensions. Below is a detailed report on the dates, events, and theories surrounding these assassinations.
Second Shooter (Grassy Knoll): Claims of a second shooter firing from the grassy knoll in Dealey Plaza.
Lyndon B. Johnson: Speculation that Vice President LBJ played a role to assume the presidency.
Mafia Connection: Theories that organized crime figures, fearing RFK's anti-corruption stance, orchestrated the assassination.
Second Shooter: Witnesses reported more shots fired than Sirhan's revolver could hold, suggesting a second shooter.
CIA Involvement: Allegations that the CIA targeted RFK due to his opposition to the Vietnam War and his promise to reopen the JFK assassination investigation.
Date: June 5, 1968
Location: The Ambassador Hotel, Los Angeles, California
Assassin: Sirhan Sirhan
Key Details: RFK was shot moments after winning the California Democratic presidential primary. Sirhan, a Palestinian immigrant, was arrested at the scene and later convicted. Questions about the number of shots fired and Sirhan's mental state have fueled many theories.
Theories
Date: April 4, 1968
Location: Lorraine Motel, Memphis, Tennessee
Assassin: James Earl Ray (officially)
Key Details: MLK was shot while standing on the motel balcony. Ray, a fugitive and convicted criminal, was arrested two months later in London. Ray initially confessed but later recanted, claiming he was framed.
Theories
Government Involvement: Allegations that the FBI, under J. Edgar Hoover orchestrated the assassination due to MLK's activism and opposition to the Vietnam War.
Mafia Connection: Theories that organized crime figures, possibly working with government agents, targeted MLK.
James Earl Ray's Framing: Claims that Ray was a patsy and that the real killers remain unidentified.
These tragedies remind us of the fragility of leadership and the enduring quest for truth in the face of uncertainty.
MLK Assassination 50 Years LaterNational Archives JFK Assassination RecordsSee also the “Want to Know” Assassination thread. This thread is comprehensive and addicting. One can drown in its credible and factual depths and forget to eat, drink, or sleep. Be patient and scroll down until encountering the data, details, and events.
The assassinations of JFK, RFK, and MLK were defining moments in American history, each leaving an indelible mark on the nation's psyche. While official investigations have provided some answers, the enduring theories reflect the complexity and controversy surrounding these events. For further exploration, the following resources are recommended.
Era of Turmoil: All three assassinations occurred during the 1960s, a decade marked by civil rights struggles, anti-war protests, and political polarization.
Theories: Each assassination has been the subject of numerous theories, often involving government agencies, organized crime, or political rivals.
Legacy of Distrust: These events deepened public skepticism toward government institutions and fueled a culture of suspicion that persists today.
Unanswered Questions: Despite official investigations, many questions remain unanswered, leaving room for ongoing debate and speculation.
It would be a travesty to ignore or forget the legitimate law enforcement objectives accomplished by thousands of honorable FBI men and women who honestly attempted and still do attempt to serve the Nation. Unfortunately, any former decency is now a hollow mockery. Camelot came and went. The kennedys and others were in there somewhere. (video)
We emphasize that the 2 hour video “Rules of Engagement” Documentary and the compilation of our own report will persuade a wise, prudent, and humane individual to conclude — beyond a reasonable doubt — that the current FBI and other agencies lusted for blood, power, and revenge then… and still do so now.
Certainly before consigning all FBI Agents to the handily reported hell of their colleagues' minority, respective sordid histories, it would be only fair to reflect on Shakespeare’s writing from the play Julius Caesar, “The evil that men do lives after them; The good is oft interred with their bones.” When the fat lady sings a sweeter song someday, let's hope we're "all in it" for the "good" and these ...
A disclaimer regarding the foregoing is that most of the narrative, videos, and other information is the work of others that has been in the Public Domain for decades. We thank all. We do, however, claim the brief comments and all of the compilations.
The FBI’s motto was “Fidelity, Bravery, and Integrity” if only it were now so.
All of the foregoing is a mere drop in the bucket compared with our exposés found HERE. We have published a work still in progress not limited to mere “Murders.” That work represents the most comprehensive compilation of FBI crimes in existence. In addition to murder and other crimes, it comprises despicable, treasonous acts against this Nation and our people. It mirrors the heart and upper echelon of an evil insatiable FBI leadership and their factotums altogether in sync and symbiosis with corrupt facilitators in Government, Politics, Industry, and International Intrigue.