The 1981 Armored Truck Robbery by Weather Underground Members

The Infamous 1981 Armored Truck Robbery

Background of the Weather Underground

The Weather Underground, a radical left-wing group formed in the late 1960s, was initially part of the anti-Vietnam War movement. They believed in direct action, including political violence, to combat U.S. imperialism and racism. By the late 1970s, the organization's activities shifted focus, leading to various criminal enterprises to fund their operations, including robberies.

Details of the Onset of the Crime

On **December 28, 1981**, three members of the Weather Underground - **David Gilbert**, **Kathy Boudin**, and **Judith Clark** - were involved in an armored truck robbery in the affluent suburb of Nanuet, New York, where they aimed to steal over **$1 million**. This audacious heist, which involved a violent confrontation and the use of heavy weaponry, left a lasting impact on the community.

The Arrest and Aftermath

The Arrest of the Weather Underground Members

Shortly after the robbery, police managed to track down the suspects. On **March 4, 1981**, a police confrontation led to the arrest of a vehicle filled with the trio and several others. During the arrest, officers discovered weapons, bomb-making materials, and a large sum of the stolen cash, which directly linked these individuals to the **armored truck robbery**.

Legal Consequences and Sentences

The legal proceedings that followed were significant, with David Gilbert receiving a sentence of **75 years** in prison, Kathy Boudin getting **20 years**, and Judith Clark facing a similar fate. Their case was emblematic of the larger struggle against the state faced by radical groups and the complexities of justice in the watchful eyes of the American public.

Fun Fact

Weather Underground’s Legacy

Interestingly, the Weather Underground's tactics and philosophy have left a nuanced legacy. Despite being involved in criminal activities, many of their members later became teachers, professors, and activists, illustrating a transformation that sparked discussions on redemption and the moral consequences of radical activism.

Additional Resources

Recommended Reading on Weather Underground's Impact

For those interested in exploring the complexities of the Weather Underground further, consider reading “Fugitive Days” by Bill Ayers, which provides an insider's perspective on the group's activities, or “Bringing the War Home” by Katherine Franke, which analyzes their impact on modern activism.