Bernhard Goetz, full name Bernhard Hugo Goetz, is an American man who gained notoriety for his involvement in a highly publicized incident that took place in New York City in 1984. Born in Queens, New York in 1947, Goetz became widely known as the "Subway Vigilante."
Goetz's name is mainly associated with an event that occurred on December 22, 1984, when he was approached by four young men on a subway train. Feeling threatened and believing they intended to rob him, Goetz, who was carrying an unlicensed handgun, shot and wounded all four individuals. This incident sparked intense public debate about self-defense, vigilantism, and racial tensions, as the four men were African American and Goetz was white.
Goetz was subsequently arrested and charged with attempted murder, assault, and several firearm offenses. During his trial, Goetz claimed that he had acted in self-defense due to the fear he felt in that moment. In 1987, he was acquitted of the most serious charges but was convicted of illegal possession of firearms. He served approximately eight and a half months in jail.
Due to the highly polarizing nature of the case, Goetz remains a controversial figure in American society. His story has served as a point of reference in discussions about gun control, racial profiling, and individual rights. The "Bernhard Goetz incident" has become emblematic of the complexities surrounding self-defense laws and the moral ambiguity of reacting to perceived threats.
