Leonard Peltier

Leonard Peltier is an Indigenous activist who has been in prison for most of his life following his conviction in the 1975 killings of two FBI agents. His case has long been a focal point for Indigenous rights movements, and his name continues to inspire activism. Peltier was an active member of the American Indian Movement (AIM), which emerged in the 1960s to combat police brutality and discrimination against Native Americans. AIM gained national attention in 1973 with a takeover of Wounded Knee on the Pine Ridge reservation, leading to a 71-day standoff with federal agents. On June 26, 1975, FBI agents arrived at Pine Ridge to serve arrest warrants amidst conflicts over native treaty rights and self-determination. During a shootout, agents Corler and Williams were injured and then fatally shot at close range. Peltier was convicted of two counts of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison in 1977. His defense has consistently argued that the evidence against him was falsified. Peltier's parole was also denied at a hearing in 2009, and former President Barack Obama denied a clemency request in 2017.

American Indian Movement (AIM)

The American Indian Movement (AIM) is an Indigenous activist organization that emerged in the 1960s to combat police brutality and discrimination against Native Americans. AIM gained national attention in 1973 with a takeover of Wounded Knee on the Pine Ridge reservation, leading to a 71-day standoff with federal agents. AIM's actions were often controversial, but they brought attention to the plight of Native Americans and helped to advance the cause of Indigenous rights.

Pine Ridge Indian Reservation

The Pine Ridge Indian Reservation is located in South Dakota and is home to the Oglala Lakota people. The reservation has a long history of poverty, violence, and neglect. In the 1970s, the reservation was the site of a major conflict between AIM and the federal government, culminating in the Wounded Knee standoff. The reservation continues to face challenges today, but it remains a symbol of Indigenous resistance and resilience.

Wounded Knee

Wounded Knee is a site on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota where a massacre of Lakota people took place in 1890. The massacre was a tragic event in American history and a symbol of the government's brutality towards Native Americans. In 1973, AIM occupied Wounded Knee for 71 days in a protest against the government's treatment of Native Americans. The standoff was a major event in the history of the American Indian Movement and brought attention to the plight of Native Americans.

FBI agents

FBI agents are federal law enforcement officers who investigate crimes and enforce federal laws. They are often involved in high-profile cases, such as terrorism, drug trafficking, and organized crime. In the case of Leonard Peltier, two FBI agents were killed during a shootout on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in 1975. Peltier was convicted of their murders, but his case has been the subject of much controversy and debate.

Ride-share driver

A ride-share driver is a person who uses a ride-sharing service, such as Uber or Lyft, to provide transportation to passengers. Ride-sharing services have become increasingly popular in recent years, but they have also been the subject of controversy, including concerns about safety and regulation. In the case discussed in this podcast, a ride-share driver was accused of sexually assaulting a passenger.

Self-defense

Self-defense is the use of force to protect oneself from harm. It is a legal defense that can be used in criminal cases. In the case discussed in this podcast, a father was cleared of any charges after he shot a ride-share driver who was sexually assaulting his daughter. The father's actions were deemed to be in self-defense.

Rape

Rape is a serious crime that involves sexual intercourse without consent. It is a form of sexual assault that can have devastating consequences for victims. In the case discussed in this podcast, a ride-share driver was charged with rape after he was accused of sexually assaulting a passenger.

Kidnapping

Kidnapping is the unlawful taking or carrying away of a person against their will. It is a serious crime that can have lasting consequences for victims. In the case discussed in this podcast, a ride-share driver was charged with kidnapping after he was accused of sexually assaulting a passenger.