Five Bullets with Elliot Williams

About this episode

Cari Champion discusses the impact of Bernard Goetz's vigilante actions in 1984 New York with guest Elliot Williams.

Cari kicks off the 'Naked Sports' podcast by taking listeners back to 1977, when New York was a mix of World Series excitement and urban crises. The spotlight shines on Elliot Williams, a former federal prosecutor, as he discusses his book 'Five Bullets,' which tells the story of Bernard Goetz, the so-called subway vigilante. Williams recounts Goetz's controversial 1984 shooting of four black teenagers, an event that highlighted racial tensions and crime fears in a gritty New York City. He touches on the public's reaction, media bias, and how the subjects of safety and vigilantism remain relevant today. The discussion also includes the impact of the crack epidemic on New York's housing projects and the ongoing celebration of vigilantes in American culture. It’s a rich exploration of how past events continue to shape contemporary issues. Connect   @CariChampion @ElliotWilliamsPhotos Subscribe   Cari Champion's YOUTUBE Channel Read: Five Bullets by Elliot Williams   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

People in this episode

Host: Cari Champion

Guest: Elliot Williams

Topics covered

• vigilantism
• racial tensions
• urban crises
• crime
• media bias
• safety
• cultural impact

Keywords

• Elliot Williams
• Bernard Goetz
• Five Bullets
• New York
• vigilantism
• racial tensions
• urban crises
• crime
• media bias

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Five Bullets

Places: New York

More episodes of Naked Sports with Cari Champion

• Trump VS The Knicks and The Spurs with Omar Jimenez · June 10, 2026 · 35 min
• A Conversation With Tom Steyer · May 30, 2026 · 40 min
• Reparations Are Affordable with Dr. Marcus Hunter · May 28, 2026 · 58 min
• Behind the Wheel: NASCAR with Rajah Caruth · May 13, 2026 · 56 min
• Craft & Comedy with Godfrey · May 6, 2026 · 1h 5m
• Unsigned Star in WNBA · April 29, 2026 · 50 min