Buffalo, NY – The Canisius University Frank G. Raichle Lecture Series on Law in American Society welcomes Elliot Williams to campus on Thursday, October 22 at 5:30 p.m. in the Chester HON ’01 and Diane Stranczek Science Hall Commons. An attorney, author, journalist and former government official, Williams will discuss his new book, Five Bullets: The Story of Bernie Goetz, New York's Explosive '80s, and the Subway Vigilante Trial That Divided the Nation, as well as his career in public service, law, media and government. The event is free and open to the public.
In Five Bullets, Williams revisits one of the most controversial criminal cases in modern American history: the 1984 New York City subway shooting involving Bernhard Goetz, who became known nationally as the "Subway Vigilante." Drawing on archival research and interviews with key figures connected to the case, Williams examines how debates over crime, race, public safety and vigilantism shaped public opinion and captured national attention. The book also explores how the case foreshadowed many of the questions that continue to influence conversations about justice, self-defense, media coverage and public trust today.
A CNN legal analyst, Williams regularly provides commentary on high-profile legal and political issues. He previously served as a federal prosecutor and later held senior leadership positions within the U.S. Departments of Justice and Homeland Security. Throughout his career, Williams has focused on the intersection of law, public policy and public accountability.
Born in Brooklyn and raised in New Jersey, Williams earned a reputation as a thoughtful legal commentator and public servant whose work has helped audiences better understand some of the nation's most consequential legal issues. In addition to his work with CNN, he is a frequent guest host on SiriusXM and WAMU, NPR's Washington, D.C., affiliate.
The Frank G. Raichle Lecture Series is sponsored by the Frank G. Raichle Pre-Law Center, established at Canisius University in 1981. The center was made possible by a gift from the late Frank G. Raichle, Esq., a leader of the American Bar Association and former member of the Canisius University Board of Trustees.
For more information on Elliot Williams’ visit at Canisius, contact the Office of University Communications at 716-888-2792.
Canisius was founded in 1870 in Buffalo, NY, and is one of 27 Jesuit colleges and universities in the U.S. Consistently ranked among the top institutions in the Northeast, Canisius offers undergraduate, graduate and pre-professional programs distinguished by close student-faculty collaboration, mentoring and an emphasis on ethical, purpose-driven leadership.
