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.