Under Fire | DOUBLE EPISODE | The FBI Files

The FBI Files・2 minutes read

A gang led by a fugitive in New York committed armored car heists and violent shootouts, targeting police, prompting FBI intervention, and arrests with lengthy prison terms for suspects. A massive manhunt for Danny Ray Horning ended with his arrest after a 54-day pursuit, leading to his conviction and death sentence for violent crimes.

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The criminal activities orchestrated by a gang led by a fugitive living underground for over two decades involved armored car heists, violent shootouts targeting police, and radical political affiliations with groups like The Weather Underground and Black Liberation Army.
The intense manhunt for fugitive Danny Ray Horning, who engaged in a series of violent crimes including murder, armed robbery, and kidnapping, culminated in a dramatic chase through the Grand Canyon National Park, leading to his eventual capture and conviction, highlighting the relentless pursuit of justice by law enforcement agencies.

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Who were the key figures in the Brinks heist?
The key figures in the Brinks heist included members of The Weather Underground, Black Liberation Army, and The Family, with Matulu Shakur identified as the mastermind.

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Summary

00:00

Gang of Gunner: FBI Chase and Capture

A gang of Gunner descended on a suburban community north of New York City, led by a fugitive living underground for over two decades.
The gang committed armored car heists and violent shootouts, targeting police, prompting FBI intervention.
In 1981, a Brinks armored truck was attacked in Nanuet, resulting in a guard's death and a significant cash theft.
Law enforcement pursued the suspects, leading to a confrontation on Route 59 near the New York State Thruway.
Officers intercepted a moving truck believed to be involved, but were met with gunfire from the suspects.
Despite wearing bulletproof vests, officers were injured, and the suspects attempted to escape in multiple vehicles.
Chief Alan Coulson pursued the suspects, eventually stopping and apprehending them in Nyack, recovering stolen money and weapons.
The suspects, including known radicals from The Weather Underground and Black Liberation Army, were arrested and sentenced to lengthy prison terms.
Additional fugitives were believed to be at large, prompting an investigation to locate them, uncovering a network of safe houses and evidence.
Marilyn Gene Buck, a known operative of the Black Liberation Army, was identified as a key figure in the criminal activities, leading to further unraveling of the case.

21:54

Liberation Army Robbery: Investigation and Arrests

Mal and Buck, members of the Liberation Army, were involved in radical politics and a robbery.
Mal was a fugitive wanted for weapons charges, found with bomb-making manuals and a Hit List.
Evidence included false IDs, weapons, ammunition, and a ledger detailing illicit activities.
Investigators faced challenges due to the vast amount of evidence and numerous aliases used.
Sam Brown, a cooperating Witness, provided crucial names, including Matulu Shakur, the mastermind.
The Family, a terrorist group, planned the robbery with specific roles assigned to members.
Members like Edward Joseph and Donald Weems were identified as gunmen in the assault.
Samuel Lee Smith was involved, but agents had to identify others based on descriptions.
Smith was killed in a shootout, with others arrested, leading to the capture of Donald Weems.
Susan Rosenberg's arrest led to the discovery of explosives, weapons, and Marilyn Buck's involvement.

44:18

Nationwide manhunt ends in 60-year sentence

Shakur Associates were under surveillance, but Shakur managed to evade authorities by leading a low-profile life in Los Angeles.
Investigators struggled to track Shakur's movements until a confidential informant revealed a meeting between Chapman and Shakur after a Lakers game.
Chapman attempted counter-surveillance tactics to lose his tail, but investigators followed him to a meeting with a man believed to be Shakur.
Shakur was arrested after a five-year nationwide manhunt, refusing to provide any statement during his interview.
Shakur faced federal charges related to a robbery and shootout, resulting in a 60-year prison sentence without parole.
A monument in Nyack, New York, commemorated slain officers, with their colleagues finding solace in the lessons learned from the shootout.
Detectives investigated a gruesome murder in Stockton, California, where a dismembered body was found in the river.
The victim was identified as Sam Lee McCullough, who had been shot at point-blank range with a 22 caliber rifle.
Evidence led to the Horning brothers, with Stephen arrested for the murder while Danny fled, eventually being caught in Arizona after a bank robbery.
Ballistics evidence linked the murder weapon used on McCullough to the same rifle used to kill a dog buried behind the Horning's trailer, implicating Danny in the murder.

01:09:53

Manhunt for Escaped Convict Danny Ray Horning

Teller tripped a silent alarm in a bank, leading Detective Elmer Hassey to respond covertly.
Detective Hassey confronted a gunman with a hostage, disarmed him, and identified him as Danny Ray Horning.
Horning was found to have a murder warrant in California and was convicted of armed robbery, kidnapping, and assault.
Horning escaped from the Arizona State Prison in Florence on May 12, 1992, triggering a massive manhunt.
Horning was suspected in a dismemberment case in California, prompting a thorough search effort.
Horning escaped by exchanging his prison uniform for a lab coat, white pants, and a forged employee ID.
The FBI joined the search for Horning, who was believed to be heading towards Winslow, Arizona, to seek revenge.
Horning was spotted burglarizing a ranch house and stealing guns, leading to increased concern for public safety.
Horning carjacked tourists in Grand Canyon National Park, demanding ransom and threatening to harm them.
The FBI's Elite Hostage Rescue Team was deployed to track Horning through the Grand Canyon National Park, leading to the park's closure for the first time due to a criminal threat.

01:33:24

Women escape captor, aid in fugitive capture.

The women managed to escape from their captor, ran to a store, and alerted the authorities. They provided the police with updated information about the perpetrator, leading to his eventual capture after a highway patrolman spotted the stolen car they were in.
Despite being pursued for 54 days, the fugitive, Danny Ray Horning, was eventually apprehended after being found exhausted and surrendering. He was later convicted of murder and sentenced to death for his violent actions.

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