Last Podcast On The Left
Last Podcast On The Left
"The 1971 Manson Family Western Surplus shootout. Only was 1971. That was the last time the Milwaukee Bucks won an NBA championship." — Marcus Parks
"These are, these are acid ideas. This whiteboard is the dumbest whiteboard that's ever been drawn on." — Ben Kissel
"It was, however, pretty obvious to police that they'd arrested Manson family members because at least two of the robbers, including Gypsy, had the tell tale X's carved into their foreheads that signified one as a follower of Charles Manson." — Henry Zebrowski
The episode delves into the 1971 Western Surplus gun store shootout in Hawthorne, California, involving members of the Manson Family. Following the Tate-La Bianca murders, a group of followers, including Curly, Gypsy, Dennis Rice, Lawrence Giddings, and Chuck Loveit (Chuckleberry), attempted to acquire more firearms to facilitate a plan to free Charles Manson from custody. These plans ranged from hijacking a 747 to storming a courthouse, highlighting the often bizarre and impractical nature of their schemes, fueled by LSD and a persistent belief in Manson's leadership. The group first robbed a liquor store to fund the purchase of a getaway van before proceeding to the gun store.
Upon entering the Western Surplus store, the Manson family members stole approximately 140 rifles. However, a silent alarm was triggered, leading to a swift response from local law enforcement. A shootout ensued between the family members and a growing number of officers. Despite the intense gunfire, the family members attempted to escape in their van, but law enforcement surrounded them. Gypsy, driving the van, was hit by buckshot and apprehended. The remaining members, except for Chuckleberry who initially escaped, were also captured. The incident revealed the extent of the family's continued activities and their inability to effectively execute criminal plans against law enforcement.
The aftermath saw the arrested family members face trial. Notably, Charles Manson himself was called to the stand, intending to support an insanity defense. However, Manson, true to his unpredictable nature, refused to cooperate and instead encouraged the conviction of his followers. The episode also touches upon the broader context of the Manson Family's influence, including their unique rituals like the acid-induced "death ceremonies" to receive nicknames, and the inspiration they provided to artists like John Waters, whose film "Pink Flamingos" was partly conceived from observing the family's bizarre courtroom behavior. Ultimately, the arrested members were convicted and sent to prison, with some later becoming born-again Christians.