Last Podcast On The Left
Last Podcast On The Left
"These are the real deal. We're going to count on the top three, but before we get to that, we're going to-- Yeah, this is definitely a look at it. We're looking at the Bobby Bonilla's-- That's right. That's your baseball reference." — Ben Kissel
"He was really quite good at this. And I was also watching a doc in him too. And that's what they, there was like some other old Marine was like talking about him. And he was just like, and they're at no better way for a Marine to go out and go out showing everybody he could still shoot like a motherfucker." — Marcus Parks
"I mean, the guys, uh, song shows number three, uh, numbers two and one. That's Martin Bryant and Andersbury. Martin Bryant was the same kind of guy as Chau very quickly. Same kind of guy as Chau." — Henry Zebrowski
The episode begins by referencing previous discussions on spree killers, introducing the concept of Type 5 killers: those who are "out of touch with reality," often exhibiting psychiatric issues from childhood. Charles Whitman is presented as a key figure in this category. The discussion highlights Whitman's history, including his childhood experiences with an abusive father, his service in the U.S. Marines where he excelled in marksmanship, and his subsequent academic and personal life. The hosts detail the events leading up to the University of Texas tower shooting in 1966, including his escalating headaches, concerning thoughts, and the murders of his wife and mother.
The narrative then shifts to the actual shooting incident at the University of Texas, describing Whitman's ascent to the clock tower and his meticulous preparation. The hosts discuss his weapon choices, the ammunition, and the logistical challenges faced by law enforcement in confronting him. The episode emphasizes the tactical approach Whitman took, using multiple firearms and positions to maximize his effectiveness, leading authorities to initially believe there were multiple shooters. The response from local citizens and law enforcement is detailed, culminating in the takedown of Whitman by Houston McCoy and other officers.
The latter part of the episode broadens the scope to discuss other spree killers, including Seung-Hui Cho (Virginia Tech) and briefly mentions Martin Bryant and Anders Behring Breivik. The hosts explore the psychological profiles of these individuals, focusing on their social isolation, communication difficulties, and the disturbing manifestos or writings they left behind. The discussion touches upon the role of creative writing and artistic expression as potential outlets that, in some cases, turned sinister, and the challenges faced by mental health professionals in identifying and intervening with individuals exhibiting dangerous tendencies.