90 percent of the whites were said to have sympathized with Goetz
What happened here
Bernard Goetz gained widespread attention in 1984 after shooting and seriously injuring four black teenagers on a New York City subway train. He claimed self-defense, stating that he believed the youths intended to rob him.
The incident sparked intense debate and polarized opinions regarding self-defense, vigilantism, race, and gun control laws.
Goetz was charged with multiple counts, including attempted murder, assault, and reckless endangerment.