Bernhard Goetz

Date of Birth: November 7, 1947

Zodiac Sign: Scorpio

Date of Death: (Leave blank as Bernhard Goetz is alive as of the knowledge cutoff date)

Biography

Bernhard Goetz, born Bernhard Hugo Goetz Jr., is an American man who gained national attention in the 1980s for his involvement in a controversial self-defense shooting on the New York City Subway. He was born on November 7, 1947, in Queens, New York. Goetz’s life took a dramatic turn on December 22, 1984, when he shot four young men, who he claimed were attempting to mug him, on a subway train in Manhattan. The incident sparked a national debate about crime, self-defense, and gun control. Before the incident, Goetz was an electronics engineer and entrepreneur. He attended New York University, where he earned a degree in electrical and nuclear engineering. His technical skills led him to start a small business specializing in electronic equipment repair. Despite his professional success, Goetz felt increasingly frustrated and fearful due to the rising crime rates in New York City during the 1980s. After the subway shooting, Goetz was initially hailed by many as a hero who stood up to urban crime. However, as details of the incident emerged, public opinion became divided. Goetz was charged with attempted murder, assault, and other offenses. In a highly publicized trial in 1987, he was acquitted of the more serious charges but convicted of illegal gun possession and served eight months in prison. In the years following the trial, Goetz remained a polarizing figure. He has since lived a relatively quiet life, occasionally making public appearances and speaking about issues related to crime and self-defense. Despite the controversy, Goetz’s actions had a lasting impact on American society, influencing debates over gun control and the legal limits of self-defense.

5 Interesting Facts about Bernhard Goetz

1. Bernhard Goetz earned a degree in electrical and nuclear engineering from New York University.

2. The subway shooting incident occurred on December 22, 1984, on a 2 train in Manhattan.

3. Goetz was acquitted of attempted murder and assault but served eight months for illegal gun possession.

4. The incident and subsequent trial were widely covered in the media, making Goetz a household name in the 1980s.

5. Goetz has since become an advocate for self-defense and has spoken publicly on issues related to crime prevention.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Bernhard Goetz

1. “I wanted to kill them. I wanted to maim those guys. I wanted to make them suffer in every way I could.”

2. “They should have been killed. I just wish I had been more effective.”

3. “Society should not tolerate people who wantonly victimize others.”

4. “I have no regrets about the shooting.”

5. “I was trying to save my life.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

The highest net worth achieved by Bernhard Goetz is not publicly documented, but his legal and financial troubles following the incident suggest he did not accumulate significant wealth.