Real-life Vigilantes Come to the Rescue

Crime fighters draw raves, except from thugs and cops

December 30, 2011

"Subway vigilante" Bernhard Goetz was acquitted of attempted murder and first-degree assault, but convicted on a weapons charge. He served eight months in jail.

You’ve probably heard of “superheroes” - crime fighters possessed of incredible powers, their identities masked behind colorful costumes. Justice-seekers such as Superman, Batman and the Green Hornet.

They’re make-believe vigilantes - private citizens avenging evil deeds and subduing violent criminals.

In theaters, we cheer vigilantes such as Merry Olde England’s legendary Robin Hood. And Paul Kersey, played by actor Charles Bronson, who walked the streets, avenging the murder of his wife and the attack on his daughter in five “Death Wish” movies.

This is a Green Hornet lookalike, but the outfit is not atypical for true-life vigilantes who throw themselves into their roles.

Many Americans applauded the real-life “Subway Vigilante,” Bernhard Goetz, who, in 1984, shot four men who assaulted him on a New York City subway train.

These days, all over the country, masked vigilantes are leaping out of the shadows to rescue potential victims of violent crime. The HBO cable-television documentary “Superheroes” followed 50 real-life crime fighters - including otherwise mild-mannered plumbers, teachers, and cashiers - who used weapons such as batons and stun guns to accost real and perceived lawbreakers.