On this day, May 17, in 1974, police in Los Angeles raided the Symbionese Liberation Army’s headquarters, killing six members, including founding member Camilla Hall.
Recommended Stories
Nearly 500 police officers surrounded a tiny home in Compton, Calif., where members of the American militant group was hiding. The SLA had been involved in bank robberies, killings and most notably the bizarre kidnapping of newspaper heiress Patty Hearst, who later would participate in the group’s illegal activities.
A battle ensued as police fired 1,200 rounds and SLA members shot back. Police threw tear gas into the home, which sparked a fire. Hall, 29, an artist, social worker and leader of the group, tried to leave the burning hideout and was shot in the head and killed.
– Scott McCabe
