Vigilante Justice: Masks, Guns, and Networks

Presented at HOPE X (2014), July 18, 2014, 11 p.m. (120 minutes).

This talk will cover the state of vigilante action around the world; what they fight with, who their targets are, how they stay anonymous, and how they organize. Without condemning or condoning any single act, these radically unique responses to crime and corruption deserve our attention. How much power are they wielding? Is nonviolence winning out over violence? Is anonymity giving way to irresponsible action? And what should we expect as these networks deepen? There's a growing list of options being explored, and these explorers have dramatic and largely unknown stories to tell.


Presenters:

  • Zimmer Barnes
    Zimmer Barnes views the world through the lens of being raised by an antigovernment activist and has spent several years in the vigilante underground. He has been involved with multiple vigilante operations and has observed, aided, and led a wide variety of missions. He has been featured on Wired's "Danger Room" blog, as well as the HBO documentary Superheroes. Zimmer also helped provide security and medical aid during the Occupy Wall Street protests in Zuccotti Park.

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