I’m Just Here for the Riots! When Sports Fans Turn Violent

In 2011, the Vancouver Canucks faced off against the Boston Bruins in Game Seven of the Stanley Cup Finals. About 155,000 people were in downtown Vancouver to watch the game and celebrate what all thought would be an epic victory. As the game progressed and it became clear the Canucks would not be victorious, the mood of the crowd turned dark and a massive riot broke out. In the end over 300 people were charged with crimes and 140 people, including nine police officers, were injured. A fascinating incident as it was perhaps the first example of the public using social media to play armchair detective and identify and publicly shame the rioters.What was the flashpoint? Was law enforcement sufficiently prepared for the crowd? Did the media invite violence by constantly discussing other sprots related riots in the lead up to game seven? Join retired DEA Special Agent in Charge Bill Bodner and Retired California Highway Patrol Chief Mark Garrett as they discuss the game, the riot and the accountability on this episode of the Truth Nation Podcast.