Feb. 23, 2026

The Attica Prison Uprising — When Survival Became Rebellion

A request for edible food, basic medical care, and protection from abuse should not be radical. Yet at Attica in 1971, those simple demands collided with a system built for control, and the result was deadly. We walk through the facts of the uprising with clear eyes—from the roots of overcrowding and neglect to the stalled negotiations and the order to retake the prison by force. The outcome was catastrophic: 39 people were killed, including 10 hostages, and autopsies later proved the hostages died from police bullets. No officers were held accountable, and the official narrative crumbled under the weight of evidence.

As hosts, we connect Attica’s truths to the present, where many facilities still struggle with health care, safety, and pervasive racial disparities. We talk about how punishment has eclipsed rehabilitation and why dignity is not a privilege but a baseline for any legitimate system. You’ll hear why reform must center independent oversight, humane standards for food and medical care, education and mental health support, and grievance processes that actually work. We also challenge a stubborn myth: that more force equals more safety. History, data, and lived experience tell a different story.

This is a sober, human account that asks us to care about people we are taught to ignore. It’s about accountability that reaches all the way to the state, not just the incarcerated. If you value justice that heals rather than harms, this story matters. Listen, share with someone who still thinks abuse is a deterrent, and join us in pushing for a system that protects life and makes communities safer. Subscribe, leave a review to help others find the show, and tell us: what does real accountability behind bars look like to you?

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Chapters

00:00 - Opening And Host Welcome

00:35 - Mental Health And 988 Reminder

01:12 - Black History Fact Introduction

01:19 - Attica Uprising Background

01:46 - The Violent Retaking And Death Toll

02:07 - Accountability And Systemic Truths

02:23 - Prison Reform And Broader Impact

03:02 - Closing Gratitude And Credits

Transcript

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Welcome to True Crime, authors and extraordinary people.

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The podcast where we bring two passions together.

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The show that gives new meaning to the old adage, truth is stranger than fiction.

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And reminding you that there is an extraordinary person in all of us.

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Here is your host, David McClam.

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What's going on, everybody, and welcome to the episode of True Crime Officers and Extraordinary People, Black History Month Fact Edition.

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Of course, I'm your man, David McClam.

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If you guys haven't already, make sure you follow us on all our social media.

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One link to a link tree will get you every place you need to go pertaining to the show.

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And as I always like to remind you, if you are someone and you know someone who feels like hurting yourself or someone else, please leave this episode in Dow 988.

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It is the Suicide Prevention Hotline.

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They can get you the help that you need.

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And in case no one else has told you this today, let me be the first to tell you I do care and I need you to be here.

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There is nothing worth your life.

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Alright, welcome back to another fact.

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This is fact number 23.

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And it is the Attica prison uprising when survival became rebellion.

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In 1971, prisoners at Attica Correction Facility in New York revolted.

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They were not demanding luxury, they were demanding food that didn't poison them, medical care, protection from abuse, and recognition of their humanity.

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The prison was overcrowded, medical neglect was rampant, racism was systemic.

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After negotiations stalled, New York Governor Nelson Rockefeller ordered state police to retake the prison by force.

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They opened fire.

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Thirty-nine people were killed, twenty-nine inmates and ten hostages.

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The state blamed prisoners.

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Autopsies proved otherwise.

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All hostages were killed by police bullets.

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No officers were held accountable.

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At revealed the truth of American incarceration.

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Prisons are designed not for rehabilitation, but control.

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And when people demand dignity, violence is the answer.

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Unfortunately, this still happens in prisons across the board, no matter what the race is.

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This is why I've done episodes on prison reform.

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Yes, it is true that black people feel like that we are still enslaved because of incarceration.

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There is more of us incarcerated than there are in the United States alone.

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And we ain't even talking about the world or beyond that.

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So, yes, these things still happen.

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Prison reform is a thing that needs to take place.

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And maybe we should care a little bit more about our fellow men, especially those at the top.

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And these things will stop happening.

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Alright, guys, so thank you for joining us today.

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I know you have many choices in true crime and interview podcasts, and I am grateful that I have one of your choices.

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You have been listening to the only three-faceted podcast of its kind.

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Be good to yourself and each other, and always remember, always stay humbled.

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An act of kindness can make someone's day.

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A little love and compassion can go a long way.

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And remember that there is an extraordinary person in all of us.

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I'll catch you guys on the next one.

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Don't forget to rate, comment, and subscribe.

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Cover art and logo designed by Arsenal.

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Sound mixing and editing by David McClellan.

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Intro script by Sophie Wilde and David McClellan.

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Theme music legendary by New Alchemist.

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Introduction and ending credits by Jackie Voice.

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See you next time on True Crime, Authors, and Extraordinary People.