Forty years ago this week, Denver radio talk show host Alan Berg was brutally murdered in what would become the city’s first recognized hate crime. The shocking incident took place on the night of June 18, 1984, in Congress Park, when members of the white-supremacist group known as The Order gunned down Berg. Despite the passage of time, the antisemitism that Berg fought against remains prevalent today, underscoring the need for continued awareness and action.
Berg, a prominent figure in Denver’s radio scene, worked at KOA radio alongside his close friend and colleague, the author of this article. Together, they hosted a news talk hour, where they often confronted individuals promoting antisemitic views. One such encounter involved Rick Elliott, the publisher of the Primrose and Cattleman’s Gazette, who espoused a global Jewish conspiracy in his publication. Berg and the author challenged Elliott on-air, leading to a heated exchange that caught the attention of David Lane, a member of The Order.
The article highlights the subsequent events that unfolded, including Berg’s confrontations with Pastor Pete Peters, Gordon “Jack” Mohr, and Rick Elliott, which further fueled the animosity of white supremacists. The author reflects on the rise of antisemitism in America and Europe, drawing parallels to the historical roots of Nazism and the continued dissemination of The Protocols of the Elders of Zion.
The article emphasizes the dangerous allure of such extremist ideologies, which have found a platform in various forms of media, including talk radio, online chat rooms, and social media. It also sheds light on the targeted nature of Berg’s murder, orchestrated by The Order, who maintained a list of individuals they deemed as threats to their cause.
5 Responses
I would highly recommend the book “Talked to Death: The Life and Murder of Alan Berg” by Stephen Singular. This gripping true crime novel delves into the tragic story of Alan Berg’s murder and the subsequent investigation. It provides a detailed account of the events leading up to his death and sheds light on the issue of hate crimes in society. The book is well-researched and offers a thought-provoking perspective on the case. If you’re interested in true crime and want to learn
Did you know that according to the FBI’s latest Hate Crime Statistics report, hate crimes have been on the rise in recent years? In 2019 alone, there were over 7,100 reported incidents, marking a 2.7% increase compared to the previous year. This tragic event involving Alan Berg serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing and combating hate crimes in our society.
This is absolutely sickening and heartbreaking. The fact that someone could commit such a heinous act of violence based on hate is beyond comprehension. It’s infuriating to think that even after forty years, hate crimes are still prevalent in our society. We should be striving for love, acceptance, and equality, not spreading hatred and violence. My thoughts go out to Alan Berg’s family and friends who have had to endure the pain and loss caused by this senseless act. We must continue to fight against
How far have we come in addressing hate crimes since the murder of Alan Berg, and what more needs to be done to combat hate in our society?
Did you know that according to the FBI, hate crimes have been on the rise in recent years? In 2019, there were over 7,300 reported hate crime incidents in the United States, marking a 2% increase from the previous year. This tragic event involving Alan Berg serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing and combating hate crimes in our society.