1997 standoff at Roby, Illinois facts for kids
The 1997 standoff at Roby, Illinois was a long event involving an elderly woman named Shirley Allen. It is sometimes called Roby Ridge. Shirley was a former nurse from Roby, Illinois. In 1997, her family tried to have her sent to a hospital against her will. This led to a 39-day standoff with the Illinois State Police and other police groups. It was one of the longest standoffs with just one person involved in history.
On September 22, 1997, police officers from Christian County, Illinois tried to deliver papers to Shirley. These papers would have forced her to go to a hospital. Some of her relatives had asked for this court order. They said they were worried about her mental health. However, others, like her best friend Marie E. Gribbins, said the real reason was to get control of Shirley's land. Her 47-acre farm had two oil wells on it. Terry Gainer, the Director of the Illinois State Police, said at the time that police were there "for this woman's protection and for the protection of her neighbors."
What Happened at Roby?
During the standoff, Shirley Allen was accused of firing a shotgun into the air. People watching disagreed about who fired first. The police themselves gave different stories about this.
The police used tear gas against Shirley. She was very clever and made her own gas mask using a rag and Vaseline. She also lay on the floor to avoid the gas. To protect herself from rubber bullets, she made armor from pillows and magazines. Police also played loud music, used a police dog, and eventually turned off her electricity, gas, and water.
Neighbors and Supporters
Police arrested a neighbor who tried to bring Shirley food and water. But other neighbors helped by paying Shirley's bills. They also tried to get food to her. Many protestors stayed at the site during the standoff. These included members of groups who believe in less government control, like the Midwest Patriot Militia of Illinois.
After the Standoff
After the standoff, Shirley Allen spent six weeks in a mental hospital. Doctors there said she was not a danger to herself or others. So, she was released.
The standoff gained attention from around the world. People debated the cost of the police operation. It cost local authorities almost $1 million. There were also arguments about laws that allow people to be forced into mental hospitals. Groups like the Libertarian Party asked for changes to these laws. They believed people should not be forced into hospitals if they had not broken any laws. Some people also said the police violated Shirley's rights to speak and act freely. The incident was sometimes called "Roby Ridge." This name was a reference to another famous standoff called Ruby Ridge in 1992.
In Popular Culture
The standoff even inspired a song. Dave von Kleist recorded a song about the event called "The Ballad of Shirley Allen."
