Pun Plamondon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Pun Plamondon
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Plamondon speaking at Kent State University in May 2009
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Lawrence Robert Plamondon
April 27, 1945 Traverse City, Michigan, U.S.
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| Died | March 6, 2023 (aged 77) Barry County, Michigan, U.S.
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| Known for | Founder of the White Panther Party |
Lawrence Robert "Pun" Plamondon (born April 27, 1945 – died March 6, 2023) was an American activist. He was known for helping to start the White Panther Party in the 1960s. He became the first "hippie" to be listed on the FBI's Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list. This happened because he was accused of being involved in a bombing. However, the charges against him were later dropped. This was due to important legal decisions about privacy and government actions, which even went to the Supreme Court of the United States.
Contents
Early Life and Activism
Pun Plamondon was born in Traverse City, Michigan, on April 27, 1945. He was adopted by a local couple who gave him his name, Lawrence Robert Plamondon. He had a difficult childhood and left home when he was a teenager.
In 1967, when he was 21, Plamondon was in Detroit, Michigan. At that time, there were many protests against the Vietnam War happening.
Starting the White Panther Party
In 1968, Plamondon and some friends moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan. There, they created a shared living space called a commune. With a person named John Sinclair, they started the White Panther Party. This group supported the goals of the Black Panther Party, which worked for civil rights.
On the FBI's Most Wanted List
Plamondon was accused of bombing a CIA office in Ann Arbor, Michigan, in September 1968. After this, he changed his appearance and went into hiding. He traveled to different places like San Francisco, Seattle, New York, Germany, Italy, and Algeria.
In May 1970, he was added to the FBI's Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list. After a few months, he secretly returned to the United States. In July 1970, Plamondon was found and arrested after being stopped for littering. He was on the FBI's Most Wanted list for almost three months before he was caught.
A Big Court Case
While he was waiting for his trial, and even after being found guilty, Plamondon spent 32 months in a federal prison. During his trial, the government admitted that they had listened to his phone calls without a warrant. This means they listened without official permission.
This important case went all the way to the United States Supreme Court. The court decided in a case called United States v. U.S. District Court (also known as the Keith Case). The Supreme Court ruled that the government could not secretly listen to people's phone calls without a warrant, even if they claimed it was for "national security". This decision helped protect people's right to privacy. Because of this ruling, the charges against Plamondon were dropped.
Later Life and Legacy
After his time in prison and the court case, Plamondon found new work. He became a roadie, which means he drove equipment trucks for famous rock bands like Kiss and Foreigner.
Plamondon lived in Barry County, Michigan, with his wife, Patricia Lynn. He worked as a carpenter. He also enjoyed sharing American Indian stories with young children. He would tell these stories at schools, libraries, museums, and summer camps. His home was a place where American Indian celebrations often happened.
Death
Pun Plamondon passed away on March 6, 2023, in Barry County. He was 77 years old.
See also
- List of fugitives from justice who disappeared
Writings
Plamondon wrote a book about his own life:
