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 (April 27, 1945 – 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 person known as a "hippie" to be 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 a major court case that went all the way to the Supreme Court of the United States. The case decided that the government could not listen to people's phone calls without a special permission, even if they said it was for "national security."
Contents
About Pun Plamondon
Early Life and Moving to Detroit
Pun Plamondon was born on April 27, 1945, in Traverse City, Michigan. He was adopted by a local couple who gave him his name, Lawrence Robert Plamondon. As a teenager, he left home.
In 1967, when Plamondon was 21, he was in Detroit, Michigan. At that time, there were many protests against the Vietnam War and a large riot in the city. He met a poet named John Sinclair.
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 John Sinclair, they started the White Panther Party. This group supported the goals of the Black Panther Party, which worked for civil rights and equality.
Plamondon was accused of bombing a government office in Ann Arbor in September 1968. He changed how he looked and traveled secretly to different places, including San Francisco, Seattle, New York, Germany, Italy, and Algeria.
On the FBI's Most Wanted List
In May 1970, Plamondon was put on the FBI's Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list. After a few months, he secretly came back to the United States. In July 1970, he was found and arrested after being stopped for littering. He was the 307th person to be placed on the FBI's Ten Most Wanted list. He was on the list for almost three months before he was caught.
A Major Court Case
While he was waiting for his trial and after he was 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 special permission, called a warrant.
This important case went to the United States Supreme Court. It was known as United States v. U.S. District Court, or the Keith Case. The Supreme Court decided that the government could not listen to people's private conversations without a warrant. This was true even if they claimed it was for "national security." This ruling protected people's right to privacy. Because of this decision, the charges against Plamondon were dropped.
Later Life and Storytelling
Later in his life, Plamondon worked as a roadie. This meant he drove equipment trucks for rock bands like Kiss and Foreigner.
Plamondon lived in Barry County, Michigan, with his wife, Patricia Lynn. He worked as a carpenter. He also shared American Indian stories with children at schools, libraries, museums, and summer camps. His home was a place where American Indian celebrations often took place.
Death and Memorial
Pun Plamondon passed away on March 6, 2023, in Barry County. He was 77 years old. In 2023, John Sinclair, who helped Plamondon start the White Panthers party, gave a speech at a tribute for him. Sinclair described Plamondon as "a brilliant character."
On June 12, 2023, the Ann Arbor Observer newspaper mentioned a special event:
"June 16, 2023: Mike Smith & the Cadillac Cowboys.
Veteran local country band, led by singer-guitarist Smith, whose repertoire includes classic country, western swing, and boogie-woogie. This show is dedicated to the memory of the late Pun Plamondon, and during the break speakers reminisce about the life and accomplishments this 60s activist, cofounder of the Ann Arbor-based White Panther Party."
See also
- List of fugitives from justice who disappeared
Writings
Plamondon's autobiography:
