Press Play with Madeleine Brand
California Congresswoman Jackie Speier reflects on her near-death experience
Forty years ago, Jackie Speier was legislative counsel to California Congressman Leo Ryan, and they went on a congressional fact-finding mission to Jonestown. They were investigating abuse claims against San Francisco cult leader Jim Jones.
Forty years ago, Jackie Speier was legislative counsel to California Congressman Leo Ryan, and they went on a congressional fact-finding mission to Jonestown. They were investigating abuse claims against San Francisco cult leader Jim Jones. As Speier and Rep. Ryan were trying to board a plane to return to Washington DC, some of Jones’ men followed them and opened fire. Speier was shot five times on the tarmac. Now she’s written a book about her experience called “Undaunted: Surviving Jonestown, Summoning Courage, and Fighting Back.”