Summary
Joe Lonsdale, a co-founder of the data analytics firm Palantir, has called for the U.S. to bring back public hangings for repeat violent criminals. He argues this could deter crime and provide the kind of strong leadership he thinks is missing. His comments have sparked significant criticism and debate online.
Key Facts
- Joe Lonsdale is a billionaire co-founder of Palantir, a major data analytics and software company.
- Lonsdale proposed the return of public hangings for repeat violent offenders to deter crime.
- Public executions in the U.S. ended by the late 1930s after legal changes moved executions out of public view.
- National crime rates, including violent crimes, have declined significantly since the early 1990s.
- Lonsdale initially made his remarks on the social media platform X and connected them to a discussion on strong leadership.
- Lonsdale has faced backlash, with critics saying his comments are dangerous and radical.
- He defended his view by saying he supports due process and considers himself a moderate who believes in second chances.
