In early 1970, Black students at Jackson State University in Mississippi stage protests over their treatment by white motorists shouting racist epithets, throwing objects while speeding through campus, accelerating towards students crossing the street, and hitting at least one student. They call for the closing of the street, among other demands. On the night of May 14, when no students are protesting on campus, a dump truck is set on fire. Before responding to the fire, city police and state highway patrol appear on campus in full riot gear and march on Alexander Hall, a Black women’s dormitory. Perceiving threats that are debunked by later investigations, they open fire for 28 seconds, discharging 400 bullets. They kill two students and injure dozens more. No one is held responsible.