In 1972, John Wojtowicz and Salvatore Naturile attempted to rob a Chase Manhattan Bank branch in Brooklyn, New York. Their initial plan was to fund Wojtowicz's partner's gender reassignment surgery, but they couldn't access the vault, leading to a hostage situation with bank employees and customers. The robbers demanded money, a plane to escape, and safe passage.
The 14-hour standoff ended in a shootout with the FBI, resulting in Naturile's death and Wojtowicz's capture. Wojtowicz received a 20-year prison sentence but served only five. The incident remains a notable cultural reference, inspiring the film "Dog Day Afternoon," and highlighting the complexities of human behavior in times of desperation and love.