The mobs that attacked one freedom riders wanted to kill. They threw a fire bomb inside the first freedom ride bus outside of Birmingham, blocking the riders' exits, chanting, "burn them alive" as smoke pured out. They only escaped because the fuel tank exploded chasing the mob back, giving a few minutes for the riders to escape. A second bus arrived at this spot in Birmingham. Riders were attacked as they left the bus. One, James Peck,was beaten with an iron pipe and required 52 stitches. Another, William Barbee, was left paralyzed for life. Police collaborated with the Klan to give them free rein.
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