Executive Order 6102: The Heist of the Century
On March 6, 1933, President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued Executive Order 6102, a sweeping declaration of national emergency amidst the Great Depression. This executive action, born out of panic, would unintentionally set the stage for the notorious “Heist of the Century.” The order prohibited the hoarding of gold coins, bullion, and certificates, requiring Americans to surrender their gold reserves to the Federal Reserve. Amidst the ensuing chaos, several opportunistic individuals devised a daring plan to exploit this executive overreach. The heist, executed by a group of criminals led by self-proclaimed “Public Enemy Number One” Alvin “Creepy” Karpis, targeted the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. With meticulous planning and inside knowledge, the gang brazenly stole over $2 million in gold bars, making it one of the most audacious heists in U.S. history.
