The armed robbery in Nanuet, New York, involved a coordinated attack by members of the Black Liberation Army and Weather Underground against a Brink's armored car. During this audacious heist, the robbers executed a meticulously planned ambush, targeting not only the armored vehicle but also the law enforcement officers responding to the scene. This confrontation resulted in the tragic deaths of two police officers, Lieutenant Robert D. McKeon and Officer Thomas J. McCarthy, alongside Brink's guard Peter E. Paine. The incident is particularly striking as it underscored the violent tactics employed by radical leftist groups during this turbulent period in American history.

The robbery was part of a wider trend of increased radicalism and violent acts by militant groups during the late 20th century. The early 1980s saw a shifting landscape marked by civil disorder, political upheaval, and a growing violent crime rate. The involvement of organized groups such as the Black Liberation Army and Weather Underground raised alarm about domestic terrorism, prompting law enforcement to adopt stricter counter-terrorism protocols in response to rising criminal activities linked to these groups. This context is important in understanding the significant ramifications for law enforcement and community safety in the aftermath of such events.

The fallout from the Nanuet robbery led to increased law enforcement scrutiny of financial institutions and armored vehicle operations. Additionally, it contributed to heightened tensions between police departments and radical political movements, further polarizing American society in a decade marked by ideological clashes.