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Full video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1s8gitNMmM

Brought to you by: Michael Franzese Wines

On June 28, 1971, at Italian Unity Day in Columbus Circle, a celebration turned into chaos when Joe Colombo was shot in front of a massive crowd. In this video, Michael Franzese recounts being there that day — just moments before the shots rang out — and shares a rare, firsthand account of what really happened.

He reflects on Colombo’s role in Italian-American civil rights, his controversial public stance, and the theories behind who ordered the hit. Was it the FBI, the Gallo crew, or someone else entirely?

This video goes beyond mob history. It’s about identity, power, betrayal, and the fallout that reshaped an entire crime family — and an entire community.

Timestamps:
0:00 — 2nd Italian-American Unity Day
0:30 — The Perpetrator
0:48 — I Was With Him on The Stage
1:14 — Joe’s Last Words to Me
1:50 — I Heard The Shots Ring Out
2:20 — The Assailant Taken Out
2:37 — Was Gambino Involved?
3:02 — Gallo or The FBI?
3:32 — The Aftermath of the Shooting
4:05 — Colombo Knew He Was Taking a Risk
5:37 — Died 7 Years After
6:07 — How The Colombo Family Was Affected
6:53 — The Legacy of Joe Colombo

21 Comments

  1. Hello michael i am half italian living in England i dont know how too get hold of your red vino ! My father is from bologna 👍❤❤❤

  2. Damn sir, you have so much in your memories. If I had half as much in my head as you. I know that without Jesus Christ in your heart you wouldn’t be able to handle what you have seen and know. I don’t know you personally but I do know the same redeemer and personal savior as you do. Lord bless you my brother.😅😅😅

  3. Why wouldn't Carlo have Colombo killed in public? Pretty much every New York boss that was assassinated was killed in public. Masseria, Maranzano, Anastasia, Costello (attempted) and Castellano were all shot in public, in restaurants, barber shops and on city streets, not secretly in a room. Mangano is the only New York boss who disappeared without a trace.

  4. You have so many memories rather good or bad you lived thru ALOT and i as an Italian Jersey Girl commend you for sharing your memories with us. Im happy you are doing so well in your life. ❤❤❤❤ I loveeeeee your stories.

  5. Hey Micheal I just recently saw a video where CHRIS COLUMBO was critiquing you on God knows what …maybe you should reach out to him and do another sit down with him on or off air…I believe when men have issues men should talk 🤔🤔✌️👍

  6. Talking of the dead of J.C and your father just for clicks and to sell Some wine . Disgrase . You don’t have any honor or (self)respect .

  7. The government did not shoot him. Preposterous. What are doing here? All of a sudden we have amnesia? To quote Sopranos “he was killed by some fat fu€k in see through socks.” He was clipped.

  8. Mike. I never miss an episode. I recall you saying Carmine led his own independent investigation. Johnson had a customized camera equipped with a compartment for a gun. Carmine found that Johnson had really high end press credentials. I truly correct on the govt committing this act. Jesus. They were dropping water balloons on yous? Cmon.

  9. Fred Ferretti's story in the New York Times, dated July 20, 1971, spells it all out. The causal chain of events starts at 180 Christopher street in Greenwich Village. Jerome Johnson leads to Michael Umbers who leads to Paul DiBella who, in all likelihood, ultimately leads back to Carlo Gambino. Does anyone else follow and agree with this logic?

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