The Symbionese Liberation Army (SLA) was a leftist urban guerrilla group active in the United States during the 1970s. Formed in 1971, the group aimed to promote social change and combat perceived injustices, particularly against marginalized communities. They gained notoriety for their kidnapping of heiress Patty Hearst, who later became a controversial figure due to her involvement with the group. The SLA was involved in various criminal activities, including bank robberies and shootouts with law enforcement. Their actions were often framed as revolutionary, but they ultimately faced significant backlash. The group disbanded by the late 1970s, with many members arrested or killed.