The Gang Gets Held Hostage
Criminal Activities
Assault
Threatening another with imminent physical harm or displaying a weapon in a manner that puts others in reasonable fear of harm; in many jurisdictions brandishing a firearm or threatening violence is a criminal offense.
Situation:
"When the McPoyles try to demonstrate they're not bluffing, Ryan is told to "stab somebody," and someone is stabbed (the transcript shows a violent stabbing and injured reaction), establishing an actual violent assault occurred."
Breaking and Entering
Unlawfully entering another person's dwelling or property without permission. Depending on jurisdiction and facts (e.g., if done with intent to commit a felony), this can be burglary; otherwise it is criminal trespass or unlawful entry.
Situation:
"The McPoyles take control of Paddy's Pub by force, lock exits and set up a perimeter—effectively occupying the bar unlawfully."
Coercion
Using threats or false statements to compel another party to provide services or act (criminal coercion or extortion depending on jurisdiction).
Situation:
"The McPoyles crank heat, lock exits, force people to dig holes and perform degrading acts, and generally create hazardous, coercive conditions to control the hostages."
Conspiracy to Commit Murder
Agreement and planning among multiple people to hunt and kill a human being — criminal conspiracy to commit homicide.
Situation:
"Frank uses a walkie-talkie to tell Mac to ensure Charlie is "the first one to die," and Frank and Mac discuss plans to kill or have someone killed to secure the will/money, amounting to solicitation/conspiracy."
Extortion
Obtaining property, money, or another advantage from someone by wrongful use of force, threats, or coercion; using threats of harm or other intimidating conduct to compel payment or compliance.
Situation:
"The McPoyles demand a gassed-up boat, $100,000 in a briefcase and a reversible Planet Hollywood jacket, threatening to kill hostages if demands are not met within an hour."
False threats
Using fake or deceptive threats to intimidate or frighten victims (if the weapon/threat is not real).
Situation:
"At the end the gun brandished by the McPoyles is revealed to be rubber and the McPoyles gloat about getting revenge—indicating the intimidation involved deliberate deception (a hoax) even though it caused real fear and harm."
Kidnapping
Unlawful restraint or confinement of a person and transporting them against their will; moving an incapacitated person across jurisdictions can constitute kidnapping/false imprisonment under U.S. law.
Situation:
"The McPoyles storm the bar, order everyone to get in, declare "We're takin' you b*tches hostage," lock exits and hold Dennis, Dee, Mac, Charlie and others captive while making demands."
Theft
Unauthorized taking and consumption of another person's personal property (petty theft/larceny): intentionally taking possession of property belonging to someone else without that person's consent.
Situation:
"During the takeover the McPoyles instruct the gang to "Take the cash register. Take the girl," and otherwise assert control over the bar's property and people."
Threats to kill
Verbal threats to kill or maim used to intimidate or control victims.
Situation:
"The McPoyles repeatedly threaten to kill hostages, say in one hour they will "kill one of the hostages" or force humiliating acts (e.g., make Margaret "s**t one of you in the face") if demands are unmet."
Vandalism
Intentionally damaging, destroying, or defacing another's property; charged as criminal mischief, vandalism, or similar offenses under U.S. law.
Situation:
"Under McPoyle supervision the hostages are forced into an "immunity challenge" to destroy things inside the bar; Charlie also smashes bottles in his "bad room." Multiple characters participate in wrecking the bar's interior."