14. Peoples Temple Members Rehearsed the “Revolutionary Suicide” Before the Massacre
Jim Jones planned the Jonestown massacre for a period of time. We know this because of the practice suicide members took part in before the killings. Jones referred to these practices as “white nights“. These rehearsals included recordings of Jones talking over speakers so everyone could hear.
The rules were no one could talk when Jones spoke, and they had to listen for him to call “white night.” Once the members heard “White Night! White Night! Get to the pavilion! Run! Your lives are in danger!” on the speakers, they all had to run to the middle of the camp.