Former CIA Operative Who Inspired 'Argo' Speaks in SLP

Some Minnesotans got to hear from the real life hero the film "Argo" is based on.

In the movie, Ben Afflek plays the "Canadian Caper" during the Iran hostage crisis. The real life "Canadian Caper" is Tony Mendez, and Monday night he was in Saint Louis Park to talk about the experience. He spoke to a sold out crowd at Beth El Synagogue.

Mendez, a former CIA operative, led the rescue of six U.S. dipolomats from Tehran during the 1979 Iran hostage crisis.

The film "Argo" has already racked up dozens of awards. It also received seven Oscar nominations, including best picture.

On the CIA's 50th anniversary, Mendez was chosen as one of the CIA's top 50 officers for its first 50 years.

A portion of the proceeds from Monday's event is going to the synagogue's Minnesota National Guard unit adoption initiative.

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