Oklahoma City Bombing

Setting the scene

The Oklahoma City bombing occurred on April 19, 1995, at 9:02 a.m., when a truck bomb destroyed the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, killing 168 people, including 19 children in a daycare center. It was the deadliest domestic terrorist attack in U.S. history before 9/11. The bomb, made from 4,800 pounds of ammonium nitrate fertilizer and fuel oil, created a 30-foot crater.

What happened

The bomber was Timothy McVeigh, a 27-year-old Gulf War veteran and anti-government extremist, assisted by Terry Nichols. McVeigh was motivated by revenge for the FBI sieges at Ruby Ridge (1992) and Waco (1993), which he saw as government tyranny. He chose April 19, the anniversary of Waco's end. McVeigh was arrested 90 minutes after the bombing for a traffic violation.

Why it still matters

McVeigh was convicted and executed in 2001; Nichols received life in prison. The bombing led to the Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996 and increased scrutiny of right-wing militias. It demonstrated the threat of domestic terrorism and the dangers of anti-government extremism. The Oklahoma City National Memorial now stands on the site, with 168 empty chairs representing victims.

Background

McVeigh was executed for 168 deaths.