At 9:02 a.m. on April 19, 1995, a massive explosion tore through the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in downtown Oklahoma City. A truck bomb, parked outside by Timothy McVeigh, detonated with devastating force, killing 168 people, including 19 children at a daycare center, and injuring more than 600 others. This was the deadliest act of domestic terrorism in U.S. history at that time. The bombing was a tragic event that shook the nation but also highlighted the resilience of the Oklahoma City community.

The attack was carried out in retaliation for the government’s handling of the Waco siege that occurred two years earlier on the same date. The Waco siege was a 51-day standoff between the Branch Davidians, a religious group, and federal law enforcement. Within hours of the attack, Timothy McVeigh was arrested, and his accomplice, Terry Nichols, was later captured. Both were convicted for their roles in the bombing, with McVeigh being executed in 2001.

Interesting Facts:

• The explosion had the power of 5,000 pounds of explosives, destroying much of the nine-story building.
• Over 300 nearby buildings suffered damage.
• It was the deadliest act of domestic terrorism in U.S. history at the time.
• The Oklahoma City National Memorial, a solemn tribute to the lives lost, was later established to honor the victims and their families.
• The tragedy reshaped national security policies, leading to stricter anti-terrorism laws, increased vigilance against domestic threats, and a reevaluation of the balance between security and civil liberties. The Department of Homeland Security was also established in response to the attack.
• Today, the Oklahoma City National Memorial is a tribute to the lives lost and a reminder of the resilience of those affected.