Domestic Terrorism in Oklahoma City

Oklahoma City BombingElle Lawrence

5/26/14

Discussion Questions

1. Which Day was the Oklahoma City Bombing?A. April 15th, 1996B. April 19th, 1995C. None of the aboveD. April 9th, 19952. Who was responsible for the Oklahoma City Bombing? 3. What was the effect of Domestic Terrorism in Oklahoma City?

HookWords of the Oklahoma City Bomber…

“ Based on observations of the policies of my own government, I viewed this action as an acceptable option.”

“ If I had known there was a day care center I would have changed my target.”

Thesis On April 19th, 1995 Oklahoma City as well was the rest of America was changed forever, in just 2 Minutes with an act of domestic terrorism. The decisions of Timothy McVeigh has shown America the true impact of human behavior, and the cause, and effects.

Timothy McVeigh• Timothy McVeigh was 27 years old when he

blew up the Alfred P. Murrah Building. • Timothy was not a bad kid. He was a shy, and

withdrawn person.• Parents Divorced when he was 10 years old.• Middle of 3 children, and the only boy.

Timothy McVeigh• Timothy had 1 girlfriend in High school• While In High school he became a computer

hacker• He was a target for bullies• Graduated from Star point Central High

school in Pendleton NY.

Timothy McVeigh• Raised by his father after parents divorced.• McVeigh was introduced to firearms by his

grandfather, and became quickly obsessed. • Often took fire arms to school to impress his

classmates. • McVeigh was obsessed with the second

amendment of our constitution.

McVeigh's Adult Beginning• Attended College before dropping out to go

into the U.S army Infantry school. • Served in the Gulf War and was rewarded the

bronze star. • First day in the Gulf War he decapitated an

Iraqi soldier. • Ordered to execute surrendering prisoners.

McVeigh's Harboring Feelings • Tried to go into Special Forces but was

denied. • Psychological evaluation came back unstable.• Further trouble, and anti government feelings

grew. • Was discharged in December 31, 1991.

Life Before The Bombing• Oklahoma City was struggling economically.• Government, and people came up with a plan

to improve the city.• Increase the sales tax by 1 cent to accomplish

improvements. • Planned on building baseball park, sports

arena, a river walk, new hotels, etc.

Change of Plans• The plan was a year underway when the

bombing took place. • Investors had lost confidence, the city felt like

a ghost town. • Close residents were homeless. • People lost their businesses, their homes, and

there well being.

Cont. Change of plans • Estimated population 440,000 .• Costs over $ 650 million to rebuild.• Proud to say no one single act of luting. • Additional costs were piece security,

business, homes, and family.

A beautiful Wednesday Morning• Where, Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building• Employee’s, children, and family’s trusting to

be safe• A truck with explosives placed in front of the

building• 9:02 am everyone’s lives changed forever

Forever changed• Imagine…..a normal morning turning to utter

chaos• Timothy McVeigh, blocks away, and the

explosion knocked him off his feet• Killed 168, injured 680• Oldest victim 73 yr. old male, two youngest

from the day care, 1 year old Baylee Almon and 1 year old Garrett Tevin

Forever Changed

• Blast destroyed 324 buildings in a 16 block radius

• Destroyed 86 cars• Shattered the glass of 258 buildings• 665 rescue workers assisted in the rescue

and recovery operations

Forever changed • McVeigh was caught 90 minutes after the

blast, officer had no idea who it was.• Originally got pulled over for a traffic

violation.• Officer saw a bulge, and asked him to unzip

his jacket. • McVeigh got found carrying a fire arm, and

was placed under arrest.

Forever Changed • McVeigh sat in Jail for 2 days unable to see a

judge. • On the 3rd day FBI found him sitting in jail on

unrelated charges.• FBI interviewed, and McVeigh admitted to

the bombing. • McVeigh was angry at the government, and

how they handled Waco, and Ruby Ridge.

Forever changed

• McVeigh gave government “Dirty for Dirty.”• Government got what they deserved.• Needed a body count to make his point.• McVeigh was tried and sentenced to death.

Justice• McVeigh was sent to SuperMax Federal

prison in Florence, CO.• Execution, first to Forence, CO but executed

at Federal prison in Terre Haute, IN.• Last meal, two pints of chocolate chip mint

ice cream.• Timothy McVeigh was executed July 11th 2001

@ 7:14pm.

Domestic Terrorism• United States since 1980, consists of

incidents confirmed or suspected to be terrorist acts.

• Acts are considered domestic carried out by US citizens.

• Timothy McVeigh was a US citizen, and fought in once of our wars as a US soldier.

• Oklahoma City bombing was definitely domestic terrorism.

Domestic Terrorism• McVeigh decided he would take lives• He was angry at the US government• Senseless act which ruined lives• Not only ruined lives of innocent victims, but

as well as Timothy McVeigh’s.

My final thoughtsI find it hard to believe that people who are born and raised in our country and enjoy our freedoms find it acceptable to kill our own people. On that day lives were changed forever whether you were a victim or not. Oklahoma City worked hard in the last 15 years to re-build after this terrible tragedy. I know this because I went on a mission trip last year with my Dad to assist with tornado relief. While I was there, I had the privilege to personally view the Oklahoma City Bombing Memorial.

My Oklahoma City trip

My Oklahoma City Trip

Work Cited