Ep 6. Oklahoma City

On April 19, 1995, a massive bomb exploded in downtown Oklahoma City, killing 168 people, including 19 young children. The attack shocked the nation, and the investigation that followed uncovered a surprising suspect: a homegrown terrorist with ties to a white supremacist group.

In American Experience season 29 episode 6, titled "Oklahoma City," the story of this devastating attack is explored in detail. Through archival footage, interviews with survivors and first responders, and expert analysis, the episode delves into the events leading up to the bombing, the immediate aftermath and the enduring impact on the families and community affected.

At the center of the episode is Timothy McVeigh, the man who carried out the bombing. McVeigh was a former army veteran who became radicalized in his beliefs and espoused anti-government ideologies. Along with his accomplice, Terry Nichols, McVeigh meticulously planned and executed the attack on the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building.

The episode explores McVeigh's motivations for carrying out such a heinous act, and how his extremist beliefs drove him to commit mass murder. Through interviews with those who knew him, it becomes clear that McVeigh was deeply troubled and consumed by anger and resentment towards the government.

The episode also provides a detailed account of the investigation that followed in the wake of the bombing. With the help of experts in forensic science, law enforcement officials were able to begin piecing together the evidence and eventually identify the perpetrators. The manhunt that followed led to the capture and eventual conviction of McVeigh, who was sentenced to death for his crimes.

Beyond the investigation and trial, the episode also explores the profound impact the bombing had on Oklahoma City and the wider community. Interviews with survivors and families of victims highlight the lasting trauma and grief that they continue to grapple with decades later. The episode also touches on the resilience of the community in the face of great tragedy, and the ways they came together to support one another in the aftermath.

Overall, "Oklahoma City" is a powerful and haunting portrait of one of the deadliest terrorist attacks in American history. It sheds light on the motivations and ideologies of domestic terrorists, and the lasting impact their actions can have on individuals, communities, and the country as a whole.