The Oklahoma City bombing on April 19, 1995, resulted in the deaths of 168 people, including:
- 19 children (most in the building’s daycare center).
- 3 pregnant women (their unborn children were counted as victims under Oklahoma law).
- Federal employees, civilians, and first responders.
Over 500 people were injured in the attack, which destroyed the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. The bombing, carried out by domestic terrorists Timothy McVeigh and Terry Nichols, remains the deadliest act of homegrown terrorism in U.S. history prior to 9/11.
Key Details:
- Rescue workers: 12 firefighters and EMTs suffered long-term health issues; some later died due to exposure to toxins.
- Memorial: The Oklahoma City National Memorial honors the victims with 168 empty chairs and a reflecting pool.
- Perpetrators: McVeigh was executed in 2001; Nichols is serving life in prison.
The tragedy reshaped U.S. counterterrorism efforts and remains a somber reminder of the dangers of extremism.