What was the story behind the Oklahoma City bombing why did they do it?

Question

On April 19, 1995, why did two former U.S. Army soldiers by the names of Timothy McVeigh and Terry Nichols planned a terrorist attack on the United States Federal Government complex of Alfred P. Murray in downtown Oklahoma City, Oklahoma that killed at least 168 lives?

What was the story behind the Oklahoma City bombing why did they do it?
And what are your opinions on this video?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgwfVJIoBNM

Answer 1

Being a retired police officer from central Oklahoma, who knew some of the victims in the bombing it was a very disturbing event. I can still remember what it looked like looking out the window of the ATF office.

Anyway, three key events occurred on April 19:
In 1775, colonial militia fired upon British troops at Lexington and Concord.
In 1993, members of the Branch Davidian were killed in a confrontation with the ATF and FBI at Waco, Texas.
In 1992, there was the raid on the Weaver family at Ruby Ridge, Idaho.

All three dates are significant to the anti-establishment organizations made up of individuals such as McVeigh and Nichols.

Answer 2

It was the anniversary of the day when American militia fired the "shot heard round the world" at British troops near Lexington and Concord, Massachusetts in 1775. That day is a State Holiday in Massachusetts and is called "Militia Day" by the beer belly commandoes who make up the ranks of the so-called militias today.
Since these "militias" all believe that the present Federal government is evil, that the Sixteenth Amendment (Income Tax) was never ratified and the Constitution has been trampled on, a Federal building seemed to be a target with some significance. Thus the bombing of the Murrah Building.
I don't have an opinion on the video you cite because I only watch You Tube videos for entertainment. A Secret Service agent who I knew died in that blast in Oklahoma City. So, any video footage of the event would not be very entertaining to me.

Answer 3

someone i know actually claims to have had a conversation with McVeighs attorney. the person basically said the kid saw a corrupt government / saw the social security as more of a government ICON . he had the opinion that the innocent bystanders / employees were guilty of supporting the government. it was a very anti government / establishment / did not have respect for authority and i believe mentally sick person that crossed the line into very serious behavior terrorist criminal behavior. no doubt there are some serious consequences . he was said to be a bit of an odd ball / a anti militia sort of type ? and no doubt, the government isn't going to tolerate a citizen that threatens it. i heard later , that , he (McVeigh) , became more remorseful / aware of his actions ? found God / forgiveness / made peace / realized the tragedy / great amount of suffering he inflicted on others/ their families. i just have a heard time understanding whate events/ experiences of his life shaped him ? or was it mental insanity ? i have no idea / it's just a tragedy that one never really reconciles. much like 9/11 , it's too hard still to think about / see the emptiness of what used to be there. i never travelled or lived in OK , only after 9/11 can I really comprehend how this must have impacted the community / familes etc. i have no way of verifying if what that person shared was in fact really with his atty or not. this is just what i was told / have no idea if it's really truth or not. what are your opinions / what is your reaction ?

Answer 4

mcveigh suffered from post tramatic stress syndrom and he also rocked out (failed) from special forces traning. I think he harbored a gruded against the army since he couldnt become an SF soldier. Upon his discharge he fell in with a group of anti govt. far right survivalist who wanted to usher in a civil war to overthrow what he saw as an opressive govt. so in his mind the bombing was just an attempt to start that war.
and as for that video I just think that goes to show what happens when we give to many people to many waviers to join. Were getting to desperate to fill our ranks and as such that 10 percent of bad apples that seem to always crop up is getting larger and larger, that and I think the media always overplays things. But i do think we need to bring back higher standards and make traning more difficult.

Answer 5

They felt "out of the clique" type thing..it is sad but so very real in every school. They were judged and they acted on it-violence isnt needed, guidence is. People need to be able to be who they are and not judged but accepted..if not it ends in this. Troubled minds with no guidence..I feel bad for this world sometimes.

Answer 6

because they believed the US federal government has corrupted the constitution, and perverted the wishes of the founding fathers. i'm sure they never said the constitution could be ammended without a referendum