The Oklahoma City Federal Building: Gone, But Why?

The Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, completed in 1977, was a prominent structure in downtown Oklahoma City, housing numerous federal offices, including the Social Security Administration and the Secret Service. Tragically, on April 19, 1995, it became the site of one of the deadliest domestic terrorist attacks in U.S. history when a truck bomb, detonated by Timothy McVeigh, killed 168 people and injured over 600. The bombing not only devastated the building but also profoundly impacted the nation, leading to increased security measures and a national conversation about domestic terrorism. Today, the site is home to the Oklahoma City National Memorial, honoring the lives lost and promoting healing and remembrance.

IT’S HISTORY - Weekly Tales of American Urban Decay as presented by your host Ryan Socash.

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Scriptwriter - Sebastián Ripoll
Editor - Ibrahim Yansaneh
Host - Ryan Socash
Music/Sound Design: Dave Daddario

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Some images may be used for illustrative purposes only - always reflecting the accurate time frame and content. Events of factual error / mispronounced word/spelling mistakes - retractions will be published in this section.

[JKlein]

Hearing these stories 30 years later, it's funny how you react. As a 24 year old single man when this happened, I felt sympathy. Now, as a 53 year old married father of 3, I have empathy, especially for the kids and their parents. I think thats the best way to express it. I hope I'm understood.

[DMC]

As a long term, Oklahoma City resident and homeowner. I think you did a beautiful job with this video. Nailed it on every point

[stevezastrow]

I visited the memorial about 20 years ago. There is one feature not mentioned here. There is a building across the street, near the survivor tree, which also took heavy damage. The building was restored, but one room with large windows overlooking the street corner, was left untouched. All the debris from the explosion remains visible from the street.

[ChannelPulseTV]

Thank you for sharing these stories. I'm 37 years old and it's easy to forget how much time has elapsed in between these events, especially with 911 surpassing this attack as the countries most deadliest. I love all your history videos as it brings things to light I never knew in the comforts of my home office. I hope someday to be afforded the opportunity to go visit these memorials and monuments - but for now this is the closes I can get to them. Thanks to you and YouTube!

[TylerMcLaughlin-ybhj]

Thank you for covering the subject most people don’t cover the Oklahoma City bombing in history channels it’s honestly sad to know that this event is can be forgotten but thank you again and also if anyone sees this go visit the museum and memorial it’s a very nice place to go to

[PhoenixRCCrawler]

This is one of those things that will always be stuck in my mind. I remember where I was and what I was doing on that day. I felt the ground shack from miles away. I visited the site a few years after and it was still heart wrenching to see what happened.

[dannysmith]

I was there that day. Stationed at Tinker AFB. I was on Airdepot putting gas in my truck at 0902. Took my bout 5 minutes to get downtown. I still have imagines I can't get out of my head. Received a Humanitarian Award for my actions. I pray for ALL who have been effected because of this veil act.

[bobainsworth]

My nephew was in the Air Force on a base near Oklahoma City. He as call upon to go in that desaster sight to look for survivors. He is still haunted by the memories of what he saw. The children were the worst.

[ejtappan]

I was passing through that area about ten years ago and made a point of spending some time at the memorial. One detail he didn't mention is that the reflecting pool is in motion. It flows from the 9:01 gate toward the 9:03 gate. Not sure if it is timed to take exactly one minute but it wouldn't surprise me. It is a very moving tribute.

[SynchroSk]

The memorial with the chairs is so moving. That visit always stayed with me.

[cynthiaoconnor]

I'm an Oklahoma native. When the bomb went off, I was a returning student (37 years old) at UCO. We thought it was thunder but no clouds in the sky. Driving home, many police cars zoomed past on the way to downtown. My boss at Big Ed's hamburgers loaded up food and a cooker to feed emergency crews. He did that for days. We watched the tv during work and, when the rumor of another bomb caused a mass exodus from the area, we knew some wounded were still at the site. Thankfully, no second bomb. At a later date, I had to drive through downtown to get to my job. For months, if not years, I had to see the aftermath the bomb left on so many buildings.

[andrebitondo]

I visited in October of 2012. It was a humbling experience.

[willroesler]

I was in school 13miles away leaning back in my chair when it happened and it shook our school. It knocked me back and I fell. All the teachers were scared and tried to figure out what happened. That was a crazy day.

[balisongman]

Hands down one of the most incredible museums I've ever seen. They have these screens that show footage from recovery efforts. Then they go completely transparent showing belongings to victims behind them. Just absolutely insane work by those folks.

[WarnBrosDad]

Thank you for this video and for your YouTube Channel. Your work is always well-researched, well-stated, and presented in a concise and easy-to-understand manner.

Even living in Ohio, the day of the OKC bombing is burned into my memory. Little did I know that less than two decades later our family would have a personal connection to OKC when our two sons would attend the Univ. of Oklahoma. We've visited the Memorial and Museum several times, and the intense feelings they evoke (especially when touring the Memorial at night) are indescribable. God bless the families who lost loved ones due to this horrific act of domestic terrorism, and we pray God continues to bless the OKC community for their enduring example of hope and resilience.

[raymond_sycamore]

I remember my 2nd grade teacher stopping class and turning on the TV to watch the coverage. 2nd grade....

[baahcusegamer]

Was 10 miles from epicenter starting an organic chemistry test. We heads the roar of the explosion and collapse but had no idea of the tragedy until we finished the test. Was the beginning of a sad stretch of weeks.

[ImNotMC]

Such an excellent video showing the history, the tragedy, and current state.

[GOINPOSTAL]

Im from Oklahoma City and remember this like it was yesterday

[alexh]

I do feel like ruby ridge and Waco deserve a mention in this. It’s a 100% tragedy but I feels like it should be said