5 Facts 1985 Move Bombing

Introduction to the 1985 MOVE Bombing

The 1985 MOVE bombing was a devastating incident that occurred on May 13, 1985, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It was a confrontation between the Philadelphia Police Department and the MOVE organization, a black separatist group. The incident resulted in the deaths of eleven people, including five children, and the destruction of several city blocks. In this article, we will explore five key facts about the 1985 MOVE bombing.

Fact 1: The Background of the MOVE Organization

The MOVE organization was founded in 1972 by John Africa. The group was known for its radical views on social justice and its emphasis on back-to-nature living. MOVE members were also known for their confrontational style, which often led to conflicts with law enforcement. The group’s headquarters was located in a row house in the Cobbs Creek neighborhood of Philadelphia.

Fact 2: The Events Leading Up to the Bombing

In the months leading up to the bombing, tensions between the Philadelphia Police Department and the MOVE organization had been escalating. The police had been trying to evict the group from their headquarters, citing noise complaints and health code violations. On May 13, 1985, the police arrived at the MOVE house to serve arrest warrants on several members of the group. When the group refused to come out, the police launched a tear gas attack on the house.

Fact 3: The Bombing and Its Aftermath

After the tear gas attack failed to dislodge the group, the police decided to drop a bomb on the house. The bomb, which was made of Tovex, a type of explosive gel, was dropped from a helicopter at 5:27 pm. The resulting fire destroyed several city blocks, including the MOVE house, and killed eleven people, including five children. The incident was widely condemned, and it led to a number of investigations and lawsuits.

Fact 4: The Investigations and Lawsuits

In the aftermath of the bombing, there were several investigations and lawsuits. The Philadelphia Special Investigation Commission, which was established by the mayor of Philadelphia, found that the police had exercised poor judgment in dropping the bomb on the house. The commission also found that the city’s emergency response to the fire had been inadequate. Several lawsuits were also filed against the city, including a civil rights lawsuit that was settled for $1.5 million.

Fact 5: The Legacy of the MOVE Bombing

The 1985 MOVE bombing has had a lasting impact on the city of Philadelphia and the nation as a whole. It led to a number of reforms in the way that police departments handle confrontations with radical groups. It also highlighted the need for better emergency response planning and community engagement. Today, the MOVE bombing is remembered as a tragic incident that resulted in the loss of innocent lives. It serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting human rights and avoiding violence.

🔥 Note: The 1985 MOVE bombing was a devastating incident that resulted in the loss of innocent lives. It highlights the need for police departments to exercise caution and respect human rights when dealing with radical groups.

The 1985 MOVE bombing was a tragic incident that had a profound impact on the city of Philadelphia and the nation as a whole. It led to a number of reforms and highlighted the need for better emergency response planning and community engagement. Today, it serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting human rights and avoiding violence. The incident will always be remembered as a dark day in American history, and it will continue to be studied by scholars and policymakers for years to come.