5 Facts Philly Bombing

Introduction to the Philadelphia Bombing

The Philadelphia bombing, also known as the MOVE bombing, was a pivotal and devastating event in American history that occurred on May 13, 1985. On this day, the Philadelphia Police Department dropped a bomb on a house in West Philadelphia that was occupied by members of the black liberation group MOVE. This event led to the death of 11 people, including 5 children, and the destruction of an entire city block. The aftermath of the bombing raised significant questions about police brutality, racism, and the use of excessive force against marginalized communities.

Background of the MOVE Organization

MOVE was a black liberation group founded in 1972 by John Africa. The group’s mission was to promote black empowerment and environmentalism, and its members lived together in a communal setting. However, the group’s unconventional lifestyle and practices often led to conflicts with their neighbors and the local authorities. In 1978, a shootout between MOVE members and the police resulted in the death of a police officer, leading to the imprisonment of several MOVE members.

The Events Leading Up to the Bombing

In the months leading up to the bombing, tensions between MOVE and the Philadelphia Police Department had been escalating. The police had been trying to evict the group from their house on Osage Avenue, citing complaints from neighbors about noise and sanitation issues. On May 13, 1985, the police arrived at the house to serve arrest warrants on several MOVE members. When the group refused to come out, the police launched a siege on the house, firing thousands of rounds of ammunition and dropping a bomb on the roof.

Aftermath of the Bombing

The bombing of the MOVE house had disastrous consequences. The bomb, which was made of Tovex and detonators, ignited a fire that spread to neighboring houses, destroying an entire city block. Eleven people, including 5 children, were killed in the bombing, and over 250 people were left homeless. The incident sparked widespread outrage and protests, with many accusing the police of racism and excessive force.

Investigations and Trials

In the aftermath of the bombing, several investigations and trials were conducted to determine the accountability of the police and city officials. A grand jury investigation found that the police had acted recklessly and without regard for human life. However, no police officers or city officials were ever charged or convicted in connection with the bombing. In 1996, a civil lawsuit was filed on behalf of the survivors of the bombing, resulting in a $1.5 million settlement for the plaintiffs.

🔥 Note: The MOVE bombing is still considered one of the most egregious examples of police brutality in American history, and it continues to be a source of pain and outrage for the families of the victims and the broader community.

Key Facts About the Philadelphia Bombing

Here are 5 key facts about the Philadelphia bombing: * The bombing occurred on May 13, 1985, when the Philadelphia Police Department dropped a bomb on a house in West Philadelphia occupied by members of the MOVE organization. * The bomb killed 11 people, including 5 children, and destroyed an entire city block. * The incident was the result of a long-standing feud between MOVE and the Philadelphia Police Department, which had been trying to evict the group from their house. * The bombing was widely condemned as an example of police brutality and racism, and it sparked widespread protests and outrage. * Despite several investigations and trials, no police officers or city officials were ever charged or convicted in connection with the bombing.

Date	Event	Location
May 13, 1985	Philadelphia bombing	West Philadelphia
1978	Shootout between MOVE and police	Philadelphia
1996	Civil lawsuit filed on behalf of survivors	Philadelphia

In the end, the Philadelphia bombing was a tragic event that highlighted the need for greater accountability and oversight of police departments. It also underscored the importance of addressing the root causes of social unrest and promoting greater understanding and empathy between law enforcement and the communities they serve. The legacy of the MOVE bombing continues to be felt today, serving as a reminder of the dangers of police brutality and the importance of protecting human rights and dignity.