30 years ago this month, the Oklahoma City bombing by young military veteran and far-right radical Timothy McVeigh caused widespread revulsion and shock. The bombing killed 168 people, including 19 children, shocking even McVeigh’s fellow radical right-wing supporters. Bill Clinton vowed swift justice, marking a turning point in national sentiment towards rightwing militia movements.
McVeigh’s actions were driven by a desire to strike against what he viewed as a corrupt government, a sentiment that has found renewed expression in the Trump era. McVeigh’s beliefs align with elements of Trump’s America First ideology, blaming minorities and internationalists for America’s perceived decline. McVeigh believed it was up to ordinary citizens to fight against a tyrannical government, a sentiment echoed in the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021.
30 years later, the radical far right has moved into the mainstream, with leaders like Trump and Elon Musk pushing their agenda from within the government. The threat posed by the far right is no longer just physical, with concerns about targeted violence against political opponents and judicial officials. The failure to fully investigate McVeigh’s co-conspirators and wider ties has left a significant gap in understanding the roots of far-right extremism in America.
As the nation reflects on the Oklahoma City bombing and its legacy, it is important to understand the disillusionment and rage that have been building for decades in communities across the country. The story of McVeigh serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of radicalization and the consequences of extremist ideologies.
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