History Daily Saturday Matinee: American Shrapnel
Oct 4, 2025
In a gripping conversation, Chris Edson, a survivor of the Birmingham clinic bombing, shares his harrowing firsthand account of the January 29, 1998, attack. He vividly describes the chaos and injuries inflicted by the blast, providing a unique perspective on the tragedy. The discussion also covers the complexities of investigating such bombings, highlighting the challenges faced by law enforcement in tracing the elusive serial bomber, Eric Robert Rudolph. Edson's insights bring an emotional depth to the chilling narrative of political violence during this turbulent time.
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Political Violence Is Recurring In U.S. History
- Political violence has long been part of American history and recurs in waves rather than as isolated events.
- The Atlanta Centennial Park bombing in 1996 was part of a larger pattern of domestic terrorist acts and radicalization.
Centennial Park Bombing Devastates Olympics
- A 40-pound pipe bomb detonated in Centennial Park during the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, built to kill hundreds with nails and a steel plate to direct shrapnel.
- Alice Hawthorne died and 111 people were injured, shattering the Olympics' celebratory atmosphere.
Richard Jewell: From Hero To Suspect
- Richard Jewell, who discovered the backpack in Centennial Park and alerted authorities, was first hailed a hero then vilified and misidentified as a suspect.
- Jewell lost his job and reputation and later received settlements from news organizations after being falsely accused.
