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Hercules Powder Plant Explosion
- The Hercules Powder Plant in Kenville, New Jersey, exploded in September 1940, killing 52 and injuring hundreds.
- The explosion was devastating, breaking glass 90 miles away and tossing vehicles off roads.
Leon Lewis's Undercover Spy Ring
- Leon Lewis, a Jewish lawyer in the 1930s, ran a private spy ring infiltrating Nazi and fascist groups in Los Angeles.
- His agents warned Congress and government about violent plots including sabotage of the Hercules powder plant.
Ignored Warnings Led to Explosions
- Despite public and detailed warnings about sabotage, the government failed to act before munitions plants exploded.
- These events showed law enforcement's failure to prevent violent extremist attacks in 1940.