Episode 679: The Mad Bomber of New York (Part 2)

Jun 9, 2025

In the dark days of 1940s New York, a mad bomber terrorized the city with a chilling series of explosions. The hosts detail the panic as the bomber targeted iconic locations, planting fear among residents and perplexing authorities. As the investigation unfolded, cryptic letters revealed the bomber's grievances linked to a power company. The narrative explores the psychological aspects behind George Metesky's actions, raising questions about mental health and societal perceptions of justice amidst urban chaos.

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INSIGHT

Mad Bomber's Self-Imposed Rules

The Mad Bomber returned after a promised hiatus during the holiday season, indicating he followed his own peculiar moral code.
Despite the bombs causing injuries and panic, early police reports minimized the threat to downplay public fear.

INSIGHT

Press Shift Ignites Panic

The press shifted from minimizing bomb threats to sensationalizing them to boost circulation.
This increased media attention fueled public panic and the bomber's infamy.

INSIGHT

Paranoia Drives Bombing Motive

The bomber suffered from paranoia, perceiving himself as omnipotent and wronged by powerful entities.
His delusions were self-centered defenses crucial to his identity, making rational intervention difficult.

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In the fall of 1940, an employ of the Consolidated Edison Company in Manhattan discovered a bomb in the company’s main offices, along with a note that read “Con Edison crooks – this is for you.” The bomb was discovered before it detonated and no one was harmed, but a year later the company received a second bomb, followed by a note to NYPD in which the bomber announced he would make no bombs for the duration of WWII, but would begin again as the war ended.

As promised, a new series of bombings began across New York in the winter of 1951, beginning with an explosion at Grand Central Station. In the five years that followed, “The Mad Bomber,” as he would come to be known, would place explosives at some of New York’s most iconic locations including Radio City Music Hall, Penn Station, and the New York Public Library. The bombs were often followed by cryptic letters sent to the press, usually referencing the Consolidated Edison Company.

Th Mad Bomber’s reign of terror finally came to an end with his capture in 1957, and neither the suspect nor his motives made much sense to the New Yorkers who’d lived in fear for five years.

Thank you to the Incredible Dave White of Bring Me the Axe Podcast for research and Writing support!

References

Associated Press. 1955. "The 'Mad Bomber' threatens Macy's." Buffalo News, May 5: 47.

—. 1957. "'Bomber' sick but innocent, sisters say." Newsday, Janaury 22: 3.

Baird, John, and Harry Schlegal. 1956. "Mad Bomber blast in B'klyn movie; 6 hurt." Daily News, December 3: 2.

Berger, Meyer. 1957. "Bomber is booked; sent to Bellevue for mental tests." New York Times, January 23: 1.

Demeusy, Gerald. 1981. "'Bomber' says life all broken dreams." Hartford Courant, November 16: 15.

Greenburg, Michael M. 2011. The Mad Bomber of New York: The Extraordinary True Story of the Manhunt That Paralyzed a City. New York, NY: Union Square Press.

Kaufman, Michael. 1973. "'Mad Bomber,' now 70, goes free." New York Times, December 13: 1.

New York Times. 1957. "2d 'Bomber' note cites old injury." New York Times, January 16: 25.

—. 1953. "A homemade bomb rips station locker." New York Times, May 7: 28.

—. 1951. "Bomb blast in terminal: Homemade device explodes in Grand Central--no one is hurt." New York Times, March 30: 24.

—. 1954. "Bomb in music hall injures 4 in crowd." New York Times, November 8: 1.

—. 1951. "Bomb laid to prankster." New York Times, September 13: 33.

—. 1957. "'Bomber' ordered to state hospital." New York Times, April 19: 44.

—. 1957. "'Bomber' presses threat on utility." New York Times, January 11: 16.

—. 1951. "Ex-Edison worker held in bomb case." New York Times, November 7: 32.

—. 1966. "'Mad Bomber' to get hearing on sanity." New York Times, April 29: 17.

—. 1957. "Metesky indicted on bomb charges." New York Times, January 31: 29.

—. 1955. "Penn Station bomb blast is ignored by commuters." New York Times, Janaury 12: 11.

—. 1951. "Police find bomb in Paramount Lounge; note spurs search for one at Penn Station." New York Times, October 23: 30.

—. 1957. "Suspect is held as 'Mad Bomber'; he admits role." New York Times, January 22: 1.

—. 1956. "The Mad Bomber." New York Times, December 30: B2.

O'Kane, Lawrence. 1955. "Bomb left in Roxy; linked to 22 others." New York Times, August 12: 1.

Parke, Richard. 1957. "Sisters shocked, loyal to brother." New York Times, January 23: 20.

Sheridan, Mike. 1977. "Former Mad Bomber now a homebody." Hartford Courant, May 1: 22.

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