Behind the Bastards How The FBI Botched The Olympic Park Bombing
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Sep 30, 2025 This week’s guest, Courtney Kosak, an author promoting her memoir, dives into the chaotic aftermath of the Atlanta Olympic Park Bombing. Discover how Richard Jewell, who tried to save lives, became an unlikely suspect due to FBI blunders. Courtney and the host explore the media frenzy that ruined Jewell's life and how law enforcement mishandling and sensational reporting led to tragic consequences. They also critique Clint Eastwood's film portrayal, shedding light on the real stories behind this infamous case.
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Lifetime Cop Aspiration
- Richard Jewell idolized police from childhood and chased every opportunity to be an officer.
- His overzealous behavior later made colleagues resentful and fed suspicion after the bombing.
Heroic Discovery At Olympic Park
- Jewell found an unattended green military-style backpack and cleared 75–100 people before it exploded.
- His quick actions prevented a far larger massacre and saved many lives.
Institutional Embarrassment Drives Investigations
- The FBI felt embarrassed that a low-paid security guard outperformed federal protection at the Olympics.
- That institutional humiliation likely motivated them to make Jewell their prime suspect.
