Stuff You Should Know The Harvey's Casino Bombing of 1980
Nov 1, 2022
In August 1980, a massive bomb was delivered to Harvey's Casino, unleashing chaos in Lake Tahoe. The story dives into a dramatic heist complete with complex ransom demands and FBI involvement. Amidst the tension, humorous miscommunications turn a ransom drop into a comical disaster. The aftermath reveals the obliviousness of the perpetrators and the emotional toll on the casino owner. Further, the life of John Burgess Sr., a former Nazi whose gambling addiction spurred the bombing, adds a dark twist to this riveting tale.
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Mysterious Delivery
- In 1980, two men delivered a large IBM-labeled device to Harvey's Resort Hotel in Lake Tahoe.
- They left quickly afterwards, not waiting for a signature, raising suspicion.
The Ransom Note
- A note left with the device warned against moving or tampering with it, claiming it was a highly sensitive bomb.
- It threatened detonation with even slight movements and demanded a $3 million ransom.
Bomb's Sophistication
- The bomb was so sophisticated the FBI used it as a training model for bomb technicians.
- It was unlike anything seen before, incorporating multiple fail-safes and triggers.