Officials said that the bomb exploded before it was intended to, and immediately suspected right-wing extremist groups. They turned to a security guard named Richard Jewell who originally alerted the police that there was a bomb somewhere. After lots of investigation and intensive questioning, the FBI realized he was innocent. At the time, there were no other leads in finding the suspect.
A year later, an abortion clinic in Birmingham, Alabama and a gay nightclub were bombed. One year after these bombings in 1998, authorities suspected Eric Rudolph for both of the bombings, an opponent to abortion. Surprisingly, Rudolph evaded the FBI for 5 years and hide in the mountains of western North Carolina. Finally, officials caught him and to avoid the death sentence, Rudolph pled guilty for 4 life sentences.
This, unfortunately shows the darker side of the issues involving abortion and LGBT rights. People were so opposed to these things that they were willing to harm others. I just felt this was fairly relevant in today's society because these issues still exist.
I find it interesting that one man devised multiple successful bombings on civilians. Also how he evaded law enforcement for five years. I believe this shows how terrorism existed before 9/11.
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting that it was possible for someone to have done this large of crime and still not to be found for 5 years. These local terrorists are not able to do the same damage as these cells that can coordinate multiple people.
ReplyDeleteI think that it's frighting that he was able to avoid authorities for 5 years and that he was able to inflict so much harm. I also think that it's relevant in showing that despite the stereotypical perception of a terrorist anyone could be one. It only takes being radicalized and deranged enough to kill in order to be one.
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