On Saturday, April 19th, 2025, the United States somberly commemorated the 30th anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombings at the former site of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, a day to remember the 168 victims of the domestic terrorist attack and reflect on its enduring impact.

• Deadliest Act of Domestic Terrorism (Until 9/11): The Oklahoma City bombing on April 19th, 1995, was the deadliest act of homegrown terrorism in United States history at the time, claiming 168 lives, including 19 children. It held this tragic distinction until the September 11th attacks in 2001.
• A Response of Unity: The “Oklahoma Standard”: In the aftermath of the horrific event, the people of Oklahoma City and the nation responded with an outpouring of support, resilience, and compassion. This collective spirit of helping one another became known as the “Oklahoma Standard,” a testament to human kindness in the face of tragedy.
• The Significance of the Date: The bomber, Timothy McVeigh, deliberately chose April 19th for the attack. This date coincided with the anniversary of the end of the Waco siege in 1993, an event that fueled his anti-government sentiments, as well as the anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord, the start of the American Revolutionary War.

This past Saturday marked the solemn anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombings, a day etched in American memory for its profound tragedy. Thirty years ago, on April 19th, 1995, the nation mourned the 168 lives senselessly taken in a devastating act of domestic terrorism at the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. 1 This anniversary serves as a poignant reminder of the lives lost, the families forever changed, and the resilience shown by the Oklahoma City community in the face of unimaginable horror. It’s a time for reflection on the impact of violence and a renewed commitment to unity and remembrance.