PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — Thirty years ago, the deadliest act of domestic terrorism in U.S. history devastated our nation.
National Geographic is taking an unprecedented look back in a new three-part docuseries called “Oklahoma City Bombing: One Day in America.”
Back on April 19, 1995, a tragic event unfolded at the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City. This incident resulted in the loss of 168 lives, tragically including 19 children, and left hundreds more with injuries.
“Even though this remains the deadliest act of domestic terrorism in U.S. history, many may not be familiar with all the specifics,” Ceri Isfryn, the director, pointed out.
Isfryn wanted to change that.
“My wish is for people to take heed of the experiences of those ordinary individuals,” Isfryn expressed. “They were just going about their usual work routines that day and unknowingly found themselves in an extraordinary and harrowing situation.”
Amy Downs is one of them. In the docuseries, she relives the harrowing experience of being trapped in the rubble for hours and shares her incredible survival story.
“I think something for me that was surprising was hearing from my rescuers and hearing their perspective,” Downs said, with gratitude. “That was really powerful.”
National Geographic takes us through the darkest days of this homegrown attack and the eventual arrest of Timothy McVeigh.
“You really do get that sense of relief when they realize they have got the right guy,” Isfryn said.
Downs said the love and support that followed was overwhelming.
“The last day I was in the hospital, eight days after the bombing, I remember looking out of the window and seeing, in the middle of the day, all of the cars driving with headlights on,” she said. “People were doing that as a symbol of love and hope and support. I just remember that spirit of how people came together to help.”
“Oklahoma City Bombing: One Day in America” premieres April 2 on National Geographic and April 3 on Disney+ and Hulu.
Disney is the parent company of National Geographic, Disney+ and Hulu.
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