Atlanta Olympics Games, The Bombing of 1996
July 27, 1996
On the ninth day of the Atlanta Olympics, a bomb exploded in Centennial Olympic Park. The explosion occurred near a concert stage where an estimated 50,000 people were in attendance. Chaos and panic ensued as debris scatted across the park. This event killed two people and injured over a hundred more. Why did this happen and who is responsible for the bombing?
The Prime Suspect
Richard Jewell, a security guard working at Centennial Olympic Park during the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, quickly transitioned from hero to suspect in the aftermath of the bombing. Here's a closer look at the story and investigation process surrounding Jewell:
Discovery of the Bomb
Jewell was the first to discover the knapsack containing the bomb underneath a bench in the park. Jewell was regarded the hero as he acted quickly to alert authorities and start the evacuation process, possibly saving thousands of lives. Because of his heroic acts, Jewell was invited to a variety of TV networks and shows to share his experience and thoughts during the bombing.
A Shift in Focus
As law enforcement came under pressure to find the suspect, the FBI's focus quickly shifted to Jewell as a prime suspect. Jewell personal and work-related background gave police further motive to identify him as a suspect. At the time, Jewell was the only known person to be at the scene of the crime, identify the evidence, and have the opportunity to plant the bombing. These unique identifiers prompted the authorities to profile Jewell and establish him as the perpetrator.
Pressure Against Jewell Increases
The media became aware of the FBI now pursuing Jewell as a suspect instead of a witness. News outlets began portraying Jewell as a lone bomber and every aspect of his life came under scrutiny. Jewell continued to maintain his innocence and allowed FBI to conduct searches of his apartment. Despite the FBI not finding any evidence linking Jewell to the bombing, the public perception of Jewell being the bomber remained.
Jewell is Exonerated
After months of dealing with erroneous profiling, legal battles, and public condemnation, Jewell was finally cleared as a suspect from the case. Despite the exoneration, the profiling of Jewell made a profound impact on his life. The FBI releasing premature judgements and findings in a high profile criminal investigation irreparably derailed Richard Jewell's life and permanently tarnished his reputation.
The Chase Continues
As of October 1996, Richard Jewell has been officially exonerated, but where does that leave investigators?
What is Known | What is Assumed | What is Not Known |
|---|---|---|
Investigators had tangible evidence of the makeup of the bomb and the materials used to make it. | The perpetrator has extremist ideologies or anti-government sentiments based on the targeting of public events and symbols of authority. | What is the specific motive behind the perpetrator past generic extremist ideologies? |
Witnesses came forward with information regarding sightings and descriptions of suspicious individuals near the bombing locations. | The perpetrator has geographical proximity to the bombing locations and is within Georgia or the surrounding states. | Is there is a presence of multiple accomplices or is this an act of an individual? |
Commonalities between multiple bombings from 1996-1998, including similarities in geographical locations, the timing of attacks, and the construction of the bombs. | There is a connection and pattern between the bombings happening from 1996-1998 in Georgia that leads to a single entity or person. | What building or area is at risk for the next potential bombing? What events attract the perpetrator to designate as a target? |
Case Closed
After two years of sub sequential bombings and further discovery of evidence, the FBI designated Eric Rudolph as the perpetrator and placed him on the "Ten Most Wanted Fugitives" list on May 5, 1998.
Rudolph managed to escape authorities for the next five years, until he was arrested on May 31, 2003, by a rookie police officer while rummaging through a trash bin in Murphy, North Carolina. Rudolph gave a false identity at the time of arrest, and law enforcement authorities did not immediately recognize Rudolph until he later confessed to the Atlanta Olympic Bombing and other attacks.
