On September 16, 1920, the Wall Street Bombing took place. Sadly, 38 people would lose their lives, while over 300 more were injured. 30 of the fatalities occurred instantly, eight would die later in the hospital. Though conspiracy theories abounded, no group claimed responsibility. The crime remains unsolved to this day.
The Bombing
Rain was forecast, but business bustled as usual throughout Wall Street on September 16, 1920. Therefore, as patrons went about the lunchtime hour, few paid any attention to the battered horse-drawn wagon. Further, no one seemed to take note of the driver disappearing into the lunch crowd. The wagon parked in front of the Assay Office, at 23 Wall Street. Also, J.P. Morgan & Co. resided just across the street. The noon tolling from Trinity Church had yet to end when the blast was set off.
The chief clerk of J.P Morgan was killed, and one of Morgan’s sons was injured in the blast. Those closest to the blast were consumed by flame or shrapnel that was purposefully placed atop the bomb itself. Soon, police and soldiers from Governors Island would arrive on the scene.
The Investigation
Post gathering of evidence, police would find the bomb to be made of TNT. Even worse, the blast was packed with iron window sash weights. This shrapnel proved most lethal to civilians at the scene.
The NYPD and NYFD collaborated with the Bureau of Investigation (an FBI precursor) and the U.S. Secret Service in efforts to understand the attack. Unfortunately, it was a daunting task considering witnesses were shaken, and no one could remember the driver. Upon reconstruction, it was found that components of the bomb were readily available to the public.
Theories such as an assassination attempt on J.P. Morgan were dismissed. Frustratingly, the investigation would interview and arrest hundreds of suspects, to no avail. Shockingly, the most promising lead came prior to the explosion. Four misspelled flyers were found in the area by a mail carrier. They read “American Anarchist Fighters” and demanded release of political prisoners. This attack would remain the deadliest terrorist incident on U.S. soil until the Oklahoma City Bombing 75 years later.
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Sources: Britannica; FBI; History.com
Image Source: KPBS
