Who Do Violent Extremists Affect?

Attacks by violent extremists hurt many innocent people. In these videos, victims of violent extremism and hate crime activities share their personal stories on how they have been impacted.

Instructions: Read the text and watch the videos from beginning to end.

Oklahoma City Bombing

On April 19, 1995, an anti-government violent extremist named Timothy McVeigh exploded a truck bomb in front of a federal building in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The blast killed 168 people, including 19 children. McVeigh and two other men who helped him plan the attack were sent to prison for this crime.

Florence Rogers was in her office on the third floor of the building that morning. Eight of her co-workers did not survive, even though they were only a few feet away.


I Survived My Hate Crime

In 2006, Nina Timani—a Muslim Arab American and mother of two—received a threatening letter at work mentioning the attacks of September 11, 2001. The letter claimed that she and her children would be killed.

Nina Timani reported the crime to her local FBI office in Philadelphia. The FBI quickly found and arrested the person who sent the letter.


Boston Marathon Bombing

On April 15, 2013, two bombs exploded seconds apart near the finish line of the Boston Marathon in Massachusetts. Three people were killed, 17 were severely wounded, and hundreds more were hurt in some way. Two brothers were identified as the bombers—one died following a shootout with police, the other was captured and later found guilty in court.

That day, Erika Brannock was in the crowd near the finish line, waiting to see her mother finish the race. When the first of two bombs exploded right in front of her, Erika was knocked backward, and in an instant, her life was changed forever.



FBI Agent Recalls 9/11 Attacks

The attacks of September 11, 2001 were the most deadly acts of violent extremism in U.S. history. Nearly 3,000 people were killed after four airplanes were hijacked and turned into flying bombs. The United States determined that Osama bin Laden and his terrorist group al Qaeda were responsible for the attacks.

New York FBI Agent J.S. responded that day and helped save his fellow citizens even though his own life was in danger.


Don't Be a Puppet

Violent extremists don’t make the world a better place. Their violence causes great pain and suffering for many innocent people. The victims are not only those who are killed and injured but also their families, friends, and communities. Don’t be a puppet. Find peaceful and productive ways of meeting needs and solving problems.