Weatherman Townhouse Explosion Remains Shrouded in Mystery 56 Years Later

A cold case from the 1970s heats up as a new generation of journalists investigates the deadly blast.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The 1970 townhouse explosion in Manhattan that killed three members of the Weatherman underground organization remains a mystery decades later. Journalist Jonah Raskin, who was involved in the anti-war movement at the time, reflects on the lingering questions and the reluctance of some to discuss the incident, which has become an "academic" case. Cathy Wilkerson, the sole survivor inside the building, has not fully revealed what happened, and the full truth may never be known as memories have faded and secrets have been buried over the past 56 years.

Why it matters

The townhouse explosion was a pivotal moment in the history of the 1960s anti-war and radical left movements in the United States. Understanding what happened could provide insight into the tactics, motivations, and fallout of the Weatherman group, as well as the broader climate of political violence and state repression during that era. However, the reluctance of some to discuss the incident highlights the lasting impact and sensitivity around these events.

The details

The blast on March 6, 1970 killed three Weatherman members - Diana Oughton, Teddy Gold, and Terry Robbins. Cathy Wilkerson, the sole survivor inside the building, has written a memoir about her experience but did not reveal all the details. Raskin speculates that one of the bomb makers may have accidentally connected two wires, causing the explosion. He also notes that in the following year, he witnessed the assembly of a bomb that was later detonated at the U.S. Capitol.

  • The townhouse explosion occurred on March 6, 1970.
  • In the winter of 1971, about a year after the townhouse explosion, Raskin witnessed the assembly of a bomb that was later detonated at the U.S. Capitol.

The players

Cathy Wilkerson

The only person alive today who was inside the building when the bomb went off. She wrote a memoir about her experience but did not reveal all the details.

Diana Oughton

One of the three Weatherman members killed in the townhouse explosion.

Teddy Gold

One of the three Weatherman members killed in the townhouse explosion.

Terry Robbins

One of the three Weatherman members killed in the townhouse explosion, described as the "firebrand of all firebrands" who was not destined to grow old.

Jonah Raskin

A journalist who was involved in the anti-war movement at the time and has been interviewed about the townhouse explosion for over five decades.

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What they’re saying

“The underground has very small bombs. The US has very big bombs.”

— Jean Genet, French novelist (Raskin's recollection)

“Who bombs? We Bomb.”

— Allen Ginsberg (Raskin's recollection)

“Today we attack with rock, riots and bombs, the greatest killer-pig ever known to man—American imperialism. Don't look for us, dog. We'll find you first.”

— Bernardine Dohrn, Weatherman member (Weatherman communiqué)

What’s next

The journalism students at Columbia University assigned to investigate the townhouse explosion will likely face challenges in uncovering the full truth, as memories have faded and secrets have been buried over the decades. However, the stories that have been told about the incident can still provide valuable insights into the era's political climate and the lasting impact of such events.

The takeaway

The townhouse explosion remains a complex and sensitive topic, highlighting the lasting impact of political violence and state repression during the 1960s and 1970s. While the full truth may never be known, the event continues to fascinate historians and journalists, serving as a reminder of the difficult choices and consequences faced by those involved in radical movements of the time.