31 Years After OKC Bombing, Timeline Shows Tragic Events

A look back at the acts leading up to and aftermath of the 1995 attack that killed 168 people.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 2:45am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a twisted, charred piece of metal debris, capturing the gritty, investigative nature of the crime scene in dramatic lighting.A haunting remnant of the devastating 1995 Oklahoma City bombing, a stark symbol of the tragedy that unfolded that day.Oklahoma City Today

This weekend marks 31 years since the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in downtown Oklahoma City, which killed 168 people on April 19, 1995. KOCO has put together an interactive timeline detailing the events that led up to the tragic attack and the aftermath that followed.

Why it matters

The Oklahoma City bombing remains one of the deadliest acts of domestic terrorism in U.S. history. Revisiting this timeline helps commemorate the victims, understand the motivations behind the attack, and reflect on the lasting impact it had on the community and the nation.

The details

The bombing occurred at 9:02 a.m. on April 19, 1995, when a truck bomb exploded outside the federal building, causing massive destruction. In the aftermath, investigators determined the attack was carried out by Timothy McVeigh and Terry Nichols, who were motivated by anti-government extremism.

  • The bombing took place at 9:02 a.m. on April 19, 1995.
  • This weekend marks the 31st anniversary of the attack.

The players

Timothy McVeigh

The primary perpetrator of the Oklahoma City bombing, motivated by anti-government extremism.

Terry Nichols

An accomplice of McVeigh's who assisted in planning and carrying out the Oklahoma City bombing.

Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building

The target of the 1995 bombing attack in downtown Oklahoma City.

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What they’re saying

“The Oklahoma City bombing remains one of the darkest days in our nation's history.”

— President Joe Biden

“We must never forget the lives lost and the impact this tragedy had on the Oklahoma City community.”

— Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt

What’s next

This weekend, Oklahoma City will hold a memorial service to honor the victims of the bombing and reflect on the community's resilience in the aftermath.

The takeaway

The Oklahoma City bombing stands as a somber reminder of the dangers of domestic terrorism and the importance of promoting unity, understanding, and nonviolence in our society.