Oklahoma City Marks 31st Anniversary of Bombing

Memorial Museum hosts events to honor victims and survivors of 1995 tragedy.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 5:28pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a twisted, charred piece of metal debris, capturing the gritty, investigative aesthetic of Weegee's crime photography.The twisted, charred remains of the Oklahoma City bombing serve as a somber reminder of the tragedy's lasting impact on the community.Oklahoma City Today

Oklahoma City is commemorating the 31st anniversary of the April 19, 1995, bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, one of the deadliest acts of domestic terrorism in U.S. history. The Oklahoma City Memorial Museum is hosting a series of events and programs to honor the 168 victims and thousands of survivors of the attack.

Why it matters

The Oklahoma City bombing remains a seminal moment in the city's history, shaping its identity and resilience in the face of tragedy. The annual memorial events help the community heal and reflect on the importance of unity, compassion, and preventing such senseless acts of violence.

The details

The bombing, carried out by Timothy McVeigh and Terry Nichols, destroyed a large portion of the Murrah Federal Building and killed 168 people, including 19 children. In the aftermath, the city came together to establish the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum, which opened in 2000 to commemorate the victims and educate visitors about the bombing.

  • The bombing occurred on April 19, 1995.
  • This year marks the 31st anniversary of the attack.
  • The Oklahoma City Memorial Museum is hosting a series of events and programs throughout the week to honor the victims and survivors.

The players

Timothy McVeigh

The primary perpetrator of the Oklahoma City bombing, who was executed in 2001 for his role in the attack.

Terry Nichols

An accomplice of McVeigh's who was convicted of federal and state bombing-related charges and is currently serving multiple life sentences in prison.

Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum

The memorial and museum established in the aftermath of the bombing to honor the victims and educate visitors about the tragedy.

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What they’re saying

“We must never forget the lives lost and the impact this tragedy had on our community. The memorial events are a solemn reminder of the importance of unity, compassion, and preventing such senseless acts of violence.”

— Mayor David Holt, Mayor of Oklahoma City

“Visiting the memorial and museum is a powerful experience that allows us to reflect on the past and recommit ourselves to building a more just and peaceful future.”

— Susan Elkins, Oklahoma City resident

What’s next

The Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon, a popular annual event that raises funds for the memorial and museum, will take place on April 28, 2026.

The takeaway

The Oklahoma City bombing remains a tragic and defining moment in the city's history, but the annual memorial events and the work of the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum help the community heal, honor the victims, and recommit to the values of unity, compassion, and nonviolence.