Oklahoma City Marks 31st Anniversary of Murrah Building Bombing

Annual remembrance ceremony honors victims, survivors, and first responders of the 1995 domestic terror attack.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 10:06pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single glass-based chair from the Oklahoma City National Memorial, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the somber and investigative nature of remembering this tragic act of domestic terrorism.The stark, gritty image of a memorial chair symbolizes the enduring grief and resilience of a community forever changed by the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing.Oklahoma City Today

Oklahoma City held its annual remembrance ceremony on April 19, 2026, marking the 31st anniversary of the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. The ceremony included a moment of silence at 9:02 a.m., the exact time the truck bomb detonated, as well as the reading of all 168 names of those killed in the attack. Survivors, family members, public officials, and first responders gathered at the Oklahoma City National Memorial to honor the victims and reflect on the enduring impact of the tragedy.

Why it matters

The Oklahoma City bombing remains the deadliest act of domestic terrorism in U.S. history. The annual remembrance ceremony serves as an important ritual for the community to grieve, heal, and reaffirm its commitment to peace, vigilance, and solidarity in the face of political violence.

The details

The ceremony included remarks from Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt and Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt, who emphasized the city's continued dedication to honoring the victims and supporting those still healing from the attack. Survivors shared personal reflections on the lasting impact of the bombing and the importance of the memorial's educational programs. The event concluded with a wreath-laying at the memorial's Gates of Time, which frame the moment before and after the blast.

  • The ceremony was held on April 19, 2026, the 31st anniversary of the bombing.
  • A moment of silence was observed at 9:02 a.m., the exact time the truck bomb detonated outside the Murrah Federal Building in 1995.

The players

David Holt

The mayor of Oklahoma City who delivered remarks at the remembrance ceremony.

Kevin Stitt

The governor of Oklahoma who spoke at the event, honoring the victims and first responders.

Timothy McVeigh

The perpetrator of the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing, who was executed in 2001 for his role in the attack.

Terry Nichols

An accomplice of Timothy McVeigh who is serving multiple life sentences for his involvement in the bombing.

Michael Fortier

A third accomplice who testified against McVeigh and Nichols in exchange for a reduced sentence and was released in 2006.

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What they’re saying

“The memorial serves not only as a place of grief but also as a symbol of the community's strength in the face of terrorism.”

— David Holt, Mayor of Oklahoma City

“We must continue to honor the victims and support those still healing from the attack.”

— Kevin Stitt, Governor of Oklahoma

What’s next

The Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum will continue to host educational exhibits, public forums, and annual commemorations to preserve the memory of those lost and promote messages of peace, vigilance, and community solidarity.

The takeaway

The annual remembrance ceremony in Oklahoma City serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring impact of the 1995 bombing and the importance of collective healing, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to preventing such tragedies from occurring again.