Senator Lankford Marks 31st Anniversary of Oklahoma City Bombing

Remembers victims, survivors, and calls for hope and healing on tragic day

Apr. 19, 2026 at 7:20pm

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A photorealistic painting of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, its facade illuminated by warm, golden sunlight casting long shadows across the scene, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation and reverence for the tragic event that occurred there.A somber reflection on the enduring legacy of the Oklahoma City bombing, 31 years later.Oklahoma City Today

US Senator James Lankford (R-OK) released a statement marking the 31st anniversary of the 1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, the deadliest act of domestic terrorism in American history. Lankford honored those who were lost, those who survived, and called on all Americans to reflect, pray, and choose hope over violence.

Why it matters

The Oklahoma City bombing remains a somber and defining moment in US history, shaping the national conversation around domestic terrorism, security, and the importance of community resilience in the face of tragedy. Lankford's remarks underscore the lasting impact and importance of remembering this event.

The details

In his statement, Lankford reflected on how the normal day of April 19, 1995 was "shattered by violence" at the Murrah Federal Building, "forever changing our community, the families who lost loved ones, and those who survived." He encouraged Americans to take time to reflect, pray for the victims and first responders, and "honor the 168 lives lost."

  • The Oklahoma City bombing occurred on April 19, 1995.
  • This year marks the 31st anniversary of the tragic event.

The players

James Lankford

A US Senator from Oklahoma, Lankford released a statement commemorating the 31st anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing.

Stephanie Bice

A US Representative from Oklahoma's 5th congressional district, Lankford appeared in a video with her in front of a seedling from the Survivor Tree planted on the US Capitol Grounds.

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What they’re saying

“On April 19, 1995, our nation experienced the deadliest act of domestic terrorism in American history at the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City. What began as a normal day was shattered by violence, forever changing our community, the families who lost loved ones, and those who survived.”

— James Lankford, US Senator

“Today, we gather to remember those who were lost, those who survived, and those who were changed forever. Thirty-one years later, we have not forgotten, and we will not forget. As Oklahomans, we understand the damage caused by violence and anger. We also know our responsibility to set the example, to speak out, to reject violence, and to choose hope and healing.”

— James Lankford, US Senator

What’s next

Lankford encouraged Americans to take time to reflect, pray for the victims and first responders, and honor the 168 lives lost in the Oklahoma City bombing.

The takeaway

Senator Lankford's remarks on the 31st anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing underscore the lasting impact of the tragedy and the importance of remembering the victims, supporting the survivors, and choosing hope over violence in the face of such senseless acts.