CASE STUDY

Case Study: Terrorism Investigation



Case Study: Terrorism Investigation-Murrah Federal Building Bombing

What suspicious activities that preceded the event did the attackers display that could have tipped off the authorities to their intentions?

There were number of activities that preceded the bombing event. He had a history of involving in anti-government activities, which should have given authority a clue about this kind of event. For example when McVeigh was in army he always talked about armed men and women and called them patriots (Osteraas, www.ascelibrary.org). Another thing that should have prompted the authorities that McVeigh was also involved in distributing anti-government literature. Basically he shows every sign of potential extremist act.

Given that McVeigh selected the target he did, what message should this send for future law enforcement-force protection operations?

The attack on the property of federal government complex gives a clear message to the law enforcement protection operations that government owned building are more prone to these types of terrorist attack. The attacks on government entities would allows the terrorist to give a bigger message to the government and the general public, that they are someone who can challenge the state power.

How did the terrorist cell obtain the major components of the improvised explosive device?

The terrorist cell was able to obtain the improvised explosive device because McVeigh was arrested just after 2hours of bombing. He was charged with breaking traffic rules and carrying illegal weapons. The terrorist approach to him and searched his car. When they searched his car they found letter, magazines and newspaper related to the Murrah bombing.

From question number three what message(s) should the authorities have learned?

The authorities have learned that prompt action is necessary. The best chance to arrest the convict is to make efforts to arrest him as quickly as possible. As the time passes, it becomes more and more difficult to arrest the culprit.

How did the terrorist rehearse for the Murrah Building bombing?

McVeigh did a lot of rehearse for the bombing. He memorized the sequence of action, he developed contingencies plan for different contingencies like meeting with a police and flat tires. He also did a detailed analysis of his route of escape. So, we can say that he did an educated terrorism act.

Given the background and activities of McVeigh, what are the lessons the authorities can learn to identify and prevent future incidents in America?

The background and activities clearly shows that future events are the function of past events. McVeigh past activities clearly supported his terrorist act. The authorities should learn a lesson from this event. The terrorist should be kept in checked since he first committed a crime of encouraging peoples to have an armed struggle against the federal government. When someone first time commit or tries to commit the crime, since then he or she should be kept in check. As there is a famous quotation that “Terrorism first occur in mind”, so law enforcement should keep a close check on those who even commits a minor crime at ...