which attorney general was the target of a terrorist attack in the 1920s

Who was the Attorney General in 1919?

A. Mitchell Palmer. Alexander Mitchell Palmer (May 4, 1872 – May 11, 1936), better known as A. Mitchell Palmer, was United States Attorney General from 1919 to 1921.

Who was Attorney General during the Red Scare?

Alexander Mitchell Palmer (May 4, 1872 – May 11, 1936), best known as A. Mitchell Palmer, was United States Attorney General from 1919 to 1921. He is best known for overseeing the Palmer Raids during the Red Scare of 1919–20. After graduating from Swarthmore College, Palmer established a legal practice in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania.

Who was the head of the FBI in 1919?

In reaction to domestic unrest, Palmer created the General Intelligence Unit and recruited J. Edgar Hoover to head the new organization. Beginning in November 1919, Palmer launched a series of raids that rounded up and deported numerous suspected radicals.

Who are the targets of right-wing terrorist attacks?

But the targets of right-wing terrorist attacks have shifted over time. Between 2015 and 2020, the largest percentage of targets (42 percent) were against private individuals—such as African Americans and Latinos—and locations associated with them.

What was the FBI investigating in the 1919 bombing?

Occasional arrests garnered headlines but each time they failed to support indictments. Most of the initial investigation focused on anarchists and communists, such as the Galleanist group , whom authorities believed were involved in the 1919 bombings. During President Warren G. Harding 's administration, officials evaluated the Soviets and the Communist Party USA as possible masterminds of the bombing. In 1944, the FBI, successor to the BOI, investigated again. It concluded that its agents had explored many radical groups, "such as the Union of Russian Workers, the I.W.W., Communist, etc. ... and from the result of the investigations to date it would appear that none of the aforementioned organizations had any hand in the matter and that the explosion was the work of either Italian anarchists or Italian terrorists."

Who carried out the bombing of the US?

The bombing was never solved, although investigators and historians believe it was carried out by Galleanists ( Italian anarchists ), a group responsible for a series of bombings the previous year. The attack was related to postwar social unrest, labor struggles, and anti-capitalist agitation in the United States.

What books have been inspired by the Wall Street bombing?

The bombing has inspired several books, notably The Day Wall Street Exploded, by Beverly Gage, The Death Instinct, by Jed Rubenfeld, and Buda's Wagon: A Brief History of the Car Bomb (2007) by Mike Davis.

What episode of American Experience is the bombing of Wall Street?

The bombing is the subject of the PBS series American Experience episode "The Bombing of Wall Street", broadcast in February 2018. The bombing was in the closing scene of the 2012 film No God, No Master. In 2019, Black Metal band Outer Darkness released a song, "Whiskered Men With Bombs," about the incident.

Why did the Wall Street bombs happen?

Investigators soon focused on radical groups opposed to U.S. financial and governmental institutions and known to use bombs as a means of violent reprisal. Often throughout the Gilded Age radical ideology and violence was used as a form of protest by groups to initiate change. When simple protests were not enough, these extremists would resort to ruthless measures to be heard. Although the violence proved to be detrimental to their overall cause, many historians saw that this was a clear point of radical behavior aimed at facilitating transformation throughout the classes. They observed that the Wall Street bomb was packed with heavy sash weights designed to act as shrapnel, then detonated on the street in order to increase casualties among financial workers and institutions during the busy lunch hour.

Where was Fischer committed?

They found Fischer made a regular habit of issuing such warnings, and had him committed to Amityville Asylum, where he was diagnosed as insane but harmless. Meanwhile, Robert W. Wood helped to reconstruct the bomb mechanism. Remnants of the damage from the 1920 bombing are still visible on 23 Wall Street.

Was the bombing of the NYSE a terrorist attack?

The Justice Department 's Bureau of Investigation (BOI, the forerunner of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, or FBI) did not immediately conclude that the bomb was an act of terrorism. Investigators were puzzled by the number of innocent people killed and the lack of a specific target, other than buildings that suffered relatively superficial, non-structural damage. Exploring the possibility of an accident, police contacted businesses that sold and transported explosives. By 3:30 pm, the board of governors of the NYSE had met and decided to open for business the next day. Crews cleaned up the area overnight to allow for normal business operations, but in doing so they destroyed physical evidence that might have helped police investigators solve the crime. The Sons of the American Revolution had previously scheduled a patriotic rally for the day after (September 17) to celebrate Constitution Day at exactly the same intersection. On September 17, thousands of people attended the rally in defiance of the previous day's attack.

What led to the backlash against the Attorney General and the Bureau?

The scope of the effort, poor preparation, and the abuse of the rights of those detained in the raids, though, led to a significant backlash against the Attorney General and the Bureau. The public’s support for the strong suppression of potentially dangerous aliens clearly had limits.

Who blew up the front of the Attorney General's house?

On June 2, 1919, a militant anarchist named Carlo Valdinoci, a former editor of the Galleanist publication Cronaca Sovversiva and close associate of Luigi Galleani blew up the front of newly appointed Attorney General A. Mitchell Palmer’s home in Washington, D.C. He also blew himself up in the process when the bomb exploded too early.

Why were Palmer and Hoover criticized?

The constitutionality of the entire operation was questioned, and Palmer and Hoover were roundly criticized for the plan and for their overzealous domestic security efforts. The “Palmer Raids” were certainly not a bright spot for the young Bureau.

What did Hoover collect?

Hoover collected and organized every scrap of intelligence gathered by the Bureau of Investigation (the FBI’s predecessor) and by other agencies to identify anarchists most likely involved in violent activity. In the meantime, the young Bureau continued to investigate those responsible for the bombings.

What was the bombing of June 2nd?

These bombs were comprised of up to 25 pounds of dynamite packaged with heavy metal slugs designed to act as shrapnel. Addressees included government officials who had endorsed anti-sedition laws and deportation of immigrants suspected of crimes or associated with illegal movements, as well as judges who had sentenced anarchists to prison.

What cities were bombed in 1919?

cities, on the evening of June 2, 1919, all within approximately 90 minutes of one another, bombs of extraordinary capacity rocked some of the biggest urban areas in America, including New York; Boston; Pittsburgh; Cleveland; Washington; D.C.m Philadelphia; and Patterson, New Jersey.

What did Special Agent Daniel say about the Philadelphia bombings?

Days after the bombings, Special Agent Daniel said that “the terrorist movement is national in scope, and it is not impossible that its headquarters is located in this city [Philadelphia].”. Daniel also noted the large number of “anarchists in this city and so many places used by them for meeting places.”.

What was the FBI's role in 1940?

June 24, 1940#N#The FBI established a Special Intelligence Service (SIS) at President Roosevelt's request. In connection with the SIS, the Bureau dispatched agents to countries throughout the Western Hemisphere (except Panama). FBI agents in South and Central America gathered intelligence information and worked to prevent Axis espionage, sabotage, and propaganda efforts aimed against the US and its allies. Special agents assigned to posts in Europe, Canada and Latin America began acting in an official liaison capacity. After President Truman closed the SIS in 1946 these agent liaisons formed the basis of the FBI's Legal Attache (Legat) Program.

Who was the Chief Examiner of the FBI?

Attorney General Bonaparte ordered the special agent force to report to Chief Examiner Stanley W. Finch. This order is considered the formal beginning of the agency that became the FBI in 1935. In March 1909, Attorney General George W. Wickersham named this force the Bureau of Investigation (BOI).

What were the FBI undercover agents' concerns in 1981?

January 5, 1981#N#Attorney General Guidelines were issued concerning FBI undercover agents involving the investigation of bribery of public officials. The FBI's successful ABSCAM investigation had raised concerns that undercover efforts might lead to entrapment. This was not the case in the ABSCAM investigation. The courts upheld the convictions.

What was the first foreign company to be convicted of economic espionage?

A Joint Terrorist Task Force, composed of the FBI and other federal, state, and local authorities, cooperated in the investigation. April 1, 1999. Taiwanese-based Four Pillars Enterprises became the first foreign company convicted of economic espionage under the Economic Espionage Act of 1996.

What was the DOJ seal in 1941?

The prior seal had been the DOJ seal with an extra band for the FBI and its motto. June 28, 1941. Special agents arrested German spy Frederick Joubert "Fritz" Duquesne and 32 other German agents following a two-year investigation.

What was the espionage act of 1917?

Congress passed the Espionage Act of 1917. The act forbade espionage, interference with the draft, or attempts to discourage loyalty. It greatly increased the BOI's ability to deal with espionage and subversion during the war, but a lack of personnel hampered Bureau efforts in enforcing the law. June 30, 1919.

Where was the FBI's technical laboratory located?

November 24, 1932. The BOI established a Technical Laboratory in the Southern Railway Building at 13th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, Northwest, Washington, D.C. It provided services to the FBI and other federal, state, local, and even international law enforcement. September 1933.

How many people were killed in the 1920 bombing?

On Sep. 16, 1920. a huge bomb killed 39 people in front of the U.S. Sub Treasury Building in New York City.

Who was the mayor of Seattle in 1918?

Other bombs were sent to Seattle Mayor Ole Hanson but the bomb didn’t detonate. Another bomb was sent to Georgia Senator Thomas Hardwick, who had co-sponsored the anti-anarchist Immigration Act of 1918. It blew off the hands of his housekeeper when she attempted to open the package. The senator's wife was also injured in the blast.

What happened to Judge Albert Hayden's home?

Judge Albert Hayden’s home was wrecked by a bomb. New York City Judge C. C. Nott’s home was heavily damaged by a bomb. Congressman Leland W. Powers’ home in Massachusetts was badly damaged by a bomb. In Philadelphia, the Rectory of Our Lady of Victory parish was nearly destroyed by a bomb.

What was the press portraying the 1919 strike?

all major strikes of 1919 were portrayed in the press as anti american actions

Who argued about evolution during the trial?

clarence darrow and wj bryan argued about evolution during this trial

Who was responsible for the New York Stock Exchange bombing?

In their haste to reopen the New York Stock Exchange the day after the blast, city officials swept away evidence that may have led to identification of the perpetrators. Despite a three-year investigation, those responsible for the attack have never been officially identified. In 1944, however, the FBI revisited the case and concluded that Italian anarchists were likely behind the plot—the group had conducted a series of bombings across the United States in 1919, which fueled the nation's first Red Scare.

What happened on September 16, 1920?

The Wall Street bombing, as the event is now known, occured just after noon on Thursday, September 16, 1920. A wagon loaded with a bomb containing dynamite and 500 pounds of small iron weights parked in front of 23 Wall Street. The corner building was then the headquarters of J.P. Morgan & Co., the nation's most powerful bank. At 12:01 pm, the timer on the bomb reached zero and a terrific explosion rocked the street.

When was the Wall Street bombing?

Soldiers and police hold back onlookers following the bombing of Wall Street on September 16, 1920.

What is the difference between right and left wing terrorism?

First, right-wing terrorism refers to the use or threat of violence by sub-national or non-state entities whose goals may include racial or ethnic supremacy; opposition to government authority; anger at women, including from the involuntary celibate (or “ incel”) movement; and outrage against certain policies, such as abortion. 8 Second, left-wing terrorism involves the use or threat of violence by sub-national or non-state entities that oppose capitalism, imperialism, and colonialism; advocate black nationalism; pursue environmental or animal rights issues; espouse pro-communist or pro-socialist beliefs; or support a decentralized social and political system such as anarchism. 9 Third, religious terrorism includes violence in support of a faith-based belief system, such as Islam, Judaism, Christianity, and Hinduism. The primary threat from religious terrorists in the United States comes from Salafi-jihadists inspired by the Islamic State and al-Qaeda. 10 Fourth, ethnonationalist terrorism refers to violence in support of ethnic or nationalist goals, which often include struggles of self-determination and separatism along ethnic or nationalist lines. Due to the relatively low levels of ethnonationalist terrorism in the United States, this brief does not address the targets and tactics of ethnonationalist terrorists. 11

What are the targets of domestic terrorism?

These cases involved a wide range of weapons (such as firearms and homemade bombs) and targets (such as police officers, beaches, a religious-affiliated institution, and a U.S. government facility). While there has been concern about a rise in domestic terrorism in the United States, including before and after the November 2020 presidential election, there has been less public attention about domestic terrorist tactics and targets. Consequently, this analysis asks several questions. What are the major tactics and targets used by domestic terrorists, and how have they evolved over time? How do tactics and targets differ by far-right, far-left, and Salafi-jihadist extremists? What are the policy implications? To answer these questions, this analysis compiles and analyzes an original CSIS data set of terrorist attacks in the United States between January 1, 1994, and May 8, 2020. There is a link to the methodology at the end of this analysis.

What is the most common weapon used in terrorist attacks?

With a rise in domestic terrorism, it is increasingly important to analyze trends in terrorist tactics and targets. According to CSIS data, firearms were the most common weapon used in fatal attacks over the past five years by far-right, far-left, and Salafi-jihadist terrorists. In addition, the most common targets were individuals based on their ethnicity, race, or religion (such as African Americans, Latinos, Jews, and Muslims) for right-wing extremists; and government, military, and police targets for left-wing extremists and Salafi-jihadists.

How many left wing attacks have occurred since 2015?

Firearms were used in nine of these attacks (82 percent), compared to explosives and incendiaries, which were used in the other two (18 percent). Six fatal left-wing attacks have occurred since 2015, and all six used firearms. For example, Gavin Long open fired on police in July 2016, killing three and injuring three others.

Why are right wing attacks so common?

Over the past five years, most right-wing attacks targeted individuals—generally because of their ethnic, racial, or religious background—or religious institutions. In addition, firearms were the most frequent weapons in lethal attacks.

How can we prevent terrorists from getting guns?

First, based on the tactics of domestic terrorists, enacting stricter legislation to ban some types of guns (such as assault rifles) and further strengthening background checks could help prevent some would-be terrorists from getting access to weapons. Firearms are—by far—the most common weapon for fatal attacks by far-right, far-left, and Salafi-jihadist extremists. Based on data from the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), the number of firearm background checks for gun purchases has spiked to its highest level ever in 2020—reaching nearly 4 million in June 2020. 41 The pervasiveness of guns—including automatic weapons—is particularly concerning in the United States’ ultra-polarized political climate. In addition to guns, other types of weapons—such as vehicles, melee devices, incendiary devices for arson attacks, and the components for homemade explosives—are also widely available. Second, based on the target selection of domestic terrorists, there are some steps that organizations can take to reduce the likelihood of an attack, mitigate the consequences if an attack occurs, or even deter an attack. For example, organizations can increase and improve their use of closed-circuit televisions (CCTVs); construct more effective barriers to prevent vehicular attacks; increase security personnel (including armed guards) and improve protective security measures and procedures (such as layered defenses) at businesses and other potential targets; conduct training and education for all employees to increase vigilance and improve their response to an attack; organize table-top and other exercises; and carry out routine risk assessments to identify security gaps and vulnerabilities. Yet it will be virtually impossible to prevent some of the most common types of attacks, which involve targeting individuals at public locations based on their ethnicity, race, or religion.

How many right wing attacks are there in 2020?

There were 411 right-wing attacks in the data set between 1994 and 2020. 14 The most frequent types of right-wing targets over this span included: abortion-related targets, such as women’s health clinics and medical staff (27 percent); private individuals and property, primarily selected due to race, ethnicity, or religion (25 percent); religious institutions, particularly synagogues, mosques, and churches (21 percent); and government, military, and police facilities and personnel (13 percent). But the targets of right-wing terrorist attacks have shifted over time.

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