NAACP Bombing: Ku Klux Klan Recalled As The FBI Considers Domestic Terrorism And Hate Crimes
With the recent NAACP bombing, the Ku Klux Klan has been thrust into the spotlight again as many remember the violent actions taken in the past. Although no one is blaming the KKK for the NAACP bombing in Colorado, the FBI is considering the possibility of either domestic terrorism or a hate crime.
In a related report by the Inquisitr, a former Imperial Wizard for the Ku Klux Klan attacked Nicki Minaj, going so far as to claim that black people did not really invent hip hop.
Evan as the “Black Lives Matter” protest movement grows in size, the KKK has been expanding and is said to be targeting Afghanistan war veterans who have recently come home to the United States. The KKK has been attempting to portray themselves as not being a hate group, with KKK leaders suggesting the Ku Klux Klan could partner with African Americans for the KKK fight against illegal immigrants. One Montana Klan leader even claimed the “new” KKK wanted racial diversity, saying, “White supremacy is the old Klan. This is the new Klan.”
But the old Klan is all everyone can remember, with the NAACP bombing fresh in their minds. An improvised explosion was set up against the outside wall of the building alongside a can of gasoline, but fortunately the gas did not light up. Witnesses also say they spotted a white man leaving the scene shortly after the blast blew apart the peaceful day.
“The ‘potential person of interest’ sought by the FBI is described by agents as ‘a Caucasian male, approximately 40 years of age, and balding. He may be driving a 2000 or older model dirty, white pick-up truck with paneling, a dark colored bed liner, open tailgate, and a missing or covered license plate.'”
While it’s unclear whether the Ku Klux Klan’s NAACP bombing past has come back to haunt the world, the FBI is currently investigating the NAACP bombing as a potential case of domestic terrorism.
Amy Sanders, media coordinator for FBI’s Denver office, told the Huffington Post the following.
“Certainly domestic terrorism is one possibility, among many others… We are investigating all potential motives at this time.”
Sondra Young, president of the NAACP’s Denver chapter, said the NAACP bombing “certainly raises questions of a potential hate crime.” Civil rights leader Rep. John Lewis said the attack on the NAACP building reminded him of times when violence was the calling card of the Ku Klux Klan.
I am deeply troubled by the bombing in Colorado. It reminds me of another period. These stories cannot be swept under the rug #NAACPBombing
— John Lewis (@repjohnlewis) January 7, 2015
During the 1960’s, white supremacist groups like the Ku Klux Klan would often bomb NAACP buildings. These actions were so notorious that Birmingham, Alabama, was sometimes referred to as “Bombingham,” due to the number of bombing attacks and deaths. The most notorious bombing was when Harry T. Moore and his wife, Harriette, were murdered back in 1951.
A bomb was placed underneath the floor of the bed where the Moore family slept. When it exploded, the bedroom collapsed and the husband and wife were so injured that they both died. The FBI launched an extensive investigation and, although the closed case was never solved, it’s alleged that four deceased members of the Ku Klux Klan were to blame.
Regardless of the KKK’s past, the FBI is not even sure the NAACP bombing was the goal. Spokeswoman Sanders said the following in a statement.
“The investigation is ongoing and it is not known at this time if the NAACP or a business in the vicinity was the intended target.”
Since the hashtag #NAACPBombing has been trending on social media, the potential of the Ku Klux Klan being involved will be scrutinized by the public at large.
The concerning differences in how the media have presented #parisattack vs. #NAACPBombing pic.twitter.com/GTJRWqR9FO
— Adam Soltani (@AdamSoltani) January 7, 2015
#NAACPBombing is not being talked about because it was black people who died and a white person who was responsible — hanin (@stylesgranger) January 7, 2015
Finally, FBI wakes up to possibility that bombing of African-American civil rights organization might be a terrorist attack #NAACPBombing
— Asteris Masouras ?? (@asteris) January 7, 2015
White people are never generalized by society or media for individual or collective acts of violence. Because White Supremacy. #NAACPBombing — zellie (@zellieimani) January 7, 2015
The lack of media coverage on the #NAACPBombing shows us when our lives are merely threatened, there’s nothing worth reporting.
— Elle (@spokenELLE) January 7, 2015
To those asking why the media isn’t covering #NAACPbombing you’re stupid. 12 people killed in France compared to no one with the bombing
— Katie Frank (@katielfrank) January 7, 2015
Do you think the NAACP bombing has been given proper coverage by the media at large?