George Metesky's First Bomb at Con Edison Building
November 16th, 1940
November 16th, 1940
How Long Ago?
84 years, 3 months, 27 days ago
Location
New York City, New York, USA
Category
Crime & Law
People
- George Metesky
Links & References
Tags
George Metesky's First Bomb at Con Edison Building
George Metesky, known as the 'Mad Bomber', placed his first bomb at a Consolidated Edison office building in Manhattan, New York City. The bomb exploded in the building's basement, causing damage but no injuries. This act marked the beginning of a series of bombings attributed to Metesky, who was motivated by his belief that the company was responsible for his personal misfortunes, including an injury sustained at work. The explosion created widespread fear and prompted an extensive investigation into the threat of such bombings in urban settings.
First bombing by George Metesky in 1940.
The bomb detonated in a Con Edison building.
No injuries reported from the explosion.
Marked start of a series of bombings in NYC.
What Happened?
On November 16, 1940, George Metesky, later dubbed the 'Mad Bomber', placed his first bomb at a Consolidated Edison office building located in Manhattan, New York City. The bomb, which was hidden in the basement, detonated, causing structural and property damage, though fortunately resulting in no injuries. This incident was not an isolated case but the inception of a troubling bombing spree that would last for over 16 years.
Metesky’s motivation stemmed from a personal grievance against Consolidated Edison, stemming from a work-related injury he had suffered, which he believed was a direct result of the company’s negligence. He felt deep resentment towards the company, feeling that it had ruined his life and future. With this mindset, he meticulously planned his series of attacks, often leaving bombs in public places to inflict damage and instill fear among the public.
The subsequent investigation launched by New York City Police Department marked one of the earliest instances of utilizing psychological profiling and modern investigative techniques in hopes of apprehending the perpetrator. Metesky became a person of interest after his method and choice of targets began to show a pattern, raising alarms about urban safety during a turbulent time. His bombings drew extensive media coverage, escalating public anxiety and complicating city life during the early years of World War II.
Why Does it Matter?
The bombings linked to George Metesky highlighted vulnerabilities in urban security and emergency response during the early 20th century. His actions also prompted law enforcement to adopt new investigative strategies that would later become standard practice in handling such threats. By understanding a perpetrator's motives, agencies began to develop psychological profiles that could aid in preventing similar crimes in the future.
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