The Weather Underground Organization, formed as a faction of the SDS (Students for a Democratic Society), was known for its militant opposition to the Vietnam War and sought to promote revolutionary change through direct action. On this day, three members of the group—Ted Gold, Diana Oughton, and Terry Robbins—were killed when a bomb they were constructing detonated at a safe house in Greenwich Village, New York. The safe house was intended to be a base for planning covert activities and protests against the U.S. government. Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud explosion and the subsequent chaos as nearby residences were affected. Emergency responders rushed to the scene to manage the aftermath of the event, which left a significant mark on the radical left during this era.

The explosion drew media attention and the increased police presence heightened tensions within the counter-culture movements of the time. The Weather Underground's evolving strategies and visibility were shaped by this event, leading them to adopt even more clandestine operations. Their activities were intended to challenge U.S. governmental policies and promote social justice, but the violence associated with radical tactics prompted significant scrutiny from the public and authorities alike. This incident would become a critical point of transformation for the group, illustrating the perilous nature of their methods and the broader societal implications of their radical ideologies.